Water colonialism and Indigenous water justice in south-eastern Australia

Political theorists argue that justice for cultural groups must account for socioeconomic distribution, political representation and cultural recognition. Combining this tripartite justice framework with settler colonial theory, we analyse novel data sets relating to Aboriginal peoples' water experiences in south-eastern Australia. We construe persistent injustices as 'water colonialism', showing that the development of Australia's water resources has so far delivered little economic benefit to Aboriginal peoples, who remain marginalized from decision-making. We argue that justice theories need to encompass a fourth dimension - the vitally important socio-ecological realm - if they are to serve as conceptual resources for advancing Indigenous peoples' rights and needs.

Automated summary

Political theorists argue that justice for cultural groups must consider socioeconomic distribution, political representation and cultural recognition. By combining this tripartite justice framework with settler colonial theory, the paper analyzes novel data sets on Aboriginal peoples' water experiences in south-eastern Australia, revealing the concept of 'water colonialism' and the need to include a fourth dimension - the socio-ecological realm - in justice theories for advancing Indigenous peoples' rights and needs.