In a recent parliamentary debate, Northern Territory’s Multicultural Affairs Minister Jinson Charls stirred controversy by linking Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution to discussions on race. The speech followed an introduction of a motion by Independent MLA Yingiya Guyula. He called on the government to end racism by fully implementing the Aboriginal Justice Agreement and the National Anti-Racism Framework. Charls’ remarks prompted an instant firestorm response from elected officials and advocates. Their responses were correct in asking what his comments could mean for all of us.
Charls referenced Darwin’s 1859 work, “On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection, or the Preservation of Favoured Races in the Struggle for Life,” as part of his argument. His statements made a worrisome link between Darwin’s theory and today’s topics of race, which drew fierce backlash. Jeswynn Yogaratnam, the NT Anti-Discrimination Commissioner, reacted as you might expect. She added that if you’re using Darwin’s theory to inform your anti-racism efforts, you’re doing it all wrong.
Critics Respond to Charls’ Comments
Following Charls’ speech, Justine Davis, an Independent MLA, expressed her dismay at the minister’s remarks, highlighting the historical misuse of Darwin’s ideas. She stated, “It is well-documented that Darwin’s theory was used to justify atrocities committed against Aboriginal people here in Australia, and informed incredibly harmful government policies such as the Stolen Generation.” Davis stressed that using Darwin’s theory in this way discredits more authentic attempts to fight racism.
Yogaratnam voiced her concerns, noting that “when we look at the context of who is the fittest, it’s always the person with power and privilege.” She highlighted how racism is at its core a social/moral failure not a scientific one. The commissioner further criticized Charls’ approach, arguing that “that’s not what we should be achieving by using the theory of evolution.”
This dramatic episode has sparked a renewed debate about how the presentation of historical narratives can vector into today’s racial inequities. Critics argue that referencing Darwin’s work in discussions of race risks perpetuating harmful ideologies rather than fostering understanding and reconciliation.
Controversial References in Speech
On the inflammatory side, the speech included a quote from Joseph Goebbels, delivered by Jinson Charls. He remarked, “There is an old saying — tell a lie often enough and it becomes the truth,” before clarifying that his intent was to illustrate a method used by Goebbels as a propaganda architect during dark times in history. This reference drew significant ire from Davis, who stated, “The casual invocation of one of history’s most notorious figures, responsible for enabling genocide, is not only inappropriate; it is offensive to multicultural communities, Holocaust survivors, and all Australians who value respectful discourse and historical truth.”
Charls defended his remarks by stating, “I do not support racism in any form,” while asserting his commitment to challenging discrimination whenever it arises. As he noted, much of his debate content is now preserved in Hansard. He urged all of us to read them for ourselves.
Political Repercussions
Ironically, the fallout from Charls’ comments has now called into question his fitness for the multicultural affairs portfolio. Justine Davis explained that his remarks cast serious doubt on his fitness for the position. She stressed the importance of having a leader in this role demonstrate a profound understanding of cultural sensibilities.
In response to the outcry, Yingiya Guyula reiterated the importance of the motion aimed at eradicating racism through comprehensive frameworks. He urged the importance of conversations to foster equity and understanding. Lastly, he warned against resurrecting villains of our past who were associated with oppression.
As this debate continues, a lot of community leaders and political leaders are calling for bigger conversations about race and discrimination. They stress the need to steer clear of controversial mentions. The incident serves as a reminder of the need for sensitivity when addressing complex social issues while ensuring that historical context informs contemporary discussions.
