Education

RCIADIC Recommendations

Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody Recommendations

The Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody (RCIADIC) was established in 1989 following concern over the deaths of 99 Aboriginal people in police custody and prisons between 1 January 1980 and 31 May 1989.

When investigating each death, the Commission took into account the social impact of colonisation on the lives of Aboriginal people.

The Final Report of 1991 included recommendations that refer to media organisations and their treatment of Indigenous people and issues:

Recommendation 205:

All media organisations should be encouraged to develop codes and policies relating to the presentation of Aboriginal issues, the establishment of monitoring bodies, and the putting into place of training and employment programs for Aboriginal employees in all classifications.

Recommendation 206:

That the media industry and media unions be requested to consider the establishment of and support of an annual award or awards for excellence in Aboriginal affairs to be judged by a panel of media, union and Aboriginal representatives.

Recommendation 207:

That institutions providing journalism courses be requested to:

1. Ensure that courses contain a significant component relating to Aboriginal affairs thereby reflecting the social context in which journalists work;
2. Consider, in consultation with media industry and media unions, the creation of specific units of study dedicated to Aboriginal affairs and the reporting thereof.

Recommendation 208:

That, in view of the fact that many Aboriginal people throughout Australia express disappointment in the portrayal of Aboriginal people by the media, the media industry and media unions should encourage formal and informal contact with Aboriginal organisations, including Aboriginal media organisations where available. The purpose of such contact should be the creation of a better understanding, on all sides, of issues relating to media treatment of Aboriginal affairs.