Themes
Language, kinship and heritage
Language revitalisation and education
Conference Papers
Session U5: Economics and socio-economics
1. Rebecca Reeve: Indigenous poverty in urban NSW: a multi-dimensional analysis
Full paper | Audio | Video | Slideshow 
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Abstract
This presentation is a summary of the key findings from my PhD thesis on Indigenous poverty in urban NSW. The interconnected aspects of Indigenous poverty are demonstrated based on a framework developed by the Productivity Commission (2003), in which headline indicators identify multiple areas of disadvantage and strategic change indicators represent possible causes of disadvantage which can be targeted by policy makers. The results of an econometric analysis, using 2002 National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Survey data, suggest the key causes of Indigenous disadvantage and the interdependence of indicators including health, employment, education, income, victimization and incarceration. The presentation culminates with a discussion of whether contemporary policies are likely to improve Indigenous welfare in urban NSW, with preliminary evidence drawn from changes in the gaps between Indigenous and non-Indigenous outcomes based on 2001 and 2006 census data.
Author bio:
Rebecca Reeve is a PhD student at Macquarie University and is in the final stages of her thesis on Indigenous Poverty and Policy Approaches in Urban NSW. Rebecca’s PhD thesis is a multidimensional analysis of Indigenous disadvantage based on the Productivity Commission’s Key Indicators framework. Rebecca’s honours thesis investigated the impact of alternative immigration and fertility rates on Australia’s ageing population problem. As a Ronald Henderson Research Foundation intern in 2003, Rebecca produced a paper on the condition of poverty in Australia, for the St Vincent DePaul National Council. Rebecca currently teaches econometrics to undergraduate students at Macquarie University.
2. Leah Armstrong: A commercial approach to achieving greater Indigenous economic engagement
Full paper | Audio | Video | Slideshow 749KB
Abstract
IBA, a commercial statutory authority, provides a holistic approach to Indigenous economic development that encourages a broader range of asset creation choices for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
From home ownership to small business to larger joint ventures with the private sector, IBA works with the segment of the Indigenous population whose economic participation is limited by their risk profile or capacity to engage in mainstream markets. Working predominantly in urban and regional Australia, IBA provides Indigenous Australians with a supported entry to the mainstream economy, based on commercial principles, to ensure that entry translates into sustainable, long term mainstream economic participation and asset creation.
IBA works actively facilitates engagement and partnerships between Indigenous Australians and private sector partners. IBA would welcome the opportunity to present the IBA model to the AIATSIS National Indigenous Studies Conference 2009, to discuss specific case studies where we have achieved success, our vision for Indigenous economic development into the future, and the challenges that lie ahead in achieving these aims.
Author bio
Ms Leah Armstrong was first appointed to the Board of IBA in 2001 and reappointed in 2007 for three years. Ms Armstrong was a foundation member since 1991 and the Executive Director of the NSW-based Yarnteen Ltd, a not-for-profit Indigenous organisation. For the past 18 years, Ms Armstrong has ensured Yarnteen is an effective commercial organisation with strong governance, strategic direction and financial accountability. Ms Armstrong brings to the IBA Board valuable knowledge of the issues that communities face when taking the path of economic development. Other directorships and committee appointments include: non-member director NTSCORP NSW, co-chairperson of the Australian Indigenous Minority Supplier Council, member of the National Policy Commission on Indigenous Housing, board member of the Hunter Region Sports Venue Authority
3. Kate Rexe: Worlds Apart: A social and gender analysis of Aboriginal poverty in Canada's cities
Full paper | Audio | Video | Slideshow 696KB
Abstract
In 2009, Aboriginal women continue to face greater socioeconomic challenges and barriers than any other group in Canada. Despite large sums of money invested each year in social, health and economic programs, federal and provincial governments have consciously and unconsciously failed to recognize, reflect and understand the political and economic needs of First Nation, Métis and Inuit women. With increasing urbanization, the structure to address the needs of the Aboriginal population is disconnected to the realities and experiences of women and families.
Examining the socioeconomic outcomes of urban Aboriginal men and women in ten cities across Canada, this presentation will provide a critical analysis of Aboriginal poverty in Canada. Through a political economy lens, recommendations will focus on building a framework that enables Aboriginal women to build strength within their families in order to prosper from new investment. Finally, the argument will be made that future policies will need to go beyond traditional labour market solutions, recognizing that structural barriers have placed the Aboriginal women and the urban Aboriginal population in a situation of great disadvantage.
Author bio:
Based in Ottawa, Canada, Kate Rexe is the Director of Sisters in Spirit, a research, education and policy initiative with the Native Women’s Association of Canada. Since 2001, Kate has worked in the social policy and research field with a particular interest in political economy, economic security and urban Aboriginal issues. These interests combine with a systems thinking approach to research and policy development and understanding the importance of accessible research and knowledge mobilization. In 2008, Kate published “A Nation in Distress: the political economy of urban Aboriginal poverty” and is currently working to advance the use of culturally relevant gender-based analysis as a tool in research and public policy for Aboriginal women in Canada.