Category: Australia

The Treatment of Chinese Miners in Australia: Analytical Essay

The first colony of Australia was established at Sydney by Captain Arthur Phillip on January 26, 1788. They believed the land was terra nullius or empty land as they couldn’t see any evidence of buildings, crops, land development, fences, borders or governments. This assessment was incorrect as the land belonged to the Aborigines as they had lived there for over 60,000 years.

Chinese migration and settlement in New South Wales has a long history. Early records show evidence of Chinese migration, this influx of people was being considered as a solution to the labour shortage in the Colony during 1828. Many Chinese immigrants came to Australia working as shepherds, rural labourers, cooks and gardeners.

Many fortune seeking Australians ventured to different countries in search of gold. Edward Hargraves sailed to Californian for gold rush in 1849. He was unsuccessful but was struck by the topographical and geological similarities between California and the interior of New South Wales.

Governor Charles FitzRoy had heard rumours of the gold to be found in New South Wales and believed a mineral discovery in the colony could reverse the economic downturn. In 1849 he convinced the British government to offer a reward to anyone who found a commercially viable amount of gold.

In January 1851 Hargraves returned to the colony and immediately headed inland, convinced he would find gold and, more importantly, claim the government reward. Near Bathurst, Hargraves enlisted the aid of John Lister and brothers William and James Tom. Within weeks they had discovered a small amount of gold at a site Hargraves named Ophir. Hargraves returned to Sydney in March 1851 and presented his samples to the government. The government’s geologist Samuel Stutchbury was sent to confirm the gold. Hargraves was eventually awarded the £10,000 prize, which he refused to share with Lister or the Tom brothers. Between 1854 and 1855, about 31,000 Chinese people arrived on the Australian goldfields.

Gold was discovered in Victoria in 1851, James Esmond, he discovered gold in Clunes, it is approximately 40 kilometres north of Ballarat. James Esmond received a £200 reward from the Victorian Government as he was tye firs person to find gold within 320 kilometres of Melbourne. It was proclaimed that from 1 September 1851 all miners in Victoria must pay 30 shillings per month for a licence to dig for gold or risk prosecution.

Gold licenses were a method the government used to tax the miners and to attempt to control the number of people mining the goldfields. Governor La Trobe believed the tax would provide revenue to maintain law and order and discourage those thinking of leaving their regular employment.

The Eureka Stockade was caused by a disagreement over what gold miners felt were unfair laws and policing of their work by government.

The Chinese miners were quite different to the European miners, this is one of the key factors that sparked the anti-Chinese sentiment. Chinese miners grew vegetables which they used to eat instead of paying lots of money for extra food, this was not a common practice for European miners. The Chinese people were also disliked by Europeans as the mined as individuals whereas the Chinese miners worked in groups. The Chinese split tasks like cooking, cleaning and mining, this allowed the chines miners to work for longer hours, this wasn’t done by European miners. The Chinese miners also had different cultural practices to the European miners, like the use of opium. The chinese dressed and presented themselves in the same manner as China, their clothing and presentation was different to the Europeans. The chines miners of that time are often depicted with their hair in a ponytail and in clothing that is likely made of silk from their homeland. Even the Chinese’s anatomy was slightly different to the Europeans as their skin tone may have been different and the shape of their eyes was different. All of these differences cause a hate towards the Chines minority. There were many occasions where the government was unfair towards the Chinese miners (or institutionalised racism) and endorsed the horrific actions of some European miners.

Institutional discrimination took the form a series of punitive taxes on entering Victoria and then on taking up residence, while restrictive legal requirements impinged on where Chinese could stay.

From 1855 the Chinese were taxed a ten pound fee to arrive in Victoria by ship, and from 1857 additional annual residents’ fees of between 4 and 6 pounds were imposed on Chinese on top of the poll tax.

Starting in 1856, thousands of Chinese migrants travelled through Robe on their way to the Victorian goldfields. In 1857 alone, some 15,000 or so Chinese landed in Robe direct from China, to avoid a poll tax imposed by the Victorian government. After staying a few days, they gathered their supplies and set off on foot, walking more than 400 km through the bush.

Ultimately in 1901 a federated Australia would form on the basis of a White Australia policy, excluding Chinese immigration and in some instances refusing citizenship to those who had made a life in Australia.

Chinese diggers were subject to growing resentment on the gold fields. European miners were angered by the increasing Chinese presence in the goldfields and violently lashed out on several occasions in an attempt to drive the Chinese away away. In some instances, full scale rioting resulted as angry Europeans attacked the Chinese miners.

The Australian governments didn’t do anything to properly aid the Chinese miners, even after countless attacks and murders. The government endorsed the appalling actions of the European miners.

A prime example of the government endorsing the anti-Chinese mindset was anti-Chinese propaganda posters. These posters depicted the Chinese in a negative and derogatory manner. These were another method of institutionalised racism that the government used.

Although Europeans and Chinese came to Australia in search of gold but their experience were extremely different. The Europeans resented the Chinese for mining in groups, their different culture and even their appearance. They experienced institutionalised racism in the form of unjust taxes. Many Chinese miners were even killed during European led riots. Overall the treatment of the Chinese miners was appalling, the Europeans treated them in a disgusting, unfair and unjust manner. This image depicts the violence that occurred during anti-Chinese riots. Three anti-Chinese riots heave been listed below.

Buckland River

After a series of violent clashes between Chinese and European miners occurred at the Buckland River gold field a group of Europe miners decided they had enough. On July 4th, a small group began to charge through the Chinese camp tearing down tents and demanding that the Chinese leave. Acts of violence increased as the European crowd gained momentum. Chinese miners were trampled, robbed and beaten. A European wife of a Chinese miner was beaten and nearly killed, another Chinese miner had his finger severed for a gold ring. Tents, homes and properties were looted and burned.

Panic-stricken Chinese fled across the river and were given assistance and shelter by sympathetic European diggers and landowners. 2500 Chinese miners were expelled from their camps. The Victorian government granted compensation for the Chinese diggers and they were encouraged to return to the field under the guidance of police and an appointed Chinese Protector. The Chinese miners eventually returned to the goldfield to abating hostility, and camped among specially selected Chinese villages. A majority of the rioters were released without charges as the local juries believed their anger was understandable. This did not happen to………….

Ararat

While travelling overland, Chinese miners had stumbled upon a rich field in Ararat. The success of the Chinese was deeply resented, as they had been able to secure the best claims on the field. Several incidents occurred in May, and after a violent incident in a Chinese store where a small group charged the Chinese camp. European and American miners attacked the Chinese with timber and axe handles.

After the attack, the Government planning to confiscate the Chinese claims and hand them over to European diggers. The Chinese were finally forced from the field in 1858. A new law required all Chinese in Victoria to purchase a Residence Ticket. A Chinese digger without a ticket could not sue for the recovery of a mining claim that had been jumped. Many Chinese miners didn’t know this as it wasn’t communicated to them in a language they could understand. On February 3rd European diggers demanded to see the tickets. When the Chinese failed to produce them, the Europeans jumped over sixty claims, worth over 1000 pounds each. An inquiry was held but the only compensation awarded the angry Chinese was they were able to sell their mining equipment and timber used in their mines, they received a poor price in a buyers market. This did not happen to………….Lambing Flat

After many of the goldfields in Victoria had been raked bare, most diggers headed to new fields in New South Wales. In 1860 miners felt Lambing Flat was their last chance to find their fortune. By January of 1861, it was estimated that the population at Lambing Flat had grown to almost 15,000. A Miner’s Protective League had formed, petitioning for the removal of the Chinese ‘for the protection of native industry’. In February 1861. A brawl resulted from a ‘roll up’, 1500 Chinese fled. With the guidance of police, the Chinese returned to the field. However, on June 30th, one of the worst riots of the Australian gold rush occurred.

