A new parliamentary inquiry into racism, hate, and violence directed at Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will include a focus on workplace racism, according to the Centre for Indigenous People and Work (CIPW) at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS). The inquiry was announced recently, with experts emphasizing the need to address this ongoing issue in Australian workplaces.
Professor Nareen Young, Director of the CIPW, expressed her support for the inquiry, stating that it serves as an essential mechanism to investigate the prevalence of workplace racism and offer recommendations for its elimination. “Our research has found that racism against First Nations people in the workplace remains stubbornly prevalent,” she noted.
The CIPW’s findings indicate that, at the current rate of progress, it could take an additional 118 years for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees to experience a workplace free of racial slurs and jokes. This stark projection underscores the importance of immediate action in addressing workplace discrimination.
For over a year, the CIPW, alongside Race Discrimination Commissioner Giridharan Sivaraman and the Australian Council of Trade Unions, has advocated for a parliamentary inquiry specifically targeting workplace racism. Professor Young described the inquiry as timely, given the significant number of workplace racism incidents documented in their research on the experiences of Indigenous individuals.
Leadership and Recommendations
The inquiry will be chaired by Senator Jana Stewart, a member of the Mutthi Mutthi and Wamba Wamba peoples. Professor Young commended Senator Stewart’s appointment, stating that it aligns with the CIPW’s recommendation that “Indigenous work” should be led by Indigenous people in Australian workplaces.
The CIPW plans to submit its comprehensive report, Gari Yala 2, to the inquiry committee. This report represents Australia’s largest research study on workplace racism experienced by First Nations people. It details the scope of the issue and provides actionable recommendations for overcoming these challenges.
In conjunction with the report, the CIPW will urge the committee to recommend the implementation of the National Anti-Racism Framework, as proposed by the Australian Human Rights Commission. This framework aims to establish a coordinated approach to combat racism across various sectors.
The launch of Gari Yala is scheduled for March 11, 2024, at UTS Sydney. This event will highlight the ongoing challenges faced by First Nations people in the workplace and the need for systemic change to foster inclusive and equitable work environments.
In conclusion, the parliamentary inquiry presents a pivotal opportunity to address workplace racism, informed by the experiences and insights of Indigenous Australians. The findings and recommendations from the CIPW and its partners will be crucial in guiding effective policy changes and fostering a more inclusive society.
