Aboriginal Bush Law - 2 of 2 - My Country Australia - BBC Culture Documentary

Summary

The transcript discusses the importance of Aboriginal law in addressing serious crimes, such as taking a life, within the community. It emphasizes immediate resolution and public punishment as a deterrent. The script also touches on the historical injustices faced by 'Forgotten Australians' and British child migrants, abused in institutions, and calls for national apologies from both the UK and Australian governments. It highlights the emotional impact of these apologies on the victims and the significance of cultural support from leaders.

Takeaways

• 🗣️ The script discusses the serious implications of taking a life, affecting not just the individual but the entire community and the offender.
• 👥 It emphasizes the importance of immediate resolution and public punishment as a way to restore order and serve as a lesson to others in the community.
• 👁️ The community's satisfaction with the punishment process is highlighted as a key aspect of traditional law and order.
• 📜 Aboriginal law is portrayed as integral to everyday life, providing guidelines and forming a significant part of Australia's cultural heritage.
• 📢 A call for support from the Prime Minister to strengthen Aboriginal law and culture against the overwhelming influence of mainstream culture.
• 🌐 The script mentions historical events where the British government played a role in relocating children to Australia and Canada without proper consent, leading to abuse and neglect.
• 🙇‍♂️ Formal apologies from both the British and Australian governments are highlighted, acknowledging the suffering of the child migrants and the 'Forgotten Australians'.
• 🏛️ The Australian government's apology is described as a national event that brings both shame and a sense of closure to a dark chapter in the nation's history.
• 👶 The term 'Forgotten Australians' refers to the children who were abused or neglected in state care institutions between the 1930s and 1970s.
• 🤝 The apology is seen as a step towards healing, but survivors express that the pain and trauma are long-lasting and not fully resolved.
• 🌱 The script ends with a sense of hope that the apology may bring some peace of mind to the survivors and their families.

Q & A

What is the significance of dealing with the matter of taking a life immediately according to the transcript?

The significance lies in the immediate impact it has on the entire tribe and the family of the deceased. Addressing it promptly ensures that justice is served and the community can begin to heal and move forward.

What is the role of the community in administering punishment as described in the script?

The community plays a crucial role in witnessing the punishment, ensuring transparency and collective satisfaction with the justice served. It serves as a deterrent for others and reinforces communal values.

How does the script suggest the offender should be treated after causing a death in the family?

The offender should face the community, stand in front of people, and undergo a punishment administered publicly to demonstrate the consequences of their actions and to serve as a lesson to others.

What is the purpose of the punishment in the eyes of the community as mentioned in the transcript?

The purpose is not only to punish the offender but also to educate and deter others from committing similar acts, thereby preventing further violent crimes in the community.

What does the transcript imply about the concept of Aboriginal law?

Aboriginal law is deeply integrated into the community's life, serving as a guideline for living from birth to death. It is not just about punishment but also about maintaining cultural integrity and social order.

What is the message to the Prime Minister of Australia in the transcript?

The message is a call for support, encouragement, and strengthening of Aboriginal law, culture, and ways of life, as they are being overwhelmed by the dominant culture.

What historical event is being discussed in relation to British child migrants to Australia?

The historical event discussed is the forced migration of thousands of children, mainly without their parents' consent, from Britain to Australia and Canada over the last century, which involved deceit, lies, and official neglect.

What was the Australian government's response to the issue of the British child migrants?

The Australian government planned to make a national apology to the British child migrants for the abuse and neglect they suffered, acknowledging the shameful history.

What is the term 'Forgotten Australians' referring to in the script?

The term 'Forgotten Australians' refers to the half a million children who were placed in foster homes or institutional care between the 1930s and 70s, many of whom suffered physical and sexual abuse.

What did the Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd do in response to the abuse of 'Forgotten Australians'?

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd formally apologized to the 'Forgotten Australians' for the neglect and abuse they suffered as children in state care.

What was the policy that led to the abuse of children in Australian institutions, and when did it last?

The policy of placing disadvantaged children in institutions, often without their parents' consent, led to their abuse. It lasted until the late 1960s.

Outlines

00:00

🏛 Traditional Justice and Community Reconciliation

The first paragraph discusses the gravity of taking a life within a community and the immediate need for addressing such an act. It emphasizes the collective impact on the tribe and family, and the necessity for the offender to face the community for punishment. The process is meant to serve as a lesson and deterrent for further violence. It also touches on the idea of forgiveness and reconciliation, suggesting that after punishment, the community should move forward without harboring resentment. The script mentions the handing over of the offender to the law as a final step, indicating a blend of traditional and modern legal systems.

