Discrimination and Racism Are Real: The Urgent Case for Culturally Safe Workplaces for First Nations Peoples

In 2025, the reality remains stark: discrimination and racism continue to pervade Australian workplaces, particularly affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Despite national efforts to promote inclusivity, systemic barriers and cultural biases persist, hindering equitable employment opportunities.

The Prevalence of Workplace Discrimination

Recent data underscores the pervasive nature of workplace discrimination against Indigenous Australians:

• A 2023 report by Diversity Council Australia revealed that 59% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workers experienced discrimination and/or harassment in the workplace, marking a 9% increase since 2021.

• The Gari Yala (Speak the Truth) report found that 38% of Indigenous employees reported being treated unfairly due to their background, 44% heard racial slurs, and 59% experienced appearance-based racism.

• The Australian Bureau of Statistics reported that between 2018 and 2021, 64.6% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people experienced everyday discrimination.

Impact on Employment Opportunities

Discrimination has tangible effects on employment outcomes for Indigenous Australians:

• In 2021, the employment rate for First Nations people aged 15–64 was 52%, compared to 62% for non-Indigenous Australians. 

• The employment gap narrows with higher education; for those with a Bachelor degree or higher, the difference was just 0.6 percentage points. 

• However, systemic barriers, including racism and lack of cultural safety, continue to impede equal employment opportunities.

The Need for Cultural Safety and Inclusion

Creating culturally safe workplaces is essential for improving employment outcomes:

• Only 1 in 3 Indigenous employees reported having the necessary workplace support when experiencing racism. 

• A mere 1 in 5 worked in organisations with both a racism complaint procedure and anti-discrimination training that included Indigenous-specific content.

• The Australian Reconciliation Barometer found that 60% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander respondents agreed that Australia is a racist country, highlighting the broader societal context. 

Pathways to Change

Addressing discrimination requires concerted efforts:

• Implement Comprehensive Anti-Racism Policies: Organisations must develop and enforce policies that address both overt and covert racism.

• Cultural Competency Training: Regular training can help staff understand and respect Indigenous cultures, reducing unconscious biases.

• Support Structures: Establishing clear reporting mechanisms and support systems for those experiencing discrimination is crucial.

• Inclusive Recruitment Practices: Actively seeking and valuing Indigenous perspectives can enrich workplace diversity and innovation.

Discrimination and racism are not relics of the past; they are present challenges that demand immediate action. By acknowledging these issues and implementing targeted strategies, we can work towards a more equitable and inclusive workforce for all Australians.

We can help

At Indigenous Job Match, we know firsthand that racism and discrimination aren’t abstract issues—they’re daily barriers our people face when trying to secure and maintain employment.

That’s why we don’t just list jobs—we walk with organisations on the journey to becoming truly culturally safe. We support employers to:

• Review and co-design Culturally Safe Employment Policies

• Implement Reflect and Innovate Reconciliation Action Plans (RAPs)

• Facilitate Cultural Awareness and Safety Training

• Establish clear reporting pathways for racial harm

• Embed First Nations perspectives across leadership, HR, and operations

“We’re not interested in ticking boxes—we want systems change. Our mob deserve more than statements. We deserve action. If your organisation is ready to do the work, we’ll stand beside you every step of the way.” — Edward Solien, Founder of Indigenous Job Match

Let’s co-create workplaces where our mob don’t just survive—but thrive.