UPDATE: Lisa Sarago is spearheading a transformative movement to propel Indigenous Australians into the tech industry, revealing a groundbreaking vision at the Tech23 Conference in Sydney on Wednesday. Currently, just over 1,000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people work in tech, but Sarago believes that number can surge dramatically.
Sarago, a proud Bunda Burra Yidinji and Western Yalanji woman, founded Tiddas (Sisters) in Tech and the Land on Heart Foundation, aiming to dismantle barriers and foster skills among Indigenous individuals. “It’s about taking off the blinkers,” she stated, emphasizing the need for society to recognize the value Indigenous people bring to Australia’s economy.
The urgency for change is heightened by projections showing a staggering 186,000 jobs will need to be filled in the tech sector in the coming years. Sarago urges the industry to embrace diversity: “If you include us, not only is your customer base expanding, but you come up with more innovative ideas.”
Despite the overwhelming potential, Indigenous people face significant challenges, including limited internet access in remote areas, high hardware costs, and barriers to capital investment. Sarago highlighted this stark reality, saying, “We don’t get looked at as someone that anyone wants to invest in.”
However, she remains hopeful, aiming to establish regional and remote hubs that cultivate the skills of the next generation of Indigenous tech leaders. “We’re going to have these amazing Indigenous tech superstars coming up the ranks,” Sarago affirmed, underscoring her commitment to changing the narrative.
The conversation at the Tech23 Conference also raised critical questions about inclusivity in technology. “Who gets to shape the future?” Sarago asked, noting that the current tech landscape is predominantly composed of white males. “It should be inclusive of all diversity,” she asserted, calling for a more representative industry.
As the tech world evolves, the push for Indigenous representation is not just a social imperative but a strategic business move. The promise of innovation thrives on diverse perspectives, and by integrating Indigenous voices, companies can unlock new ideas and expand their market reach.
The momentum is building, and the spotlight is on the tech industry to recognize the urgency of this issue. Sarago’s vision is clear: with the right support and resources, Indigenous Australians can and will ascend to prominence in technology.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as the push for Indigenous inclusion in tech gains traction across Australia.