Between 2000 to 3000 European miners marched on the Chinese camp. The mob, hunted and whipped the Chinese, knocking them down with the butt ends of their whips… in many cases pulling their pig tails out by the roots, and planting their fresh trophies on their banners. Following this they searched through the tents for hidden gold, and then deliberately burnt every tent in the encampment. After the Europeans were done the camp was a heap of smouldering ruins. The miners who stayed to hide their gold in mine shafts were buried alive. Over a thousand Chinese miners fled, and almost five hundred were injured. Finding refuge on the nearby property of James Roberts, they received food and shelter for several weeks. This did not happen to………….This is one of many anti-Chinese propaganda posters. This poster depicts an unpleasant looking chinese man opposing Federation. There are European women attempting to hold him back. The Chinese man is depicted as large to symbolise the large power and threat they opposed to the Europeans. The facial expression of the chinese mane is angry and unpleasant. This did not happen to …..This image depicts the beginning of the Eureka Stockade

The miners felt this was an unfair system as they were unable to claim the land and could easily be relocated at a moment’s notice. They were also required by law to buy a licence and carry it with them at all times. They weren’t pleased and were prepared to fight for change.

In late November 1854. The miners refused to cooperate, and burned their licences. On 30 November, 500 miners gathered under the Eureka flag and elected Peter Lalor as their leader. The miners swore to fight together against police and military. On 3 December, there was an clash between the miners and the police/military forces. The miners planned their defence and attack carefully, they ultimately stood no chance against the superior firepower of police. When the battle was over, 125 miners were taken prisoner and many were badly wounded. Six of the police and troopers were killed and there were at least 22 deaths among the diggers:

Although the rebellion at the Eureka Stockade was unsuccessful, the miners were able to bring the changes they desired.

Within months all the miners were released, and the licensing laws were replaced with a system where miners paid a tax on gold they found, instead of paying for the possibility of striking gold. Miners were also given the right to own the land. This benefited both Europeans and Chinese miners.

Essay on How the Gold Rush Made Melbourne a ‘Marvelous’ City

Dating back to 1880, the nickname ‘Marvelous Melbourne’ was given to our city, this was introduced when Melbourne was progressing into a major world city. This was a result of the Gold Rush. The Gold Rush caused Melbourne to become one of the richest cities in the world. During this time of the Gold Rush, Melbourne expanded rapidly, causing the population to rise by. This essay will investigate the creation of Melbourne and how it came to be a ‘Marvelous City’. This essay will also answer the question how did Melbourne become known as the ‘marvelous’ city.

The Gold Rush throughout the 1850s and 1860s resulted in people flocking the goldfields in search of gold and wealth. The Gold Rush helped form the Australia we know today. The chaos of the Gold Rush caused was unimaginable. As soon as the word got out people flooded the goldfields with shovels and a hope for prosperity. Many people achieved a plethora of wealth, others didn’t. The economic impact of the Gold Rush mostly affected Victoria. The goldfields were rich and plentiful in towns such as Ballarat and Bendigo. They flourished with new wealth and a whole new population of people. As people digging for gold made their fortune, so did shop owners, butchers and of course, the government. Around 174 tons of gold worth 14,000,000 pounds was found in 1852 alone, the rich fields caused ridiculous numbers of immigrants from Europe and China to pile into Australia. These extra people picked up jobs that were abandoned by people searching for gold, and were paid very highly for their effort. The London Times wrote this “this is California all over again, but, it would, appear, California on a larger scale”. This was after the ships returned to England carrying eight tons of Australian gold. This shows that the gold found in Victoria was of a much more substantial amount than the Californian Gold Rush.

The rise in population in Melbourne from people all around the world resulted in the city needing to expand, so new ideas and technologies needed to be installed. The goldfields were Australia’s first encounter with a truly diverse and multicultural population. Between 1851 and 1854, the population of Victoria grew from around 77,000 to more than 200,000. In 1850 the estimated population of Australia was around 400,000, but by 1860 the population increased to around 1 million. The value of imported goods from outside Victoria reached an extraordinary 18 million, everything needed was shipped into Victoria, from mining to food, houses and equipment. More than 86 million grams of gold we mined in 1856. Victoria was the fastest growing city in the British empire during the gold rush, with the discovery of gold came a lot of great wealth. During this time many find buildings and houses were built. On the fields apart from gold miners, there were people supplying the miners with goods and services, mine managers, miner’s families, farmers, government officials and local indigenous people. “The delightful idea of going to such a country was great, then I tried to achieve as much money as I could”, – said Lum Khen Yang in ‘The Wesleyan Chronicle’, 1st of February 1859.

The income of Melbourne brought many new buildings and developments, from 1853 to 1854 the number of buildings in Melbourne doubled. Many young and talented British architects were drawn to Melbourne by the building boom, such as John James Clark, Peter Kerr and William Wilkinson Wardell, who in fact designed the Wardell building at Genazzano. They created grand buildings with elegant designs similar to those in European cities. The Victorian Legislative Council drafted Victoria’s first constitution, after the need and want for greater democracy and a home for political debate. After this they started building the Victorian Parliament House. Many other things were built during this time such as the Public Library, the Old Customs House, the Old Treasury, the Royal Amphitheatre and the ANZ Gothic Bank. There were also buildings devoted to Italian classicism, banks offices and clubs were reinterpretations of villas, palaces and temples. New buildings also displayed state power and wealth from the gold rush contributed to the construction of many churches, school galleries, the State Library and Flinders Street Station. Elegant and ornate buildings with attractive paved and tree-lined streetscapes were built. The Royal Exhibition Centre drew large amounts of popularity to Melbourne. In 1880 Melbourne hosted the International Exhibition which brought almost 1.3 million people over the 7 months it ran for, and at this time the population of Melbourne was only about 220,000. After 2 very prestigious and famous events were held at the Exhibition Centre it is now world heritage listed.

In conclusion, Melbourne became a ‘marvelous’ city because of the Gold Rush, the nickname was given to our ever developing and growing city. The Gold Rush helped Melbourne to evolve and grow into the fabulous city we know today. The Gold Rush also assisted in Melbourne’s economy giving the population better income and more money to build elegant buildings. Building elegant buildings gained more population for Melbourne. These developments gave Melbourne a name and gave us the nickname ‘Marvelous Melbourne’. The growing population required new machinery and transport, giving people the opportunity to invent new things.

Role of Gold Rush in the Formation of Australia’s Colonial Identity

Australia. The place where multiculturalism and diversity thrive. The place where over 20 religions are practiced and over 200 languages are spoken. The place containing rich history and stories that have passed down by many before us. The place that most of us call home. We as a country have formed a long-lasting colonial identity presenting ourselves as a multicultural society that welcomes all ethnicities and backgrounds. Over time we have formed this identity through a number of significant events, one of the most prominent being the Gold Rush. Although gold had been discovered before it had almost always been hushed by higher officials in fear of mutiny. This was until, on the 7th of October 1851 when a man by the name Edward Hargraves discovered gold in Bathurst New South Wales (Gold Oz, 2017). It proved to be one of the most pivotal moments in Australia’s history. From a social perspective, it caused a paradigm shift in the working and living conditions of the population, resulting in many abandoning their jobs to seek fortunes. From a democratic perspective, it was the catalyst for the government taking notice and responsibility for the rights of diggers and tax. Finally, from a long-term perspective, it has led to the diverse and multicultural society today.

Firstly, there are some key factors that contributed heavily to the occurrence of the Gold Rush, one of the most prominent being the first discovery of payable gold. This discovery was made by Edward Hargraves aged 36 after returning to the colonies, immediately heading inland in desperate search for gold (National Museum of Australia, 2019). He immediately noticed that gold was more prevalent in the sloping parts of the mountains. Soon after Hargraves and his team of 4 were successful as they excavated 13 pounds of gold near Summer Hill Creek. He was subsequently rewarded with 50,000 pounds from the Colonial Secretary and news of his findings spread. Prospectors cancelled their trips to California, servants and convicts abandoned their work as thousands rushed to seek fortune. In less than a week over 400 people engulfed the Australian goldfields and within a year more than 500,000 immigrants from all around the world flocked to the newly named ‘Ophir’ gold field. It was going to change the nation…the first Australian Gold Rush had begun (Cavendish, 2001).

