2 Australia

This chapter emphasizes the causes of violations against minorities and indigenous peoples within the state. It seeks to explain the extent to which law has sought to address the position of the more vulnerable groups in Australian society. The chapter is divided into four main sections. Section 2.1 identifies the key historical moments that are important in understanding the backdrop to the plight of minorities and vulnerable peoples in Australia. Section 2.2 focuses on an identification of ‘Minorities’, ‘Indigenous Peoples’, and others that are covered by this chapter. Section 2.3 provides an analysis of the legal framework that regulates indigenous peoples' and minorities' entitlements in Australia. Section 2.4 reflects on the existing remedies available in Australian law, testing their efficacy. The chapter concludes by addressing the question of what ‘Australian-ness’ means and how its construction impacts the experience of vulnerable groups within society.