New NAB-backed research aims to detail the lived experiences of First Nations Australians at work and identify improvements needed to create workplaces free of racism, discrimination, and bias.
With funding from NAB Foundation, the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) Jumbunna Centre for Indigenous Education and Research/UTS Business School and Diversity Council Australia (DCA) will partner to deliver a second Gari Yala report in 2025.
The first Gari Yala report, published in 2020, revealed significant racism and lack of cultural safety experienced by Indigenous people in Australian workplaces.
“To speak the truth about the lived experience of Indigenous Australians at work is crucial to creating fair and equal workplaces that are working towards safety and are free from racism, discrimination and bias,” said Nareen Young, associate dean at UTS Business School.
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The upcoming research, commencing in August, will be led by Professor Young, Jumbunna Researcher Josh Gilbert, and ANU Indigenous Postdoctoral Research Fellow Olivia Evans.
It will focus on understanding the Indigenous wages gap, tracking the psychosocial impact of racism, and examining cultural and colonial impacts.
“We want to build on the findings of the first Gari Yala report and begin to understand the Indigenous wages gap,” Young said.
The project will utilise Indigenous research methodology and be overseen by an Indigenous expert panel.
Director of Jumbunna research, Professor Lindon Coombes, emphasised the importance of an Indigenous perspective.
“Our Indigenous research methodology means we’re able to provide a First Nations perspective on issues that affect our communities,” Coombes said.
The research will survey over 1,000 workers across Australian workplaces.
DCA CEO Lisa Annese highlighted the importance of listening to First Nations voices, especially after the recent referendum result.
“We must intensify efforts towards reconciliation,” Annese said. “The Gari Yala report changed the conversation around 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.”
NAB Foundation’s funding underscores its commitment to furthering the economic advancement of First Nations Australians.
“NAB has a key role to play in furthering the economic advancement of First Nations Australians,” said Sarah White (pictured above), NAB group executive people and culture. “We see this research as crucial to supporting First Nations thought leadership and promoting workplace inclusion.”
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