05:00

📜 Aboriginal Law and Cultural Preservation

The second paragraph delves into the significance of Aboriginal law, which is not only a punitive measure but also a guiding principle throughout life. It refutes the notion that Aboriginal law is merely historical, asserting its ongoing relevance in culture, ceremonies, and the court system. The script includes a call to action for the Australian Prime Minister to support and strengthen Aboriginal law and culture against the encroachment of外来 cultures. Additionally, it references the historical injustices faced by child migrants and the anticipated national apology for these abuses.

10:01

🙇‍♂️ National Apologies for Historical Injustices

The third paragraph focuses on the formal apologies issued for the mistreatment of child migrants and 'Forgotten Australians' who suffered in state care. It recounts the experiences of those deceived into believing they were orphans, only to discover their parents were alive. The narrative includes the emotional delivery of the Australian Prime Minister's apology, the collective response of the victims, and the anticipation of a similar apology from the British government. The paragraph highlights the long-lasting effects of these injustices and the hope that the apologies might offer some form of closure and healing.

Keywords

💡Aboriginal law

Aboriginal law refers to the traditional legal system of Indigenous Australians, encompassing customs, practices, and norms that have been passed down through generations. It is integral to the community's way of life, from conflict resolution to maintaining social order. In the script, Aboriginal law is highlighted as a holistic system that is not only about punishment but also about guiding life and cultural practices, emphasizing its importance in the context of community justice and identity.

💡Punishment

Punishment in the script is presented as a necessary consequence of serious offenses, particularly in the context of taking a life. It is not only a matter of retribution but also serves as a deterrent and a lesson for the community. The script mentions punishment being administered publicly to ensure transparency and acceptance by the community, which is a reflection of the traditional approach to justice where the offender is held accountable in the eyes of the people.

💡Community

Community is a central theme in the script, representing the collective of individuals who are affected by and involved in the resolution of serious offenses. The script emphasizes the impact of a crime on the entire community, not just the immediate family of the victim and the offender. It also highlights the role of the community in the process of punishment and reconciliation, underlining the interconnectedness and shared responsibility within the social fabric.

💡Cultural support

Cultural support is called for in the script as a means to strengthen and preserve Aboriginal culture amidst the pressures of external influences. The plea to the Prime Minister to support and encourage Aboriginal law and culture signifies the importance of cultural identity and the need for recognition and assistance from the governing bodies to maintain these traditions in the face of cultural erosion.

💡Apology

The concept of apology in the script is associated with formal acknowledgment and remorse for past injustices. It is a significant act of reconciliation, particularly in the context of the British child migrants and the Forgotten Australians who suffered abuse and neglect. The script describes the emotional impact of these apologies, which are seen as a step towards healing and recognition of the suffering endured by these groups.

💡Forgotten Australians

Forgotten Australians refers to the estimated half a million individuals who experienced neglect or abuse in state care between the 1930s and 1970s. The script discusses the national apology to this group, highlighting the long-lasting effects of their mistreatment and the importance of official recognition and remorse for the hardships they faced.

💡British child migrants

British child migrants were children who were sent from the UK to Australia and Canada, often under the false pretense of being orphans. The script recounts their experiences of being deceived and the subsequent abuse they suffered, leading to a formal apology from the Australian government and a subsequent one from the British government, reflecting a shared history of injustice and the quest for closure.

💡Reconciliation

Reconciliation in the script is depicted as a process of acknowledging past wrongs and seeking to make amends. It is closely tied to the act of apology and the emotional release it provides to the victims of historical injustices. The script illustrates reconciliation as a collective effort to heal the wounds of the past and move forward with a sense of closure and understanding.

💡Justice

Justice in the context of the script is multifaceted, involving not only the punishment of offenders but also the restoration of balance within the community. It is linked to the traditional Aboriginal law, which seeks to address the harm caused by an offense and to reintegrate the offender back into the community after punishment, emphasizing the importance of communal harmony and individual accountability.

💡Cultural identity

Cultural identity is a recurring theme in the script, emphasizing the importance of preserving and respecting the unique heritage of Indigenous peoples. The script calls for support to maintain this identity in the face of external cultural pressures, highlighting the need for recognition and preservation of traditions, ceremonies, and legal systems that form the core of Aboriginal culture.

