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The University of Technology Sydney’s Centre for Indigenous People and Work has unveiled a report titled Gari Yala – Speak the Truth, revealing that 38 percent of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals have experienced workplace discrimination rooted in their cultural identity.
“It’s no longer the early 20th century; societal norms have evolved, yet many workplaces remain stagnant. We must adopt innovative strategies to ensure everyone can contribute to their fullest potential,” the report emphasizes.
The findings were shared in conjunction with the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) two-day conference held in Melbourne.
ACTU President Michele O’Neil expressed her deep concern over the report’s revelations, stating, “This situation is detrimental not only to workers and their families but also to the nation’s economic progress. Such practices are unacceptable in contemporary Australia.”
No one should be forced to leave a job because of racism. Unfortunately, that is often the reality
ACTU President Michele O’Neil said she was “deeply disturbed” by the report data.
“That’s bad for workers and their families and for economic growth and has no place in modern Australia.”
“A comment may seem like a joke, but it can cut deeply if someone is hearing it for the thousandth time.”
Lara Watson from the ACTU and Adam Fletcher from the Finance Sector Union attended the two-day conference in Melbourne. Credit: Cameron Gooley/NITV News
Ms Watson believes it crucial for industry to understand “what is required to create safe workplace for all workers”.
The commissioner is set to outline the new National Anti-Racism Framework which was informed by extensive community consultations that included over 1,200 people who have lived experience of racism.