Secondly, the Gold Rush had an immense impact on both the working and living conditions of the population. As over half a million people from around the world travelled to Victoria’s goldfields, conditions for those living there became more and more severe. Due to the lack of workers at previous jobs, housing prices tripled leaving scarce and everything from food to travel was extremely expensive (National Museum of Australia, 2019). Digging was a back-breaking, dangerous, dirty occupation with no certainty of any return. However, at a time when most labored long and hard just to keep food on the table and a roof over their heads, when an accident or bout of sickness could plunge a family into poverty, it is small wonder that the chance to ‘make a fortune’ induced men to flock to the diggings (National Geographic, 2019). Living conditions in the fields were also far from luxurious. Tents were pitched on the outskirts, consisting of minimal ‘furniture’, packing cases, logs and stumps with a mound of straw or leaves on the floor and covered by a flea ridden blanket, serving as a bed. Due to the lack of a nutritious diet many diggers suffered from constant weariness and long hours working resulted in worn out limbs. Inadequate sanitary arrangements and polluted water led to outbreaks of dysentery, and sand fly bites caused ‘sandy blight’ (MelbourneHistoryGuide, 2019). Hygiene was also a problem and the diggers were prone to a variety of illnesses. Injury and death from mining accidents were also numerous. Doctors, many of whom had no qualifications except initiative, did a thriving trade.

The Gold Rush was a monumental event that is considered one of the most important in Australia’s history as it triggered immigration on a major scale, introducing a new and diverse background to the colonies, brought about political change and led to the establishment of new technology and infrastructure. The Gold Rush caught the attention of many international countries inviting young and skilled migrants to Australia. With these immigrant’s cam their culture which had a massive influence on the colonies. Many started to adapt these cultural differences (Kids Encyclopedia, 2019). To accommodate this boost in population the government began to broaden land settlement and saw the establishment of rural centers and infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, telephone lines as well as the founding of the first railway track in date. As digging became more extensive, higher advanced heavy machinery replaced the simple pan and cradle that was once used. Soon those from overseas brought their own ideas of rights and fair treatment which in the long term helped to push for independence and federation (Gold Oz, 2017).

It is evident that the Gold Rush has had some of the longest lasting impacts on Australia’s colonial identity. Firstly, it instigated a fundamental change in the way the government viewed people’s rights and our political system (Sexton, 2019). The democratic system we have today was began with protests for equal rights in places like the goldfields and immensely assisted with our independence and federation today. Now voting is compulsory and over 16.4 million Australian people get their say each year (AEC, 2019). Secondly, the discovery of gold served as a catalyst for the opening of Australia’s doors to the international immigrants of the world leading to a flurry of skilled migrants. This impact is still evident today as we live in one of the most multicultural countries in the world. It led to rapid economic expansion. Gold provided a firmer financial base for Australia, encouraging foreign investment (Kid Cyber Network, 2019). Primary production expanded to support an increase in migrant numbers. All these long-term effects of the Gold Rush have led to the multicultural, fair and developed country that we are today.

The Gold Rush played a major role in shaping Australia’s colonial identity as it changed many aspects of life at the time including occupational opportunities, transportation networks and rights for the workers. It had a very significant role in establishing Australia’s colonial identity as it led to a massive population boom, brought about social and cultural development as well as a new democratic system and the overall multicultural Australia we have today. It changed the way the government viewed equality and will always be recognized as a monumental moment in history.

Analysis of the Main Economic Indicators of Australia

This report will detail the current trends in three key economic indicators within Australia, and the impacts of these if they are too high, or too low. Economic indicators are a piece of economic data, that is used by analysts to interpret current or future investment possibilities. This report uses three economic indicators: inflation, unemployment and income/wealth distribution. It has been seen that there is: an above average unemployment, a highly unequal wealth distribution and a below normal inflation. The Australian government needs to address the abnormal unemployment rate and wealth distribution.

Analysis

Inflation

“Inflation is an increase in the level of prices of goods and services that households buy. This is measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), the rate of change in those prices” (RBA, n.d.). In 1993 the RBA, Reserve Bank of Australia, set an inflation target of 2-3%, Which the CPI has stayed within until just before 2017 when began to start dropping lower. The current CPI for the June quarter 2019 is 1.6%, just higher than the expected 1.5%, but still lower than the wanted 2-3% quarterly. This CPI increase was because an increase in the following areas: food (highest in last 5 years), transport, recreation and culture, and clothing and footwear. This is linked to general decrease in Australia’s GDP, gross domestic product, which is about to hit the lowest rate in almost 2 decades (Clench, 2019). Although inflation has slightly increased, the expected inflation, expected change of inflation by consumers, has fallen of the past 2 years. This drop has been from mostly self-employed and skilled/unskilled workers. This drop in expected inflation may be a leading indicator for continued inflation drop, as if the people with money, the employed, think prices will continue to drop they will postpone purchase’s, causing a drop in inflation. Inflation and expected inflation are both in a downward trend, following a similar historical trend.

Unemployment

“Unemployment is those whom are without work, are available to begin work and are actively seeking employment” (CHAPPELOW, 2019). It is measured in a total unemployed over total employed, to give an unemployment rate. In Australia the wanted jobless rate is 4-5%, compared to the currently 5.2% in the recent quarter. The total increase in unemployment is well above expectations and is starting to align with leading indicators, such as job vacancies and advertisements, all pointing to a slowdown in employment growth. To counter this growth RBA has cut interest rates, aiming to decrease unemployment to 4.5%.

Looking at the last year’s unemployment rate has had a general decrease in unemployment which is beneficial for the economy. Compared to the past 5 years, it is clear there is a general decrease in unemployment, except for in these current months which it has slightly increased. This is showing a good trend, which needs to be continued.

Australian labor market evolving with a job mix of 22% different in 2018 than January 2014, including a growth in the amount of ‘blue collar’ and more laborious jobs and a decrease in the hospitably sector. This ‘evolution’ of the Australian job market is much higher compared to similar countries (e.g., America, Canada), and is linked to a weak jobs market. The greatest Gap between posting positions and people with resume’s that fit those positions, are those with a higher education requirement. This was because Australian job seekers, with a higher education, were more likely to go overseas to find work, than to stay here. “While May job ad volumes are still down from 2018, it is important to note that 2018 was somewhat of an anomaly, with the highest [job ad volumes] in the past decade, proving that 5.2% unemployment rate may not be as bad as it seems (Janda, 2019).

Income and Wealth Distribution

“Income and wealth distribution, the way in which the wealth and income of a nation are divided among its population” (Encylopedia Britanica, n.d.). This is measured by the Gini coefficient. It is measured on a scale from 0.0 to 1.0, where 0 means everyone is equal and 1 meaning one person gets everything (Janda, 2019). The Australian Bureau of Statistics’ ABS Household Income and Wealth Report 2017-2018 shows that incomes remain unchanged, as does the distribution of income. However, wealth is highly concentrated.

Another study also found 95% of people didn’t know how much inequality there is in Australia and where they sit on the national income distribution (Martino, Spraggon, Byrd, Liddy, & Tilley, 2019). Using the Gini coefficient, Australia’s income distribution is just above 0.3, which is good for developed countries. However, wealth distribution is 0.6, meaning its twice as unequal as income distribution. The current trend of Australian Wealth distribution being much higher than Income distribution, is summed up in the sentence “The rich get richer, and the poor get richer more slowly” (Janda, 2019).

Evaluation

Impacts of Too High/Low Inflation

If inflation is above the recommended 2-3%, then consumers purchasing power is greatly reduced, as one product will cost more than in last quarter. Also, increased prices, due to increased inflation, could lead to companies decreasing their employee numbers (RBA, n.d.). It also gives lower returns on investment. Another major impact of inflation if it is too high, is that Australia can lose its competitiveness against other countries, because why spend more when the same product can be bought for less? These impacts are unlikely at the current state, as the key trend is a decrease in inflation which leads to the opposite of this, but also has one major impact on the economy. If inflation continues to drop below 2% then consumers will delay purchase’s, which in turn cause’s inflation and the economy to continue dropping. Although inflation can negatively affect the Australian economy, the current trend isn’t as urgent to focus on compared to the other indicators.