Highlights

The importance of immediate action in cases of taking someone's life, affecting not just the individual but the entire community.

The communal responsibility and the need for public punishment to ensure justice and closure.

The concept of punishment as a deterrent and a lesson for the community to prevent further violent crimes.

The historical context of the Australian government's apology to the Stolen Generations and Forgotten Australians.

The emotional impact and the long-lasting effects of the abuse and neglect experienced by the Forgotten Australians.

The call for support from the Prime Minister to strengthen Aboriginal law and culture amidst cultural oppression.

The significance of Aboriginal law as a guiding principle in life and its importance to the community.

The recognition of the need for institutional apologies alongside government apologies for the healing process.

The emotional release and sense of closure provided by the national apology to the Forgotten Australians.

The historical policy of sending disadvantaged children to Australia for a supposed better life and the tragic outcomes.

The false promises made to the children and their families about their future in Australia.

The role of ideology in the decision to relocate children to rural environments for perceived benefits.

The mourning and loss experienced by family members who were separated from their siblings.

The anticipation and hope for healing and peace of mind following the national apology.

The deep emotional scars left by the abuse, with some victims unable to fully move on despite the apology.

The collective experience of the Forgotten Australians and former British child migrants as a 'lost tribe' seeking归属感.

Transcripts

well taking another person's life is a

very serious thing not only for that

this is person but both whole tribe it

affects the whole family and everyone

related to that deceased person and the

offender it's a concern for everybody

and that matter needs to be dealt with

spread away not two days later not one

week later not a year later not twenty

years later but straight away

someone who's caused the death death in

the family two faces all the people and

stand in front of the people with

someone there next formula to administer

make sure that punishment take place in

the eyes of the people man and a woman

and a woman and he never very I don't

your advice every day and every night

letting need to be hundred new example

oh yeah woman yeah you know where Amy

and I were a millionaire

then it's but what we say yah woman

punishment took place and everyone in

that community are happy and satisfied

that he's passed through that travel

punishment and then other communities

hear that and the word is nearly all

Ramon William in other words everybody

satisfied with the punishment that took

place with the DM fella older fella who

that offender we're not gonna kill that

man

Spence with a heart or spiritual an echo

wherever to get rid of him - I know

that's not just case the case is all of

us learning that young fella basically

it's a harsh punishment but it means

that this is a lesson for anybody or X

in that way

but you will receive these money

to stop further violent crime in the

community serious crime they forgive

each other now say sorry to each other

that's the last bit how each other

shake hands or whatever that need to

take place and his finish not to be

carried on we're back to square one

again

[Music]

then we can give him to the law the

Korean law that ero business your Amanda

business is finished with the alcohol

it's been done

as in the old days he was keeping this

Warlow Warlow firestick and he's

instructed to come away from this

village not to come back for so many

years

[Music]

[Music]

[Music]

Aboriginal law is not just about

punishing people when they do the wrong

thing it's a center of us in everything

we do it is with us forming the

guideline for our life from one rapport

to one we die

[Music]

some people think aperture law is only

part of our history now but they are

wrong it is a history it is our story

our ceremony and our court system it is

one of the biggest key to Australia

[Music]

kevin rudd this is a message for you now

that you are our Prime Minister we want

you to support and encourage and

strengthen strengthen our law our

culture our culture my ways because we

are being bogged down by your culture

and it's weighing too much on us we need

your support we need your help

for goodness sake do something

[Music]

