First Nations Workforce Making Gains – But Gaps Still Remain, Says New Report

18 Apr

A new report from Jobs and Skills Australia has provided a detailed snapshot of the current employment landscape for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples—revealing both significant gains and ongoing barriers. The First Nations People Workforce Analysis outlines a complex picture of post-COVID recovery, sector growth, and persistent regional inequality.

Edward Solien, founder of Indigenous Jobs Match, said the report confirms what many already know on the ground. “We’ve seen strong momentum, especially in public sector roles—but if we don’t address access to education and training in regional and remote communities, the gap will only widen,” he said.

A Stronger Recovery Than the General Population

According to the report, First Nations employment bounced back more rapidly following the pandemic compared to the general population. While many Australians were heavily impacted by downturns in hospitality and tourism, a growing number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people found secure work in public administration and project management.

Notably, the number of First Nations people working as Contract, Program, and Project Administrators grew by 42% from 2017 to 2022—far outpacing the 27% growth rate among non-Indigenous Australians in the same category (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2023).

“This shows the potential when we match the right people to the right roles, with the right support,” said Solien. “But it’s not just about job numbers—it’s about job quality, career pathways, and cultural safety in the workplace.”

Education the Key to Long-Term Progress

The report also highlights a critical challenge: educational attainment remains significantly lower among First Nations Australians, particularly in remote areas. This impacts not only employment prospects but also long-term economic participation and leadership representation across sectors.

“Education must be culturally responsive and community-led,” Solien added. “Otherwise, we’re just perpetuating a system that was never designed for us in the first place.”

While some progress has been made, the gap in Year 12 attainment and post-secondary qualifications remains stark, particularly for Indigenous people living in remote communities (AIHW, 2023).

New Index Aims to Shift the Narrative

In a promising move, the Australian First Nations Employment Index 2024 is underway, aiming to collect workforce data from employers across the country—representing approximately 10% of the national workforce (Social Research Centre, 2024).

The index focuses on identifying inclusive practices, amplifying Indigenous voices in the workplace, and benchmarking organisational progress on reconciliation.

“Too many employers tick a box without understanding the lived experience of our people,” said Solien. “This index is an opportunity to call that out—and lift the standard across the board.”

Looking Forward

The report calls for continued investment in targeted programs, localised training, and culturally safe pathways into employment—especially for young people.

Solien said Indigenous-led platforms like Indigenous Jobs Match play a critical role in connecting job seekers with employers who are serious about reconciliation.

“We’re not just helping people find jobs—we’re helping them find purpose, security, and dignity,” he said. “This report reinforces why our work matters, and why every employer needs to step up.”