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Did Captain James Cook "discover" or "invade" Australia?

According to some of the nation's top universities, it's definitely the latter with news reports today revealing the recommended guidelines for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander terminology being taught to university students, which make it clear it is offensive to suggest Australia was "discovered" or "settled" and not "invaded."

The issue was the centre of a debate between model and TV presenter Jesinta Campbell and RendezView editor and News Corp columnist Sarrah Le Marquand on the Nine Network's Today show this morning, with Campbell expressing support for the university guidelines.
OPINION: British 'invasion' is just a fact
"It's disrespectful to say that Australia was 'settled' and I think we need to broaden our view on this by doing this in universities," she said during show's Mixed Grill segment. "It really gives universities students in Australia two perspectives because when you look at our Australian history, it is written from the perspective of a white man, so of course, from white people, we see that Australia was settled. But from our Indigenous people's perspective, it probably was invaded ... well that's how they see it."

While Le Marquand agreed that there is merit in questioning the conventional claim that Australia was peacefully "settled", she questioned the wisdom of the university's guidelines.

"To say that Australia was 'settled' is euphemistic at best," she said. "But should resources be allocated at universities to a so called 'diversity tool kit'? I don't think that's very helpful, I think getting too bogged down in the debate is polarising to a lot of Australians and probably has a counter-effect, unfortunately, where a lot Australians will say: 'Please don't say that I'm an invader, that I was party to an invasion, I'm uncomfortable with that'."

A better use of resources, Le Marquand went on to argue, would be for white Australians to tackle issues such as an inflated rate of imprisonment and lower life expectancy among Indigenous Australians in a practical way rather than obsessing about words used on inner-city university campuses.

"Let's not kid ourselves that this is actually making any real impact for Indigenous Australians," said Le Marquand. "Language is important, it's important to be conciliatory ... (but) don't get too bogged down in insular debates where the language can be divisive."

But Campbell maintained focusing on language as the University of NSW guidelines call for can be helpful.

"The thing that I struggle with talking about something like this is as a white person, it's very easy for me to sit here and say, yep, the word 'invasion' doesn't bother me or it does bother me but I wasn't the original person here on this land in Australia and it's the same when we're talking about racism. (Changing the terminology) is one part of the puzzle that will really help us come together as Australians and really reconcile with our Indigenous people. "
You can watch the full discussion in the video above.

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Did Captain James Cook "discover" or "invade" Australia? According to some of the nation's top universities, it's definitely the latter with news reports today revealing the recommended guidelines for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander terminology being taught to university students, which make it clear it is offensive to suggest Australia was "discovered" or "settled" and not "invaded."

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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have a unique place in Australia as the original inhabitants of the land.

Across the country, many individuals and communities maintain strong connections to their culture, language and traditional lands, while also contributing to the environmental management, economic development and cultural identity of our nation.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples hold distinctive rights as Australia's First Peoples, set out in international law.

And in 2009, Australia gave its formal support to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, a ground-breaking document that seeks to reset relationships between indigenous peoples and governments around the globe.

However, despite some improvements in recent years, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people continue to be one of the most vulnerable groups in Australia.

About Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples

In 2011, more than one in three Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people were under 15 years (36 per cent), compared with one-fifth of non-Indigenous Australians. Almost 4 per cent of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people were aged 65 years and over, compared with 14 per cent of non-Indigenous Australians.

In 2011, 11 per cent of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people spoke an Indigenous language at home.

Key issues for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples

Just over half (52.2 per cent) of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged between 15 and 64 years were not employed in 2012-2013, compared with 24.4 per cent of non-Indigenous Australians.

One in five Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women experienced physical violence in the previous 12 months, compared to 7 per cent of non-Indigenous women. Over the same period, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women (12 per cent) were three times more likely to experience sexual violence than non-Indigenous women (4 per cent).