Impacts of High Unemployment

“The Fairfax Lateral Economics Well-Being Index, which uses a range of indicators to measure changes in national welfare, shows the cost of long-term unemployment to Australia’s collective well-being has reached $3.3 billion a year” (Wade, 2014). Not only this, but high unemployment also results in economic loss and a decrease in health and well-being. Only one of these impacts of unemployment is recorded within traditional economic indicators, less income tax. People being unemployed can lead to changed relationships within the family and the fact that one member of the family now spends more time at home with no clearly defined role’ can lead to frustration and resentment. Although Australia’s unemployment rate seems normal, the average rate of long-term unemployment has doubled since 2008. Unemployment also causes mental health, which is felt majority by males. Unemployment affects Australia’s; economy and its population’s health and well-being, needs to be focused on by the Australian government.

Impacts of a High Income and/or Wealth Distribution

Australia’s current trend of a very high wealth distribution is impactful on its population. This Trend isn’t positive and affects people’s health and well-being. Recent research seems to point to ill health caused by inequality in wealth and income. Also, education is affected by income/wealth distribution because “if children are less successful at school, they are less likely to become highly skilled workers” (Ingraham, 2018). This may be because poorer people have less importance on education, which is passed on to their children. Another major impact of this continued trend is economic growth slowing down. Allowing income and wealth distribution to become too large could be fatal for Australia. A highly unequal wealth distribution, needs to be the Australian government’s focus.

Conclusion

In conclusion, all these economic indicators are showing continued negative trends. It is extremely important for the Australian government to focus on at fixing one of these indicators. Unemployment is abnormally high and has many catastrophic impacts. If unemployment is continued to stay above the recommended 4-5%, then Australia will experience a decrease in both mental and physical health, and an economic loss. Another priority area to focus on is wealth distribution. This has similar impacts of unemployment, with focuses on people’s mental health. The Australian government needs to focus on the abnormally high unemployment and the highly unequal wealth distribution.

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27. Wade, M. (2019, July 21). Gap Between Rich and Poor a $247 Billion Drag on Our Well-Being. Retrieved from The Sydney Morning Herald : https://www.smh.com.au/business/the-economy/gap-between-rich-and-poor-a-247-billion-drag-on-our-wellbeing-20190721-p529bc.html
28. Wright, S., & Bagshaw, E. (2019, July 18). Jobless Rate Steady in June Despite Small Lift in Employment. Retrieved from The Sydeny Morning Herald: https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/jobless-rate-steady-in-june-despite-small-lift-in-employment-20190718-p528cq.html

Australia’s Gross Domestic Product: Development and Diversity

Gross domestic product (GDP) gauges a nation’s financial exhibition over a given period, commonly one year or one quarter. Thus, estimating the economy of the nation is the most significant monetary measure. This paper investigates the development and diversity of Australia’s gross domestic product.

Australia’s Growth Decade

As indicated by the report by Aslani et al. (2017), the growth rate of Australia’s gross domestic product was 2.8%, with a gross domestic product of US$734.283 million. In 2005, it was predicted that the Australian economy would perform better than expected in 2006, as evidenced by solid financial performance (Aslani et al., 2017). According to forecasters, in 2006 Australia’s gross domestic product grew at a rate of 3.8%, with a per capita gross domestic product of US$37,869. The increase in wages per capita for Australians has caused a change in the lifestyles of people living in the economy. The gross domestic product indicated a comparable upward pattern till the year 2008. Till the year 2008, the normal gross domestic product development pace of the Australian economy was comparable to 3.4% (Parker et al., 2016). In any case, in the year 2009 the economy saw worldwide money-related emergency. Because of which, the economy confronted downturn and the development pace of the Australian gross domestic product was diminished to 1.6%. The report by Chime and Hindmoor (2019), expressed that Australian economy demonstrated extraordinary strength to the worldwide money-related emergency, and got one of only a handful hardly any nations that had the option to convey positive development even in the time of emergency (Ringer and Hindmoor, 2019). For the following three years, i.e., from 2010-2013, the normal gross domestic product development pace of the Australian economy was comparable to 2.7%. In the year 2014, the development pace of gross domestic product diminished to 2.3%, and the supreme estimation of gross domestic product additionally decreased when contrasted with the earlier years (Cantore et al., 2017). One of the main reasons of the lull in the development rate was the diminished profitability gains in the economy. The development pace of the economy somewhat expanded to 3.25% in the time of 2016, however dropped again to 2.4% in the year 2017.

Australia’s Growth Variation

It very well may be broken down from the transient developments in the Australian economy that the economy saw monetary extension beginning from the year 1970s. After this period, the normal gross domestic product development of the Australian economy was proportional to 3.7 percent, which was lower when contrasted with the gross domestic product development pace of the economy in the extension stage. In the year 2005 the Australian economy was encountering a period of current development, when the gross domestic product development pace of the economy was comparable to 2.8% (Robinson et al., 2015). In the year the oil costs were expanding in the economy alongside the expanding request of mechanical products by the Chinese economy. The expansion in the interest of modern merchandise additionally made an upward weight on the product costs in the Australian economy. The expansion in the item costs helped in expanding the terms of exchange of the economy by 30 percent. The expansion in the terms of exchange of the Australian economy further aided in expanding per capita salary of the purchaser which expanded the spending rate in the Australian economy. The improvement in the terms of exchange of the Australian economy led to an expansion in the development pace of economy by 3.8% in the year 2006 (Williams et al., 2017). In 2006, the organizations in the economy demonstrated solid money-related development and demonstrated positive speculation development.

The ideal conditions in the economy expanded the benefit of the associations, which further expanded the asset limit use in the economy. Alongside the corporate development, the Australian economy was additionally seeing a positive development in the offer market, which further quickened the monetary development of Australia. The offer costs expanded at higher rates when contrasted with the earlier years. The positive presentation of the financial markers prompts an expansion in the gross domestic product development pace of the economy by 3.8%. Till the year 2008, the normal gross domestic product development pace of the Australian economy was comparable to 3.4% (Charlton, 2019). It has been said that the development in the gross domestic product pace of the Australian economy was led by the asset segment.

The year 2009 denoted the development of worldwide money-related emergency, which prompted a decline on the planet yield kevel by 1.1 percent. The market analyst express that Australian economy had the option to successfully adapt up to the money-related emergency and had the option to convey positive financial development dissimilar to different economies. The main reason of the positive development of the economy was effective presentation of the monetary arrangement of the economy. The economy saw a ruin in the business rate because of decrease in the yield level was as yet ready to develop superior to the next cutting-edge economies because of its solid money-related market (Charlton, 2019). The financial and money-related strategies in light of the emergency looked by the economy helped the economy in managing the negative effects of the downturn. One of the strategic moves made by the Australian economy because of the emergency was the adaptability in its swapping scale.

Nonetheless, the decrease in the work level and acquiring intensity of the individuals living in the Australian economy prompted sharp diminishing in the offer market and gainfulness of the associations in the market. The money-related foundations likewise saw a sharp lessening in their offer costs, which prompted their breakdown (Pandya and Sisombat, 2017) The negative exhibition of the monetary markers prompted a sharp diminishing in the development pace of the economy. The development pace of the Australian gross domestic product was diminished to 1.6% in the year 2009. In accordance with the expectations, the development pace of the Australian economy somewhat expanded in the final quarter of the monetary year of 2010. Be that as it may, it was foreseen that the development pace of the Australian economy would not have the option to show an upward development rate in the initial barely any months of the year 2011. For the following three years, for example from 2010-2013, the normal gross domestic product development pace of the Australian economy was identical to 2.7%. In this period, the economy was recuperating from the impacts of the worldwide monetary emergency. The local interest in the Australian economy upheld the development pace of the economy in this period. There was an expansion in the fare add up to the Asian nations in this period that aided in expanding the development pace of the Australian economy (Courvisanos et al., 2016). The expansion in the generation limit of coal and iron in these years helped in expanding the Australian fares which further aided in expanding the yield development and work level in the economy. Be that as it may, the Australian economy saw a change in this period. Prior, the assembling business of the Australian business was viewed as biggest industry of the Australian economy (Nelson et al., 2019). Be that as it may, the yield development pace of the assembling business of the Australian economy decreased, and along these lines preceding the emergency the budgetary area of the Australian economy was viewed as the biggest business of the Australian economy.

