First Nations Consultations For the Australian Human Rights Commission 4 Thematic Analysis The First Nations consultations conducted for the National Anti-Racism Framework unveiled a multifaceted and intricate landscape of challenges encountered by First Nations communities across various regions, community types, and sectors. There were five key themes identified throughout the consultation process. The following thematic analysis highlights the deeply entrenched nature of racism and offers comprehensive insights into the recurring themes, distinctive issues, and profound impacts of racism on First Nations peoples. Sectoral examples and considerations have been included to provide context and insight into the data collected throughout consultation. Additionally, there was an emergence of four sub-themes identified throughout the data. These sub-themes have been presented as barriers and enablers due to the context of discussion led by participants and how they relate to the key themes. 4.1 Systemic Racism Systemic racism emerged as the predominant theme across all regions and sectors and thus will be examined thoroughly across varying contexts and applications. Systemic racism is a form of racism that is “pervasively and deeply embedded in systems, laws, written or unwritten policies, and entrenched practices and beliefs that produce, condone, and perpetuate widespread unfair treatment and oppression” (Braveman, P.A., et al, 2022). Throughout consultations, participants stated that systemic racism continues to be widely evidenced through legislative frameworks and government practices that repeatedly harm and disadvantage First Nations peoples. The pervasive nature of systemic racism profoundly impacts the mental and physical health of First Nations peoples (Williams, 2018). The relentless stress induced by discrimination results in elevated rates of mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Concurrently, systemic barriers to accessing services contribute to disproportionately poorer physical health outcomes, including higher incidences of chronic diseases and lower life expectancy (Kairus et al., 2021). Participants candidly shared their personal struggles with mental health, attributing much of their distress to the persistent and pervasive nature of racism they face daily. Systemic racism further perpetuates economic disadvantage and social exclusion among First Nations peoples (Hunter, 2009). Structural barriers to education and employment opportunities often result in entrenched cycles of poverty and marginalisation. These barriers manifest in various forms, including underfunded schools in First Nations communities, discriminatory hiring practices, and limited access to professional networks and mentorship. Early career First Nations professionals frequently report encountering invisible barriers that hinder their career advancement. Despite possessing the requisite degrees and experience, they often find themselves unable to reach their full potential due to systemic biases and a lack of equitable opportunities. Addressing these issues necessitates the creation of equitable and inclusive An Anti-Racism Framework: Voices of First Nations Peoples Page 43