Around one in twelve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults are part of the Stolen Generations. In 2008, 8 per cent (26,900) of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 15 years and over stated that they had been removed from their natural family. 35 per cent assessed their health as fair or poor and 39 per cent experienced high or very high levels of psychological distress.

There were approximately 250 Australian Indigenous languages spoken at the time of colonisation. However, a 2005 survey found that only 145 Indigenous languages are still spoken to some degree and less than 20 are considered to be "strong" and able to be spoken by all generations.

Positive developments

Between 2005-07 and 2010-12, life expectancy for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men increased by 1.6 years and by 0.6 years for women. Over the same period, the life expectancy gap between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and the rest of the Australian population reduced by 0.8 years for men and 0.1 years for women.

Between 2002 and 2012, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander smoking rates dropped from 51 per cent to 41 per cent.

The 2011 Census results show that health services currently employ 14.6 per cent of employed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Health services are the single biggest "industry" source of employment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, expanding by almost 4,000 places since 2006.

Did you know?

The Aboriginal rock art in Western Australia's Dampier Archipelago is at least twice as old as the Pyramids of Egypt.

Our role

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner keeps the human rights issues facing Australia's First Peoples before the Australian Parliament by preparing an annual Social Justice Report and Native Title Report. He also promotes community understanding of and respect for the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

The Commission's role includes reviewing the impact of laws, policies and programs on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, as well as providing policy advice and research on a range of pressing human rights issues.

The Commission also hosts the Close the Gap: Campaign for Indigenous Health Equality.

Find out more about our work in this area.

Find out more

Australian Bureau of Statistics, 3238.0.55.001-Estimates of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians, June 2011 (August 2013).
Australian National University, CAEPR Indigenous Population Project, 2011 Census Papers - Paper 14, Population Projections (2011), p 4.
Australian Bureau of Statistics, note 1.
Australian Bureau of Statistics, note 1.
Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2075.0-Census of Population and Housing: Counts of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians, 2011 (June 2012).
Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2076.0-Census of Population and Housing: Characteristics of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians, 2011 (November 2012).
Australian Bureau of Statistics, 3302.0.55.003-Life Tables for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians (November 2013), p 8.
Australian Bureau of Statistics, 3303.0-Causes of Death, Australia, 2011 (March 2013).
Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, Australian Government, Closing the Gap, Prime Minister's Report 2014 (2014), p 12.
Victorian Health Promotion Foundation (VicHealth), Preventing violence against women in Australia: Research summary, (2011) p 5.
Australian Bureau of Statistics, 4704.0-The Health and Welfare of Australia's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples (Disability and Social Inclusion), October 2010 (February 2011).
Australian Bureau of Statistics, above.
Australian Bureau of Statistics, 4704.0-The Health and Welfare of Australia's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples (Social and emotional wellbeing), October 2010 (February 2011).
Australian Bureau of Statistics, 4512.0-Corrective Services, Australia, December quarter 2013 (March 2014).
Australian Bureau of Statistics, above.
Australian Bureau of Statistics, 1301.0-Year Book Australia, 2009-10 (June 2010).
Australian Bureau of Statistics, note 7, p 51.
Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, Australian Government, note 9, p 11.
Australian Bureau of Statistics, note 11.
Australian Bureau of Statistics, 4727.0.55.001-Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Survey: First Results, Australia, 2012-13 (November 2013).
Australian Bureau of Statistics, ' New 2011 Census data reveals more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples'(Media release) 30 October 2012.
Australian Heritage Council, National Heritage Assessment: The Dampier Archipelago (including the Burrup Peninsula) (2006).

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Face the facts: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples

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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have a unique place in Australia as the original inhabitants of the land. Across the country, many individuals and communities maintain strong connections to their culture, language and traditional lands, while also contributing to the environmental management, economic development and cultural identity of our nation.