The development pace of the Australian economy again decreased in the year 2014. The financial analysts express that the Australian economy was experiencing significant change stage in the year 2014. It was said that the economy was in a change stage, in light of the fact that the economy was developing at a moderate pace. In any case, a portion of the significant advancements occurred in the Australian economy that aided in the asset blast in the economy. In this asset blast, the yield creation of the economy expanded, which further aided in the expanding the fares development in the economy. This fares development positively affected the general development of the economy (Charlton, 2019). As indicated by the estimates made by the market analysts it was foreseen that the gross domestic product development rate in the year 2014 will be like the development rate in the earlier year of 2013. In the year 2014, the development pace of gross domestic product decreased to 2.3%, and the total estimation of gross domestic product likewise diminished when contrasted with the earlier year. At that point the gross domestic product development pace of the Australian economy somewhat expanded to 2.8% in the year 2015 (Reid and Coiacetto, 2017). A comparative development rate was seen by the Australian economy in the year 2016. One of the fundamental reasons of the stable monetary development of the economy was the commitment done by the farming division of the economy.

The development in the farming yield helped in giving a lift to the administration area of the economy, that together aided in expanding the pay levels and the buying intensity of the whole economy in general. The expansion in the buying intensity of the families helped in expanding the family unit utilization in the economy in the year 2017, which helped in quickening the gross fixed capital development in the following years (Borio et al., 2017).

The general customer certainty expanded in the economy alongside the well-being of the money-related organizations of the economy. In any case, it was assessed that in this period the pay levels in the economy were low, and thusly the purchasers in the economy saw value pressures.

The value pressures and the low pay development prompted a frail gross domestic product development pace of the Australian economy; the gross domestic product development pace of the Australian economy dropped again to 2.4% in the year 2017 (Pham et al., 2017).

Challenges Australia Faces with Future Growth

One of the main challenges that the Australian economy is managing is that the family unit utilization in the economy has diminished and the sparing proportion per family has expanded. The decrease in the interest levels in the market is adversely affecting the gainfulness of the associations, which further has a negative relationship with the general monetary development of Australia (Dungey et al., 2016). Taking a gander at the present interest levels in the economy the organizations are feeling beneficiary to put resources into the economy, which really decreases the remote direct interests in the economy. In light of this test, the legislature has chosen to pick monetary combination so as to additionally fortify the money-related establishments of the economy. The improvement in the budgetary organizations of the economy will help in expanding the trust of the shoppers in the economy, which will in the long run help in expanding the pace of utilization and use by the clients in the market (Greasley et al., 2017). Another explanation of the low spending of the Australian family units is the low compensation development rates and the low per capita salary of the person. The low per capita pay decreases the buying intensity of the individuals living in the economy prompting delicate household spending in the Australian economy (Reid and Coiacetto, 2017). As indicated by the measurements, the family units have not seen any expansion in their per capita pay throughout the previous three years.

Another test that the Australian economy is managing powerless budgetary framework. It gets significant for the economy to chip away at its nature of money-related administrations and receive compelling prudential oversight. During the worldwide money-related emergency, the Australia economy saw a breakdown of a presumed insurance agency, which demonstrated that there is have to fabricate a solid budgetary administrative framework so as to viably keep up the obligation level of the economy and high venture rate by the business organizations. Careless conduct was seen from the financial structure of the Australian economy, which prompted numerous poor speculations and over the top obtaining in the economy (Fotis et al., 2017). In this way, the frail prudential administrative arrangement of the Australian economy is one of the significant difficulties saw by the Australian economy. Australia needs to reinforce its strategy design and embrace budgetary change process so as to guarantee sufficient obligation levels and proper venture level in the economy (Stanford et al., 2018). The supervisions over the financial activities can be expanded and loaning conduct can be checked so as to build the security of the money-related arrangement of the economy.

Another test that the Australian economy is managing is high extent of matured populace. This demonstrates the working populace is less in the economy so as to fulfill the developing need for wares in the market. Throughout the years, the profitability has additionally diminished in the Australian economy. Hence, so as to repay the accessibility of less working individuals in the economy it gets significant for the Australian economy to embrace innovation so as to expand the efficiency for satisfying the need levels in the market.

Conclusion

The development of the gross domestic product is generally considered as the most important indicator for assessing the country’s monetary status. The rate of real change in GDP is called monetary development and is the best indicator of the economy’s highs and lows. This paper examines the growth rate of Australia’s gross domestic product, primarily considering the various variables that caused the growth rate to fluctuate between 2006 and 2017.

References

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Essay on Is Australia a Capitalist Country

With increasing concentrations of the world’s population migrating to urban areas in recent years, the relationship between social and economic development has become one of utmost importance. A concept that has been concerned with the diminution of this is social polarization, a contemporary term that Woodward (1995) describes as the widening of the gap between specific groups of people in terms of their socioeconomic circumstances and opportunities. Within Australian cities and towns, this process is best exemplified through wealth inequality. Originating from pre-established social polarity and economic structures, wealth inequality stimulates conditions that directly impact these dimensions of Australia in ways that will persist until the consolidative government and public initiatives are implemented.

Causes of Wealth Polarisation in Australia

The conceptualization of wealth inequality in Australia is established within the interdependence of the social and economic dimensions, attributable to the working class and income polarization. Igudia et al. (2016) believe that urban centers experience dualism whereby two distinct workplaces known as the formal sector and informal sector coexist, a statement which is expounded by Hamnett (1996) who expresses that cities are increasingly being distributed into a highly skilled/income upper stratum (formal sector) and a growing low skilled/income stratum (informal sector). The increasing growth within the subordinate position of this polarization can be recognized as being appealing to vulnerable individuals such as low-skilled manual or migrant workers unable to obtain more desirable, higher-quality jobs in the formal sector (Song et al. 2016). An estimate published in 2017 found that out of the 3 billion workers worldwide, the scale of employment in the informal sector amounts to as much as 1.8 billion workers (Ghecham 2017); while Bajada (2008) estimates that the informal sector creates an informal economy that is equivalent to approximately 15% of Australia’s US$1.053 trillion GDP.

An understanding of income inequality can be gained from the knowledge of each sector, as it can be understood that workers in the informal sector are very likely to have low incomes compared to those in the formal sector. To substantiate this claim, the Australian Bureau of Statistics released data in 2018 that indicated that individuals in the top 20% of the income distribution receive 47.5% of all pre-tax and transfer income while individuals in the bottom 20% of the distribution accounted for a mere 3.6% of total income before taxes and government income transfers (Australian Council of Trade Unions 2019). From this, the capitalist system within Australia further encourages the polarization of wealth inequality.

The inextricable link between Western societies and capitalism has been argued to deepen the duality of wealth distribution in several countries. The Australian Council of Trade Unions (2019) found that Australian labor has increased dramatically over the past 27 years, yet only the corporate elites have benefited through increased executive salaries and bonuses while average incomes have remained relatively unchanged. Karl Marx concluded that there is capital accumulation for the capitalist class, yet commodified labor, limited wages, and hard social conditions for workers and the dispossessed – thus increasing inequalities (Franzini & Piant 2011). Through these perspectives, it is evident that capitalism enables contemporary wealth polarization and exemplifies the aphorism that the rich get richer and the poor get poorer. Formal recognition of the problem of inequality and its economic origins was discussed by Christine Lagarde, the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, as she said ‘Excessive inequality makes capitalism less inclusive… It hinders people from participating fully and developing their potential… The disparity also brings division. The principles of solidarity and reciprocity that bind societies together are more likely to erode in excessively unequal societies’ (Commonwealth of Australia 2014). Despite the aforementioned corroborating arguments, Joseph (2018) proposes the concept that capitalism is used as a scapegoat for the moral shortcomings of governments, regulators, and individuals regarding wealth inequality.

