How Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Workers Can Deal with Toxic Workplaces

Articles for Murris - Kooris - Islanders

2 July

Let’s be honest – many of us have experienced toxic workplaces. Sometimes we don’t even have the words for it. We just feel it – that heavy energy when we walk through the door, the gut-level anxiety before a shift, or the silence when we speak up about racism or exclusion.

For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workers, this reality hits harder. We’re often expected to tolerate microaggressions, carry cultural load, represent our mob, and keep quiet — all while doing our job.

I want you to know this: you are not overreacting. Toxic workplaces are real, and they’re dangerous — to our mental health, our physical health, and our spirit.

What Does a Toxic Workplace Look Like?

Toxic workplaces come in many forms. Sometimes it’s overt – like bullying, discrimination, or being left out of meetings. Other times, it’s more subtle – like constant micromanagement, being undermined, or having your cultural knowledge dismissed.

Common signs include:

High stress or burnout
Feeling isolated or excluded
Being punished for speaking up
Poor communication or constant conflict
No cultural safety or recognition of your identity

Studies show that culturally unsafe environments are one of the top reasons Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees leave their jobs early (Gari Yala Report, 2020).

Don’t Rely Solely on HR

A hard truth? HR isn’t always there to protect you.

In many organisations, HR exists to protect the business first. That means complaints might be dismissed, downplayed, or — worse — shared with the very people you’re reporting.

You’re not imagining it. Research backs it up: people from diverse backgrounds often report lack of trust in internal complaint systems (AHRC, 2023).

That doesn’t mean you have no power. It just means we need to be smart and strong — and move with strategy, not just emotion.

What You Can Do

Here’s how to take your power back:

1. Document Everything

Keep a record of what’s happened — emails, messages, dates, names, what was said. Use your own phone or device (not work systems).

2. Talk to Your Mob

Find someone who understands — a First Nations colleague, a mentor, or a community leader. If your workplace has an Indigenous staff network, reach out.

3. Get Outside Help

Speak to your union. Contact Fair Work or community legal centres if things escalate. You don’t have to handle it alone.

4. Protect Your Health

Toxic workplaces hurt your body and mind. Set boundaries. Take leave if you need to. Seek mental health support — it’s strong, not weak.

You Deserve Better

You were never meant to just “tough it out.” We deserve workplaces where we feel respected, safe, and culturally valued.

You don’t owe loyalty to an organisation that disrespects your spirit.

And if you need to walk away? Walk tall. That job doesn’t define your worth — you do.

Support Services You Can Reach Out To

Fair Work Ombudsman – Bullying & Harassment
https://www.fairwork.gov.au/employee-entitlements/bullying
Australian Human Rights Commission
https://humanrights.gov.au/our-work/discrimination-law
ATSILS – Legal support for mob
https://www.atsils.org.au/
13YARN – Crisis support line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
https://www.13yarn.org.au/
Safe Work Australia – Workplace bullying
https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/workplace-bullying
Beyond Blue – Workplace wellbeing
https://www.beyondblue.org.au/workplace