Will Australia Ever Have a Black Prime Minister? (ATOM Study Guide)

SYNOPSIS

Australia prides itself on being a diverse, multicultural nation. But is this really the land of the fair go? Will Australia Ever Have a Black Prime Minister? analyses previous Prime Ministers' paths to our country's highest office and finds out what chance an Indigenous Australian born today has of one day becoming the leader of our nation.

Leading the first investigation of its kind, proud Nygina man, Mark Coles Smith, begins his journey by returning to his old primary school in Broome in Western Australia. Mark puts the big question to a group of Indigenous kids to find out what they think. He's inspired by their awareness of important social issues but realises they're not confident we'll get our first Indigenous leader anytime soon.

What follows is a trip across Australia, from impoverished remote communities to the halls of the country's most prestigious universities and the steps of Parliament itself. Along the way the film explores the educational, economic and social barriers standing in the way of a potential Indigenous candidate and offers a chance to meet inspirational individuals who are already on the path or helping others to close the gap. Confronting, fascinating and provocative, Will Australia Ever Have a Black Prime Minister? is agenda-setting documentary with the ability to provoke a deep discussion about equity, race, privilege and opportunity.

CURRICULUM LINKS

Will Australia Ever Have a Black Prime Minister? offers students the opportunity to:

• explore the nature of social justice and equity;

• consider the long term impact of colonisation on Indigenous Australians;

• discuss the status of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in modern day society;

• evaluate the importance of self-determination as well as government support and accountability with reference to Indigenous matters;

• explore the link between socioeconomic status and lifelong educational and professional outcomes

This study guide is suitable for secondary students at all year levels. It is best suited to the teaching of Humanities and Social Sciences, as well as English and Media, and supports the development of Australian Curriculum general capabilities: Personal and Social Capability, Ethical Understanding and Intercultural Understanding.