Impacts of Wealth Polarization within Australia

The primary impact of wealth polarization within Australia’s urbanized cities and towns can be physically demonstrated through spatial disadvantage. This is a further socially polarizing process as the increasing inequality is expressed and exemplified in the geography of human settlements (Pawson et al. 2015). Expanding on this, Kawachi (2002) presents the rationality that the connection between wealth/income inequality and spatial disadvantage is undoubtedly casual, as wealthy individuals relocate to affluent areas and thus displace those of lower wealth. It has been discovered by Daley et al. (2017) that the average income and wealth per person is higher closer to the state capital, while the disadvantaged populations of Australia’s cities are substantially clustered into suburbs predominantly located in middle and outer metropolitan areas (Kawachi 2002). This information, Burke & Hulse (2015) state that inner-city spatial disadvantage has been greatly reduced since the 1960s due to gentrification. The choropleth map of South East Queensland featured in Figure One accurately visualizes the abovementioned statement by Daley et al. (2017), whereas the following claim is shown to be. While this impact of wealth inequality can be materialized, the economic and political dimensions have to be assessed through other means.

An additional impact of wealth polarization in Australia is the threat of political instability. In a 1993 report by Alesina & Perotti, it was determined that the presence of a wealthy middle class enhances political stability –yet the shift away from an egg-shaped distribution of wealth to awards a distribution where the bottom and top ends are growing highlights the instability (Hamnett 1996). Further, it has been demonstrated that greater levels of wealth polarization critically depress political interest and participation in all individuals apart from affluent citizens, thus providing evidence that wealth polarization yields great impacts within the Australian nation (Solt 2008). A paper published by The Centre for Independent Studies presented the concept that millennials within Australia are becoming increasingly sympathetic to alternative systems to capitalism such as socialism (Joseph 2018), further accentuating the political instability faced by contemporary society.  

Essay on Australia Vs South Africa

South Africa is the second largest economy in Africa. Its people have a higher living standard and its economy is relatively stable compared with other African countries. South Africa has a vast territory and a developed transportation industry, which means that the demand for vehicles is large. However, South Africa has almost no auto brand of its own, which gives some Chinese auto companies a chance to see.

BAIC, a Chinese automobile manufacturer, after being put into operation in 2018, has become the largest one-time investment automobile factory in South Africa. BAIC’s chairman said the plant has created 1500 jobs for South Africa in the first phase and expects to create another 2500 after the project is finally completed. Seems like BAIC developed so well at the beginning.

However, in Australia, which is also a commonwealth country on the other side of the ocean, something remarkable has happened. Toyota stopped manufacturing cars and engines in Australia at the end of 2017, which is not the first car company to stop production in Australia. Many additional car companies have successively terminated their local automobile manufacturing businesses. Toyota’s output in Australia has been declining for nearly a decade, with 200000 in 2012 and 400000 in 2004. Toyota is such a big company that its cars are so popular all over the world, so it is hard to believe that even Toyota will be forced to stop production. We can’t help but wonder whether foreign auto companies in South Africa, such as BAIC, will encounter the same dilemma.

Economies of Scale refer to the cost advantage experienced by a firm when it increases its level of output. The advantage arises due to the inverse relationship between per-unit fixed cost and the quantity produced. The greater the quantity of output produced, the lower the per-unit fixed cost. Many factors can make enterprises achieve economies of scale, such as better use of fixed capacity, technical development, financial advantages, and specialization. But in my opinion, to achieve economies of scale, two things are crucial: low enough costs and large enough production scale. Australia’s economic environment and market demand have not allowed Toyota to achieve economies of scale. Will BAIC do better in South Africa?

It is reported that the main reasons for Toyota’s suspension in Australia are as follows: Firstly, the Aussie dollar is too strong. In 2017, the yen was 82 to 1 against the Australian dollar, which is not a good thing for Japanese enterprises like Toyota. In Australia, all initial investments, including plant construction, staff wages, raw material purchases, and other expenses, are settled in Australian dollars. Such a high exchange rate of the Australian dollar will undoubtedly increase the production cost. Secondly, labor costs in Australia are too high.

As we all know, Australia is a developed country with good social welfare, which means a high salary level. In 2017, Australia’s average salary was $80000, far higher than that of other big automakers such as China. As a result, because of the high cost, Toyota has no way to achieve the objective production scale and finally has to stop production. However, the South African market is so different from Australia that I don’t think the above two reasons will hinder BAIC’s development. First of all, the South African Rand’s exchange rate against RMB is very low, only 1 to 0.4. In recent years, the exchange rate has continued to decline, which is undoubtedly good news for Chinese auto companies like BAIC. Secondly, the labor cost in South Africa is also very low. The average monthly salary of South African workers is only 6400 Rand (about 400 dollars), while the salary of Chinese workers in the same period has more than doubled, which means that the firms can employ the same number of workers only by paying less than half of China’s wages. In short, the economic environment of South Africa can provide a very significant advantage, which helps BAIC to achieve economies of scale: much lower input price. On the other hand, in terms of market demand, South Africa can also make it easier for car companies to achieve economies of scale. The survey shows that the consumption of new cars in the Australian domestic market is declining. With the increase in population density in Australia’s big cities, more and more people choose public transportation or bicycle travel. In addition, the cars produced in Australia can only be sold in Australia. Because of Australia’s unique geographical location, it is very expensive to transport cars to countries other than New Zealand. These factors led to Australia’s automobile market demand not meeting the conditions for Toyota to reach scale economy. However, the car market in South Africa is considerable. And in recent years, there has been quite good growth. South Africa’s total auto revenue reached $38.1 billion in 2018, compared with $37.57 billion in 2017. Not only that, South Africa also has significant advantages in geographical location. South Africa borders many countries, which provides great convenience for automobile export. Cars produced in South Africa can be easily exported to other countries in Africa. In 2018, the export volume of automobile products was US $13.52 billion, equivalent to 14.3% of South Africa’s total exports. As the largest manufacturing sector in the country’s economy, South Africa’s manufacturing sector accounted for 29.9% of its manufacturing output in 2018.

The huge market demand and the convenience of export have brought great dividends to the automobile industry in South Africa, which undoubtedly provides excellent conditions for the formation of a scale economy.

Finally, if you want to know more about the production efficiency of South Africa’s automobile industry, I would like to introduce a measurement method called two-stage DEA.

As we mentioned earlier, the cost of car production in South Africa is already very low. If car companies want to maximize profits, they should increase profits rather than reduce costs, so we are supposed to use the approach of output maximization. In the first phase, we are measuring the productivity of wages and investment, which is the effectiveness of transforming wages and investment to yield. In the second stage, we want to measure the transformation of products to revenue, which is the speed of cost recovery and the profit created by the cars that have been produced. By using this method, we can have a more intuitive understanding of the production efficiency of the automobile industry in South Africa.

That’s everything, thanks for your reading!

Persuasive Essay on the Issues of Gun Violence in the USA

Today, I am going to present to you, my persuasive oral presentation on gun violence.

In my oral presentation, I am going to explain what is gun violence. I will tell you the main reason why there are so many gun deaths in America. I will include why we must prevent gun violence. In the end, I will show some of the solutions we have to prevent gun violence.

Imagine you are on your school holidays having a family trip to the beach, and you feel thirsty and you go down to the coffee shop.

Suddenly bang! You hear this loud unusual sound, followed by people screaming, shouting, crying. With confusion and fear, you pick up your little brother while you are trying to figure out what is happening. A man shows up holding a shotgun in his hand. Bang! Without hesitation, he fires, and one by one people fall on the ground. Your dad is begging him to leave you and your brother alone. But the response he gets is a bullet through his head. As the cold-blooded killer walks towards you, you are terrified.