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UN - Declaration on the rights of Indigenous Peoples

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UN - Declaration on the rights of Indigenous Peoples

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Triple J Hack - What is it like to be an Indigenous Young Person in 2017

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Triple J Hack - What is it like to be an Indigenous Young Person in 2017

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HACK: What it's like to be a young Indigenous person in 2017

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Terminology - a guide to respectful and inclusive language

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Terminology - a guide to respectful and inclusive language

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A Guide to Using Respectful and Inclusive Language and Terminology

Using respectful and inclusive language and terminology is an essential component of reconciliation and strengthening relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Australians. The ways in which we speak about reconciliation are just as important as the ways in which we act towards it; language is itself active, and can impact on attitudes, understandings and relationships in a very real and active sense.

Given the diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and identities across Australia, you should always seek advice from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in your local school or early learning service community regarding preferences and protocols around terminology use.

While they are guidelines only, below are some recommendations for using respectful and inclusive language and terminology. Please consider these guidelines, alongside guidance from your local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, when preparing written statements such as your Vision for Reconciliation, as well as in everyday communication:
Referring to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
It is often best practice to use 'Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander' when referring generally to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. 'Aboriginal' (and less commonly accepted variants such as 'Aboriginals' or 'Aborigines') alone is also not inclusive of the diversity of cultures and identities across Australia, for which reason it should be accompanied by 'peoples' in the plural. Similarly, as a stand-alone term, 'Aboriginal' is not inclusive of Torres Strait Islander peoples, and reference to both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples should be spelt out where necessary. Pluralised reference terms such as 'First Nations' or 'First Peoples' are also acceptable language, and respectfully encompass the diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and identities. Correspondingly, pluralisation should extend to generalised reference to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander 'histories,' 'perspectives,' 'ways of being,' 'contributions,' and so forth. In respecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander identities, it is important not to abbreviate 'Aboriginal' or 'Torres Strait Islander,' or to use the acronym 'ATSI.' Assimilationist terms such as 'full-blood,' 'half-caste' and 'quarter-caste' are extremely offensive and should never be used when referring to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Furthermore, it is important to recognise that, in some parts of the country, the term 'Indigenous' can be considered offensive. That is, it has scientific connotations which have been used historically to describe Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as part of the 'flora/fauna' rather than the human population of Australia, and can be seen as a problematically universalising or homogenising label for what are, in reality, highly diverse identities. An exception for the term 'Indigenous' is considered in some situations, for example:

If an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander person prefers and/or has approved the word 'Indigenous' to be used;

If an organisation has appropriately referred to a program or job title (e.g. "Indigenous Programs Unit" or "Indigenous Programs Manager");

If the word 'Indigenous' has been appropriately embedded into an organisational i.e. Federal Government, State Government and Local Government-policy.

If referring to non-Indigenous (non-Aboriginal or non-Torres Strait Islander) Australians. Terms such as 'other Australians' or 'the wider community' may also be acceptable in this regard.

Capitalisation Avoiding deficit and dichotomous language
As capitalisation demonstrates respect, 'Aboriginal' and 'Torres Strait Islander' should always be capitalised. Capitalisation conventions are often also considered appropriate to extend to terms such as:

- Indigenous;
- First Peoples/Nations/Australian;
- Elders;
- Traditional Owners/Custodians;
- Country (and corresponding terms such as 'Land,' when it is used in place of 'Country'), as well as the names of particular Language Groups or geo-cultural communities;
- Acknowledgement of Country, Welcome to Country, and the names of other cultural practices (particularly if the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander meanings or perspectives behind the words used to describe the practices - such as 'acknowledge' or 'welcome' - may be distinct to their English definitions or connotations).

Note that it is not necessary to capitalise the term 'reconciliation,' unless making reference to the name of Reconciliation Australia as an organisation, or the name of a formal program or document such as your Reconciliation Action Plan.

