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Australian Spirit Analysis

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Australian Spirit Analysis
‘Australian spirit’ is a term often thrown around when discussing relevant social matters such as the global refugee crisis, immigration and Aboriginal issues. To many, it is synonymous with the concept of ‘mateship’, a laidback, friendly attitude. The significance of proposing to introduce recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders (ATSI peoples) into the Constitution is that it embodies the ‘Australian spirit’. The Constitution is the foundation of Australian society, as it determines laws which affect all citizens. If the Constitution cannot recognise the owners of the land in a document that is so effectual, then the validity of the ‘Australian spirit’ must be questioned.

The proposal to recognise ATSI peoples in the Constitution not only displays the Australian core value of mateship, but also a willingness to learn from the past and embrace equality. The Constitution is reflective of the times in which it was written, the late nineteenth century. The society of today is far more developed, with technology that would have been inconceivable, and progressive values with a push for equality. Therefore, the Constitution should reflect this change. If the Constitution doesn’t reflect the values of the society which it controls, then it is unjust. …show more content…
As Australian society progresses, it is a regressive notion with no benefits. It is a way to shift the guilt of what leaders of another era did, and increase the divide between ATSI peoples and Anglo-Australians. This does not embody the ‘Australian spirit’ in any way. The proposal to recognise ATSI peoples in the Constitution is a proposal to move forward from the past, and improve relations with the traditional owners of the
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