Influence of western approach on housing policies and legislation leading to inadvertent institutional discriminatory practice against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

Abstract

Housing services in Australia have a foundation of a system developed by English Invaders and, as a result, have limited governing documentation and recommended practice, particularly in Queensland, to operate in a culturally sensitive manner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander traditional owners. This article focuses on a social housing service and the analysis of legislation and social policy, policies and procedures, staff approaches and client perceptions to examine indirect discrimination towards Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians involved with housing services. Reflective analysis featuring a critical theory lens indicated a disconnect between legislation and social policy with experiences of clients and organisational approaches resulting in shame, feelings of unworthiness and disengagement from these services. Although Queensland housing legislation provides some governing principles protecting the cultural rights of consumers, organisational practice may not always meet this expectation due to ambiguity from industry leaders.