Acknowledging and addressing the historical - and often intergenerational - injustices and inequities experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples since colonisation is a critical component of reconciliation. Nevertheless, it is simultaneously imperative to acknowledge the strengths and resilience shown by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, cultures and communities in the face of discrimination, and to celebrate the continued significance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander contributions in shaping a shared sense of national unity and identity.

It is important to draw on empowering, strengths-based language, and to be careful not to perpetuate patronising or paternalistic rhetoric. Consider, for example, the difference between more deficit discourses such as "helping disadvantaged Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students," and a more strengths-based alternative such as "providing meaningful opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to achieve at their full potential."

Remember that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and cultures have survived across the Australian continent for tens of thousands of years and, as such, are not 'in need' of being 'rescued' or 'saved.' Reconciliation is about working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their strengths, not doing things for them or to them. Correspondingly, reconciliation processes and aspirations should not be described through dichotomous 'us' and 'them' language, and should instead concentrate on promoting mutually respectful and genuine two-way relationships of shared significance.

Again, please remember that the above is a guide only, and should not replace the advice from your local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community. If, upon consulting with your local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, you find that the preferred terminology is different from the recommendations above, please contact us before submitting your RAP.

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A Guide to Using Respectful and Inclusive Language and Terminology

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A Guide to Using Respectful and Inclusive Language and Terminology Using respectful and inclusive language and terminology is an essential component of reconciliation and strengthening relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Australians.

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How can non-Indigenous people be a useful ally to Aboriginal people? As a somewhat outspoken Aboriginal woman, it's something I'm asked a lot.

And admittedly, it's tricky - How do they avoid crossing that invisible line? The line that takes you from being in the Aboriginal 'good books' to being on the shit list.

When Ed Sheeran was in the country in 2018, he wore an Aboriginal flag t-shirt that he'd purchased from the Tandanya cultural institute in Adelaide. He then opened his performances - to audiences of made up of tens of thousands - with an Acknowledgement of Country. This, simple act, is a great example of how to be an ally.

He used his position to support us, and he did it respectfully. Big shout out to Ed Sheeran!

We need good allies. We are only three per cent of the Australian population. We can't raise the profile of issues affecting us without our allies. But what does a good ally look like?

We need good allies. We are only three per cent of the Australian population. We can't raise the profile of issues affecting us without our allies. But what does a good ally look like? While I appreciate Ed Sheeran's support, being an ally long term goes beyond wearing an Aboriginal flag and doing an Acknowledgement of Country (not everyone has the status and influence of a major international pop star).

We get it. Non-Indigenous people aren't silently surrounded by Aboriginal culture like those of us who are Aboriginal. It's unreasonable to expect people to understand all the nuances; politics, unconscious bias and cultural competency are some of the few that people can get wrong.

As a Yorta Yorta woman, it will take me a lifetime to understand what it means fully to be an Aboriginal woman. My mother is Aboriginal, and I have been surrounded by the subtleties of culture even before I was born. I was wrapped silently in culture as I moved from toddler to child and was quietly expected to participate in the world as a young Aboriginal woman in my teens and beyond. In my 20s and 30s, I was surrounded by culture in both my workplace and my personal life and have learnt even more about our culture and what it means to practice it every day.

So then how do non-Aboriginal people support us but avoid paternalism and cultural appropriation? Well, the truth is there is no simple answer, and good intentions often aren't enough.

In lieu of an 'ally rulebook', here are some tips which may help non-Aboriginal people stay on the right side of that line.

1. Preference our voices

Don't speak on our behalf. We have a voice, and we aren't afraid to use it.

Yes, there are many people out there who work closely with Aboriginal people and communities and are involved in Indigenous affairs, and can shed some light on settler-First Nations issues.

The problem is, we are only a small proportion of the population and with many non-Indigenous people working in the black space, this ratio can end up with non-Indigenous voices dominating our issues. True self-determination means supporting us, working with us, but allowing us to speak on the subjects that affect our lives. If you're really here for us, you won't mind taking a step back.