This is an imaginary scene from the biggest massacre in Australia’s history. On 28th of April 1996, a mass shooting killed 35 people, wounded 23 in Port Arthur, Tasmania. The nation was in shock. How could this happen in Australia? After a lot of political debate, the Prime Minister John Howard rallied all the states and territories to propose stricter gun laws. For the first time in Australia’s history, the government announced a gun buyback scheme. There was a lot of criticism from many farmers but the National Party leader Tim Fischer pushed ahead and supported Howard’s scheme. In just two weeks after the massacre Parliament passed the buyback scheme and announced stricter gun laws.

As we can see on the graph here, the total number of firearm deaths in Australia have dropped dramatically since 1996. Australia’s strict gun policy is often to use as an example of success on gun control in other countries. So If our policy has been so effective, why haven’t others followed? Think about it. If you are the leader of a country would you like to see your citizens suffering from gun violence? The answer is obvious, but there is always an obstacle we have to confront and that is gun culture. For example, America is infamous for its right to bear arms.

We can see on the left-hand side of this graph, there are an estimated 900 million civilian-held firearms around the globe. Most of those guns are in the United States. When we adjust for population size, which is the graph on the right-hand side, it also has the most guns per capita. With this many, it is no wonder that the US has a lot more firearm violence compared to other countries.

The reason why they have so many guns in the US is that they have this cultural and legal concept – the second amendment – which is ok for self-defence. But perhaps this law makes it too easy for people to buy guns and use them for the wrong reasons. Gang culture and more recently political extremists can easily buy a gun from a supermarket – just like Costco which we have in Canberra. I think Australia’s strict controls helps stop these kind of people from doing us harm with guns. The only people who seem to get guns here are criminals anyway. Not, for example, a college teenager like they can in Texas.

Imagine if Australia has this problem – in just one day in the US 21 children and teens are shot, four die and two are murdered. I can’t stop thinking about there is someone out there who is probably the same age as us – this is an age when all we should worry about is homework, relationships or any normal teen problems. It’s definitely not the age we should be worrying about school shootings, gun violence and dying from gunshots. Well see, here’s the thing, it doesn’t have to be like that, like worrying about their lives every day, and for all the students and teachers out there, you can stop this from happening. Because every gun-related death is a preventable death. They are not random accidents. You can never say, this will not happen to me.

Just before our exam week last semester, a man armed with a firearm broke into a house and demanded money in Holt, which only four kilometres away from Hawker. Luckily the guy didn’t fire his gun and the male victim was only left with small injuries on his face. But what if the robber fired the gun and killed the victim? Think about it. Now, do you still believe gun violence will not happen to you? Do you still feel safe? How many of you have been to the Charnwood shops? Yeah, ok for some of you don’t know where it is, it is at the top of the map, circled by the red marker. On Sunday, September 29th, two men, armed with a double-barrelled shotgun and a machete, went into a takeaway shop about 8 pm. They demanded money and threatened the staff, two shots were fired. Again, it was fortunate no one had been killed. We always hear these things happening somewhere else, but when it happens right in our neighbourhood, it is very shocking.

Gun violence like all violence is indiscriminate. It is a problem we all risk, a problem we all share and a problem we can all do something to stop. Taking action to stop gun violence can take time and there are different forms you can choose. For some people, they choose the form of fighting for the policy or political change and that won’t be easy. It could be long and frustrating, and sometimes it would have a negative effect to make the issue become more extreme. But it is not our only option, there is always something that we can do. Small but meaningful actions can change a lot. Let’s say we take five minutes, have a conversation with your parents at the dinner table about gun violence prevention. If you have one hour, post your discussion with your friends on social media. If you have one day, you could try and raise money through charities or crowd funding to support victims of gun violence or their families. But if we do nothing, we will become one of the “silent groups”. I’m talking about the solutions we can all do in our own homes and schools to ensure that the people that are suffering from gun violence get the help they need, to ensure that those who are crying out for help on social media are

Properly taking care, to ensure that our parent has raised enough concerns about gun prevention. You might be thinking, why I’m talking about guns in Australia, but as I revealed earlier. We have had two gun incidents in our area in just three days. There has been a huge increase in ICE addiction in Australia in recent years which is fuelling gun crime. Therefore I think it’s time to remember to act now to prevent more gun crime as people seem to have forgotten the Port Arthur massacre. There are so many actions that we can take to protect our lives and each other from preventable gun violence, and that is why I need you to think about this.

One of the simplest things we can do is look out for each other through a police sponsored Neighbourhood Watch program which has been successful for many decades. To know that the change we wish to see begins with us and we can all take action to protect our families and the people we love from gun violence.

Here is the list of persuasive strategies I use in my speech.

The principles of persuasion I have mentioned are ethos logos and pathos. For example the use of ethos are commonly used in Anne Hathaway speech about the national women’s day, she makes sure the audience knows that she is trustworthy, through appropriate appearance, effective delivery and a high quality of arguments. In my speech I have often used ‘group of three’ and ‘repetition’ to achieve effective delivery.

Secondly I use logos, which is the use of evidence such as facts and statistics for example the graph and the numbers I have on the slides to make the audience have more information to support my arguments and I also share a few stories about gun violence to give a logical reasoning on my speech.

Finally comes to the emotional appeals which is pathos, I use some shocking pictures such as the “gun buyback scheme” “The bullet holes in the chanwood shop” and I also use emotive language for example to create an emotional connection with the audience in order to help that information I give, to hit close to the heart of the audience.

Independent Broad-Based Anti-Corruption Commission and Its Role in Fighting Corruption in Victoria Police

Victorian police have immense discretionary powers and are considered the most authoritative agents of social control in Australia. With the most dominant power comes great responsibility towards a proper performance for the safety and duty for the community. Police accountability must be reviewed when the understanding of issues is raised in society due to police powers being abused. Issues connected can entail ethics and integrity, ensuring police actions are steered by a professional code of conduct.

To ensure a steady and dependable police force is achieved and that high principles of action occur the result must be conducted by all police officers in Victoria. When such behavior is neglected in Victoria, the Independent Broad-Based Anti-Corruption Commission (IBAC) is at the helm of disclosing police misconduct and public sector corruption. This essay will discourse the representation of IBAC as a check and balance on police powers in Victoria. The advantages and drawbacks of IBAC managing complaints against police and the overall influence and impact IBAC have on community reliance and expectation.

The Role of the Independent Broad-Based Anti-Corruption Commission as a ‘Check and Balance’ of Police Powers

The concept to an equal and unprejudiced government ensures functional and appropriate measures are in place for the greatest outcome. When such influence and capability is wrongly established a check and balance on police powers are uncovered. When police corruption and any sought of serious misconduct occurs, it should be made to be detected, investigated and prevented for future incidents.

IBAC is Victoria’s anti-corruption agency that receives complaints and notifications of public sector corruption and police misconduct. IBAC assures that it investigates and exposes serious corruption and police misconduct, informs the public sector, police and the community about risks and impacts of corruption and police misconduct, and ways it can be prevented. IBAC claims that over the next three years they endure and deemed some strategic goals that can improve IBAC as a check and balance for Victoria’s police. The goals include investigating and exposing corrupt conduct and police misconduct, preventing and informing, building an organization and ensuring accountability and independence. Through the use of such strategies individuals that have been condoned to such unjust actions from authoritative members are able to achieve a well-deserved outcome and that matters are brought to some justice.

When investigations come to a complete, IBAC decides whether or not corruption has occurred. If there is evidence of corruption or police misconduct IBAC can only do so much in bringing justice to the victim involved in such cowardly acts. After investigation, IBAC may bring criminal proceedings for an offence relating to any matter arising out of the investigation, refer any matter under investigation to the Office of Public Prosecutions, make recommendations about matters arising out of the investigation to the relevant principal officer of a body, the responsible minister, or the premier, and request a response and publish public reports and produce key risk and prevention resources. IBAC’s role in investigating and exposing Victoria’s police officers and empowering a check and balance occurs on police functions may improve only through regular and expanded repercussions of such violation to the community.

