The True Cause of Indigenous Disadvantage | Anthony Dillon

In this interview, John sits down with his good friend Anthony Dillon, an Indigenous academic and commentator. Anthony’s reflections on Indigenous affairs are particularly insightful as, in addition to his academic experience, he can offer the perspective of an Indigenous person who has both succeeded within modern Australia and is the son of Australia’s first Indigenous police officer, Colin Dillon.

Anthony argues that although there are residual negative effects from colonization, the immediate cause of current Indigenous disadvantage is Indigenous children being brought up in bad circumstances. Consequently, the only way to improve outcomes is through improving these conditions, which he argues should take precedence over the insistence on self-determination, which stems from identity politics.

The conversation also covers the upcoming voice referendum, Indigenous deaths in custody, fatherhood, and the need for law and order.

Anthony is a researcher at the Institute for Positive Psychology and Education at Australian Catholic University in Sydney. His research interests are positive psychology, conceptualization of mental health, wellbeing, and Indigenous education. He is active as a social commentator on Indigenous issues and is regularly asked for interviews and his opinion in the popular media. As a researcher, commentator, and practicing psychologist, he regularly provides guest lectures to psychology students at universities and other professional bodies on Indigenous psychology.

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Conversations feature John Anderson, former Deputy Prime Minister of Australia, interviewing the world's foremost thought leaders about today's pressing social, cultural and political issues.

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