Multiculturalism and the 'Boat People'
Explore the emergence of multiculturalism and the challenges posed by the arrival of Vietnamese 'boat people'.
Key Questions
- Assess how the arrival of Vietnamese refugees tested Australia's new policy of multiculturalism.
- Compare the public and political responses to different waves of immigration.
- Predict the ongoing challenges of managing diverse immigration flows in a multicultural society.
ACARA Content Descriptions
About This Topic
Economic Reform: The Hawke-Keating Years examines the fundamental restructuring of the Australian economy during the 1980s and early 90s. This topic covers the 'floating' of the Australian dollar, the deregulation of the banking system, the reduction of tariffs, and the privatization of government assets. Students investigate how these 'neoliberal' reforms were intended to make Australia more competitive in a globalized world.
In the Year 12 Modern History curriculum, this is a vital study of how economic policy shapes society. It aligns with ACARA's focus on the impact of globalization and the role of leadership. A key focus is the 'Prices and Incomes Accord' between the government and the unions, which was a unique Australian approach to managing inflation and industrial relations during a period of radical change.
This topic comes alive when students can physically model the impact of economic shifts through a collaborative simulation of a global marketplace.
Active Learning Ideas
Simulation Game: The Floating of the Dollar
Divide the class into Australian exporters, importers, and international investors. Simulate a shift in the value of the dollar and have students react based on their role, discovering who 'wins' and 'loses' when a currency is no longer fixed by the government.
Inquiry Circle: The Accord
Groups analyze the 1983 Accord agreement between the Hawke government and the ACTU. They must identify what the unions gave up (wage restraint) and what they got in return (the 'social wage' like Medicare and superannuation), creating a 'balance sheet' of the deal.
Think-Pair-Share: The End of 'Fortress Australia'
Students read about the high tariff walls that protected Australian industry for decades. They work in pairs to discuss the pros and cons of removing these protections, sharing their insights on how this changed the Australian working class.
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
Common MisconceptionEconomic reform was only about 'making money'.
What to Teach Instead
The reforms were also about social stability and modernization. Peer discussion of the 'social wage' helps students understand that Hawke and Keating used economic growth to fund major social programs like Medicare and universal superannuation.
Common MisconceptionThe reforms were universally popular because they 'worked'.
What to Teach Instead
The transition was painful for many, leading to the decline of traditional manufacturing and high unemployment in some regions. A collaborative investigation into the 'recession we had to have' helps students see the human cost of rapid economic change.
Suggested Methodologies
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'floating the dollar' mean?
What was the 'Prices and Incomes Accord'?
Why did Australia reduce its tariffs in the 1980s?
How can active learning help students understand economic reform?
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