In 2009, United Nations special rapporteur James Anaya visited Australia to compile a report on the treatment of indigenous peoples. Specifically, he analysed the extent to which the human rights of indigenous communities have been respected. On balance, the report praises the efforts made by the Australian government but also points to a number of areas where Aboriginal people are still placed at an unfair disadvantage. Following the report I will briefly summarise just some of the historic and contemporary problems faced by indigenous communities in Australia.