Britain will formally apologize for its

role in resetting thousands of children

mainly without their parents consent

to Australia and Canada over the last

century meanwhile the Australian

Government is due to make a national

apology on Monday to half a million

children who are placed in foster homes

in institutional care between the 1930s

and 70s those children were promised a

better life but many later complained of

physical and sexual abuse and care homes

and on farms Nick Bryant has this report

from Canberra the story of the British

child migrant ship to Australia has been

described as a shameful history of

deceit lies an official neglect the

children were commonly told they were

orphans only to find out decades later

that their parents were still alive most

were deported without the consent of

their mothers and fathers Sandra Anker

was brought to Australia at the age of

six tricked into thinking she was

embarking on a great adventure she

became a castaway of the British Empire

we've had a horrendous life it took

years years of misery of not knowing

where we come from who we were being

denied her birthright of being British

it is it's really really neat horrendous

the Parliament House in Canberra the

Australian government will say sorry to

British child migrants on Monday morning

and that appears to have prompted a

change of heart in London on the eve of

the Australian apology Danny Street has

indicated that Gordon Brown will say

sorry as well sometime in the new year

after consulting with the victims but

they've already complained that he's

being shamed into action by the

Australians it's a question we put to

Britain's new High Commissioner in

Canberra Baroness Amos I think we have

all been shocked by this part of our

history and I think it's important that

we're apologizing now it's over 20 years

since the scandal was first uncovered

and over 7,000 British child migrants

still live in Australia for them the

planned apology is way over jus Nick

Bryan BBC News Canberra

aides of abuse and neglect now there's a

formal apology to half a million

Forgotten Australians in other news this

hour the Australian Prime Minister Kevin

Rudd has formally apologized to half a

million people who suffered neglect or

abuse as children in state care known as

The Forgotten Australians the children

were put into institutions between the

1930s and 70s

Mr Rudd said Australia should look back

in shame the humiliation so many

children endured including thousands who

were sent from Britain Hague Bryant

reports from Canberra they were drawn to

Canberra by the promise of a single word

hundreds of Forgotten Australians and

former British child migrants for whom

the term abuse seems wholly inadequate

in describing their early childhood

experiences some 500,000 Forgotten

Australians were abused or neglected in

children's homes from 1930 to 1970 and

there are still some 7,000 surviving

British child migrants who were victims

of physical psychological and often

sexual mistreatment

of your own making kevin rudd wanted to

apologize for what he called the evil

they suffered in orphanages and

institutions and they're being brought

to Australia often without their parents

consent we come together today to deal

with an ugly chapter in our nation's

history and we come together today to

offer our nation's apology to say to you

the Forgotten Australians and those who

were sent to our shores as children

without their consent that we are sorry

and this was a solemn national apology

but it's been so long coming that it

felt as well like a national celebration

and certainly a moment of catharsis it's

about time and we got it yes so it's

going to make a difference for you we'll

get over it

[Music]

the government yeah they took us as

children put us into care you know

they've got the decency enough to

apologize to us now but I do think it's

up to the institutions to do it not just

the government I can move on but I can't

it's not closed nothing's ever closed

and pain and torment just stays with you

forever but it's a little bit easier as

time goes on the office-boy with India's

come out I feel relieved yeah it's up

Gordon Brown says he'll now deliver a

long-awaited apology of his own after

consulting with the victims and

following the ceremony at Parliament

House some 40 former child migrants

visited the British High Commission in

Canberra one said it was like a lost

tribe finally returning home Nick Bryant

BBC news camera now it's an apology

which many would say is very long

overdue between 1930 and 1970 around

half a million people known as the

Forgotten Australians were abused or

neglected in state-run orphanages and

today in Canberra Prime Minister Kevin

Rudd said that he was sorry for the

childhoods lost in a highly emotional

ceremony attended by many British

citizens who were shipped out of their

country rad expressed his hope that the

national apology would help heal the

pain that is our correspondent Nick

Brown reports the scars run very deep

they were drawn to the nation's capital

by the promise of a single word

hundreds of former British child

migrants and Forgotten Australians

waiting just a few more minutes for an

apology they believe is decades overdue

there's children many were victims of

such appalling physical and sexual

mistreatment that to describe it as

abuse seems wholly inadequate and he

were told their parents were dead

only to find out decades later they were

still alive this did have the feel of a

day of national atonement we are sorry

sorry that as children you were taken

from your families and placed in

institutions where so often you were

abused sorry for the physical suffering

the emotional starvation and the cold

absence of love of tenderness of care

sorry for the tragedy the absolute

tragedy of childhoods lost and his words

were greeted with applause of release

[Applause]

the policy lasted until the late 1960s

care agencies work with the government

to send disadvantaged children to what

was supposed to be a rosy future and

supply what was deemed good whites

talked to a former colony there's a

strong belief that a rural society was

somehow ideologically superior that it

led to direct greater health physically

but also as spiritually emotionally

these children will be better off moved

from inner cities in this country to

rural environments of a season back in

the UK family members like Roy Stacy

knew nothing of their siblings plight

they're still mourning the years that

were lost I feel totally bitter because

it was a stick drop I can't think of any

other words for it it was a stitcher by

the UK authorities and the Australian

authorities and various institutions

over this consultation process will

culminate in an apology from Gordon

Brown sometime in the new year a second

sorry and perhaps some peace of mind

Nick Bryan BBC News Canberra