Australia is confronting a disturbing déjà vu moment, with policy shifts in Queensland sparking concerns that echo the repressive era of former Premier Sir Joh Bjelke-Petersen, who governed from 1968 to 1987. Critics warn that current government decisions are mirroring the contentious tactics associated with his time in office, igniting memories of a bygone period many thought had been left behind.
Aunty Sandra King, an Indigenous elder from Queensland's Yagara, Quandamooka, and Bundjalung communities, has voiced her discontent at recent developments. In her 70s, she described the current government's actions as a 'throwback' to the Bjelke-Petersen era, asserting that 'Joh was not better'. Her remarks echo broader concerns among Indigenous communities and advocates, who are worried about the defunding of crucial services like Murri Watch, which supports Indigenous children in watch houses, and plans to contest all native title claims.
Academics and civil libertarians are also voicing apprehension. Julianne Schultz, an academic and author, noted in her 2008 essay 'Disruptive Influences' how Queensland's tumultuous history shaped a cohort of national leaders, with First Nations people being an early target of the Bjelke-Petersen government. She suggests that issues around Aboriginal rights have historically been 'the thin end of the wedge' for broader societal changes.
The government's decision to introduce 'adult time' crime laws, aimed at addressing juvenile crime, has been met with criticism from observers who believe these measures are being used to distract from more pressing concerns. Similar calculations are thought to underpin the ban on puberty blockers for transgender healthcare in public hospitals and certain 'hate speech' laws applied to pro-Palestine protests.
These developments have sparked concerns among human rights advocates, with some drawing parallels between arrests under these new laws and the police suppression of protests during the Bjelke-Petersen government. The decision to exempt planned Olympic venues from 15 state laws, including heritage and planning acts, has also been likened to an enabling act for the 1982 Commonwealth Games.
While the Queensland government maintains that its policies are focused on addressing pressing issues such as crime and cost of living, critics argue that these moves are being driven by a calculation that Indigenous affairs and human rights concerns will not resonate with most voters. The implications of this perceived approach are far-reaching, with potential consequences for social cohesion and the UK's own bilateral relationships with Australia.
The Australian government's stance on Indigenous issues has significant implications for its relationship with the UK, particularly in light of the British government's ongoing efforts to address historic injustices faced by Indigenous Australians. The international community is closely watching developments in Queensland, as they reflect broader concerns about human rights and social justice.