Question

Review the information in the chart concerning populations in Australia and answer the question.

Aboriginal Australians Non-indigenous Australians
Life Expectancy approximately 73.6 years approximately 81.8 years
Education 42% completed education beyond high school 72% completed education beyond high school
Employment 19% unemployment rate 5% unemployment rate
What is the most likely reason for the differences illustrated in the chart?

A.
Nearly all Aboriginal people live in remote parts of Australia where access to health and education services is limited.

B.
Aboriginal peoples do not have the right to vote in Australia and government programs tend to favor other populations.

C.
The religious beliefs of Aboriginal peoples prevent the population from using modern technologies.

D.
Discrimination against Aboriginal peoples has historically limited their access to government services.

Answer 1

Answer: D

Historical and ongoing discrimination (colonial dispossession, forced removals, unequal access to services and opportunities) has produced poorer health, education and employment outcomes for Aboriginal Australians. Options A–C are incorrect: it’s false that nearly all live in remote areas, Aboriginal people do have voting rights, and their beliefs do not prevent use of modern technology.