The Way in Which the Independent Broad-Based Anti-Corruption Commission Deal with Complaints Against Victorian Police

For adequate and ethical police accountability and regulation to be uncovered it should be done with correct measures. IBAC allows anyone to make complaints or provide any details on the public sector corruption and police misconduct in Victoria. Reporting corruption to IBAC exposes corrupt activities and risks that may otherwise remain hidden, provide assurances that dishonest practices are disrupted and stopped, ensure that public sector employees act in the public interest and identify corruption trends, issues and potential risks.

If individuals in the community believe they have been a victim of any sought of public sector corruption they are able to make complaints to IBAC that must be done through an online form. Services are provided and extend to individuals who are deaf, hearing or speech impaired and those who rely on an interpreter or translation if needed. This allowed the extension to the wider community, therefore, permitting the more vulnerable to have any unfair actions dealt with through IBAC. Not only does IBAC receive complaints from the public but can receive corruption from agencies around Victoria this including Victoria Police.

In 2015, during the month of March, IBAC received CCTV footage from Victoria Police displaying the alleged mistreatment of women in custody whilst in cells of the Ballarat Police Station. The footage was from January 2015, of a woman who had been arrested for public drunkenness, later to be discovered she was a serving police officers but was on leave for medical reasons. With this allegation and the seriousness of this incident, IBAC commenced Operation Ross. The incident includes the excessive use of force against other individuals at the Ballarat Police Station. The CCTV footage of the former police officer named Yvonne Berry can be seen being kicked and stood-on by officers, as she laid face down and half-naked on the floor of a cell. In Ballarat, a public inquiry was held earlier to determine if excessive force was used and if any human rights were violated. In a report tabled to the Victorian Parliament, IBAC acknowledged front-line policing was extremely challenging but ultimately made damning findings against the force’s Ballarat branch. The IBAC report recommended Victoria Police consider whether charges should be brought against the officers involved. The anti-corruption watchdog found the complaints were evidence of ‘systemic’ issues at the Ballarat police station, including the excessive use of force and questionable treatment of vulnerable people.

Overall Impacts and Issues Surrounded by the Independent Broad-Based Anti-Corruption Commission

When dealing with corruption and the misuse of leadership abilities, IBAC can demonstrate both aspects of positive and negative influence. IBAC can prosecute certain offences or refer matters to the Office of Public Prosecutions. However, they cannot decide if a person is innocent or guilty and determine entitlements and liabilities. If there are no findings of corruption or police misconduct IBAC will recommend preventative action where systemic issues and organizational corruption risks are identified (6-same as another one). This can have an impact on the community coming forward with any corruption as they may feel as nothing will be done.

Through police officers’ wrongdoings, it can lead and impact many other society backlashes. When corruption occurs in Victorian communities the ramifications are major impacting almost everyone. Corruption can result in loss of goods and services, wasted taxpayer funds and overall lower community safety, confidence and acceptance of public authorities.

When looking at IBAC which entails Victoria’s investigation into police corruption and misuse of powers. With this comparison to the New South Wales Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), which aims to not only protect but to prevent breaches of public trust and guide the conduct of public officials. ICAC has broader powers and may direct public inquiries, they have research to be able to identify in advance specific areas of any further corruption. ICAC also works to advance and deems to acknowledge to minimize corruption through good repute of public administration by providing advice, information, resources and training to public sector organizations to potential heal corruption problems. This acknowledges the communities understanding of police powers abused and improving societies knowingness. Whereas IBAC forces on only engagement, reporting and alerting to prevent corruption.

In incidents where IBAC could not aid and advocate police brutality due to problems and incidents according to insufficient evidence that was outside of IBACs finding of a case. Which was present in Nassir Bare’s allegations of police misconduct. In 2009 the Ethiopian male migrant said during his arrest he was racially profiled and brutally kicked at his legs from under him, had his head pushed into the ground numerous times and was sprayed with capsicum foam in Williamstown. Mr. Bare told the court he was pulled over in his car by police officers and alleged that the officers made the racial comment of “You, black people, think you can come to this country and steal cars”. The matter was inspected by Victoria’s anti-corruption watchdog after Mr. Bare won the appeal against the Supreme Court’s conclusion that ruled out the former Office of Police Integrity (OPI) was not required to involved to follow up the complaint. Through investigation, IBAC found that Mr. Bare’s accusations were unsubstantiated. This due to the delay of six years between the occurrence and the research, causing a range of unnecessary issues for the investigation to be continued at.

Conclusion

Victoria’s law enforcement is the frontline to ensure the safety of the community. When these aspects of power are misused and mistreated towards any individual, Victoria’s anti-corruption watchdog can investigate. Being able to understand both the good and bad aspects of IBAC allows for further development and knowledge for any future incidents. IBAC’s role in providing closure and justice to those who have been a victim of police brutality can be shown at the Ballarat Police Station. This unfair act of multiple women complaining of mistreatment whilst in custody acknowledges that not only Australia, but Victoria as a state has a few unseen cracks in the justice system and individuals with authoritative powers are the ones to blame. However, when mistreatment occurs, IBAC can also further develop. This could be providing both the victim and the general public to a deeper understanding of the situation through such things as supplying training and further resources for those that condone corruption for the Victorian police force.

The Conflict with Law in The Outsiders

S.E Hinton’s classic novel ‘The Outsiders’ is a universal and timeless narrative set in Tulsa, Oklahoma in 1965. The story revolves around two rival gangs that go by the names of the Socs and the Greasers that hold a long standing grudge due to their difference in wealth, status and living proximity. The protagonist of the narrative, Ponyboy Curtis, is caught up in the conflict between the mutual hatred of these two groups. Upon closer inspection, it can be argued that the events in ‘The Outsiders’ would be remarkably different if they were played out in modern Australian society. The laws and technology of a contemporary world would result in Ponyboy Curtis and the Greasers being immediately arrested due to the petty crimes they committed. To complement this, the pace of police work would allow for the committed crimes to be readily solved. Furthermore, modern laws would’ve prevented Ponyboy Curtis from living with his older brother Darry as he would have been placed in a foster home.

Firstly, laws and technological advances in current day Australia would result in the Greasers being immediately arrested. An example of this includes Darry’s switchblade; they are illegal in modern Australia. The plethora of cameras would’ve caught the gang and send them to court with an abundance of evidence to send them to jail. Another example of the laws and technology today would’ve affected the outcomes of the novel is that the Greasers walk on the streets smoking, scrapping Soc’s and acting all round sketchy. The security cameras would’ve picked this up straight away andor the local policeman would have been on patrol and would’ve been armed and ready to arrest them. As discussed, the laws and technological advances in present-day Australia would result in the Greasers being arrested immediately and most likely been sent to jail.

Secondly, the pace of police work in modern day society would allow for the committed crimes to be readily solved. In the section of the novel where Johnny Cade killed Bob, Johnny and Ponyboy ran away to a church which on the way they met up with Darry who supplied them with a firearm. The police detective work would’ve solved the crime very quickly as they could use modern technology and witnesses to find the two. This means the pace of police work in contemporary Australia would allow for the committed crimes to be hastily solved. And finally, Modern laws prevent Ponyboy Curtis from living with his older brother Darry as he would have been placed in a foster home. This would’ve completely changed the novel because if Darry didn’t look after Ponyboy, multiple events would’ve been different or not happen at all. This demonstrates that Modern laws would prevent Ponyboy Curtis from living in the same house with his older brother.

The prototypical novel ‘The Outsiders’ by S.E. Hinton is a unique and eternal story based in Tulsa, Oklahoma in 1965. The narrative focuses around two warring groups named the Soc’s and Greasers who carry a lengthy lasting loathe because of their differences in riches, position and living vicinity. It was explained that laws and technological advances in current day Australia would result in the Greasers being immediately arrested. An example of this is Darry’s switchblade, the smoking and scrapping Socs would’ve been caught by the plethora of cameras resulting in the Greasers being arrested immediately. It was also conferred that the rate of police work in a current culture would make it much easier for the offenses undertaken to be resolved. And finally, Modern legislation prevents Ponyboy Curtis from staying with his elderly sibling, Darry, as he would have been deposited in a foster home. This proves that most events in the novel would have played out differently in contemporary Australia.