First Nations Consultations For the Australian Human Rights Commission
Consultation Planning
In-Person Consultations:
The design and structure of the National AntiRacism
Framework,
First
Nations
consultations received endorsement from
the PAG. The locations of the in-person
consultations were informed by Australian
Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data which
highlighted communities most affected by
racism and that recorded a high percentage
of ‘no’ votes in the 2023 Referendum.
Conducted across metropolitan, rural, and
remote locations in all states and territories,
these sessions comprised interviews, focus
groups, and community consultations. The
in-person
format
facilitated
deeper
discussions and nuanced insights, cultivating
trust and engagement among participants.
Each session was led by First Nations
facilitators who ensured adherence to
cultural protocols and utilised culturally
informed ways of engagement and
communication. Locations were strategically
chosen based on demographic data as well
as ABS data sets to ensure broad
representation of First Nations communities.
The consultations were structured to foster
open and honest dialogue, providing
participants with a safe and supportive
environment to share their experiences with
racism and discrimination. The design of the
engagement approach integrated both inperson and virtual methods to accommodate
the varied needs and circumstances of
participants.
Virtual Consultations:
Online Surveys:
To address geographical barriers and
enhance accessibility, virtual consultations
were conducted via video conferencing
platforms such as Zoom. This approach
enabled individuals unable to attend inperson sessions due to distance or other
constraints to contribute their perspectives.
Virtual sessions were scheduled at various
times to accommodate different time zones
and participant availability, with technical
support provided to reduce accessibility
barriers and ensure smooth connectivity.
To capture a wide array of viewpoints, an
online
survey
was
developed
and
disseminated
through
social
media,
community organisations, and email lists. The
survey featured both quantitative and
qualitative questions, allowing participants to
articulate their experiences with racism and
offer recommendations for the framework.
Designed in accordance with best practices
in survey methodology, the survey included
clear, concise questions and a mix of open
and closed-ended formats, with options for
anonymous
responses.
The
survey
generated a substantial dataset, yielding
valuable insights into the prevalence and
impact of racism across diverse contexts.
An Anti-Racism Framework: Voices of First Nations Peoples
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