New study to shine a light on workplace discrimination against First Nations people

The study by Diversity Council Australia (DCA) and the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) Jumbunna Centre for Indigenous Education and Research is designed to map out the improvements required to create workplaces free of racism, discrimination and bias.

The work, which is being funded by the NAB Foundation, is a follow-up to 2020's groundbreaking Gari Yala report.

The original Gari Yala report, whose title means “speak the truth” in the Wiradjuri language, revealed racism and a lack of cultural safety experienced by Indigenous people in Australian workplaces.

It is hoped the First Nations-led research, which will include a survey of more than 1,000 employees, will reveal more about the experiences of Indigenous Australians at work and provide recommendations to create workplaces where Indigenous people can thrive.

The study, which be overseen by an Indigenous expert panel, will be conducted by the professor of Indigenous policy at the Jumbunna Institute, Nareen Young, who is also the associate dean at UTS Business School, along with Jumbunna researcher Josh Gilbert and Australian National University Indigenous postdoctoral research fellow Dr Olivia Evans.

Jumbunna research director Professor Lindon Coombes said the report would provide a crucial contribution to the national conversation on employment for Indigenous people.

“Our Indigenous research methodology means we’re able to provide a First Nations perspective on issues that affect our communities.

“As an Indigenous-led research body with strong connections to community, the Jumbunna Institute is enabling Indigenous workers to speak up about their experiences in the workplace."

DCA CEO Lisa Annese said it was more important than ever to truly listen to First Nations voices.

“In light of last year’s disappointing referendum result, and with DCA research showing worsening workplace discrimination toward First Nations people, we must intensify efforts towards reconciliation,” said Ms Annese.

She described the inaugural Gari Yala report as the first of its kind, saying it had changed the conversation about how First Nations people are treated at work and paved the way for a more thoughtful and considered approach to making workplaces safer and more inclusive.

“DCA takes immense pride in once again joining forces with the Jumbunna Institute and UTS Business School on the second iteration of this crucial research and beginning the next chapter of Gari Yala.”

The new research project will kick-off in August with the second Gari Yala report scheduled to be delivered in 2025.

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