Example: This means saying no to the radio or TV interview and recommending an Aboriginal person.

2. Be ok with not always being part of the conversation

As Aboriginal people, at times yarns may be off-limits to non-Aboriginal people for many reasons. Be okay with not being included in everything and accept some decisions must be made by Aboriginal people. Don't question the outcome of these conversations.

Example: Support the Uluru Statement, not the parts you like. That tip is particularly relevant for politicians.

3. Be there for the good times *and* the bad

A good ally will stand with us at all times, not just when it is easy.

This requires taking an active interest in our issues rather than just having a NAIDOC morning tea or romanticising Aboriginal dreaming stories.

As Aboriginal people, we don't have the option of picking and choosing when we can be Aboriginal. Our allies need to stand with us, even when the going gets tough. This also means practice what you preach. Educate yourself and you can educate others (but just don't hijack our space and start talking like you are Aboriginal!)

Example: Support our art industry and community programs as well as protesting the suspending of the Racial Discrimination Act which allowed the Northern Territory Intervention to occur.

4. Say something when you hear someone say inappropriate things about Aboriginal people

If you hear someone say something racist, reinforcing stereotypes or being dismissive about Aboriginal people and culture - say something. Not saying something means condoning their attitudes, making you as bad as them.

Example: You're at a BBQ and one of your friends makes an 'Aboriginal joke'. Pull them up on it. It's not always easy to be confrontational, but if you're a true ally, you will push past that uncomfortable feeling.

5. Don't take it personally when we don't agree with you

Understand that a good ally can sometimes be wrong on issues affecting Aboriginal people. You need to be resilient like we are required to be. Pick yourself up, dust yourself off and come back to the position of an ally.

Example: If an Aboriginal person tells you that you have the wrong end of the stick on an issue affecting us. Don't push back and tell us we are wrong. Sit with it and digest what has been said. Reflect.

6. Don't go it alone

Don't assume you have enough information or experience to march ahead without stopping to check with Aboriginal people that you are heading in the right direction.

If you don't include us at all stages along the way, there is a good chance you are stepping on Aboriginal people and culture to get where you are going. Not to mention you are probably heading straight for the shit list without even realising.

Example: When conducting academic or professional research, have us on the research team as one of the investigators. In the workplace, make sure that you employ Aboriginal people on Aboriginal projects.

7. Understand that Aboriginal people are *not* all the same

We do have different views, just like other Australians.

Example: Appreciate and value the variety of perspectives we bring to public debate. Allow us to air our various opinions without being upset or surprised that we don't agree.

So, this is not an exhaustive list. I can't promise you aren't going to get growled at from time to time. Accept that your experience as a non-Indigenous person is vastly different from that of an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. Just remember: Aboriginal people need to be the actors, directors and producers on issues affecting us with non-Aboriginal people can help by being the backstage crew.

Summer May Finlay is a Yorta Yorta woman, academic, writer and a public health consultant. Summer has worked in a number of different areas relating to Aboriginal health and social justice. Follow Summer @SummerMayFinlay
NITV presents a selection of dedicated programming, special events and news highlights with a focus on encouraging greater understanding of Indigenous Australian perspectives on 26 January. Join the conversation #AlwaysWasAlwaysWillBe

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How can non-Indigenous people be a useful ally to Aboriginal people? As a somewhat outspoken Aboriginal woman, it's something I'm asked a lot. And admittedly, it's tricky - How do they avoid crossing that invisible line? The line that takes you from being in the Aboriginal 'good books' to being on the shit list.

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Unleash the natural forces of K'gari to destroy one of Australia's first fake news stories and return Fraser Island to its rightful name.

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Australians Together | Sharing Our Story

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We explore "where to from here?" and consider the role of the church, and our role as Christians in Australia, in this complex area. Our hope is that we can be part of a new period in history that will become known as a time of healthier, more respectful relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.