First Nations Consultations For the Australian Human Rights Commission
One participant emphasised the importance of accountability, stating, "There must be
accountability for staff who engage in racist behaviour towards First Nations staff and peers."
Additionally, suggestions were made for mandatory Cultural Safety education and ongoing
professional development for individuals pursuing a career in teaching. As one participant
advised, "Cultural Safety education and mandatory continuing professional development should
be required for those studying teaching."
These insights highlight the urgent need for systemic changes within the education sector to
effectively address racism and support First Nations students and staff. The National Anti-Racism
Framework must incorporate these recommendations to develop a more inclusive and equitable
educational environment.
Table 11: Key Issues in the Education Sector
Need for Safe Environments
Lack of Representation
Systemic Racism in Schools
50%
52%
54%
Issue
56%
58%
60%
62%
64%
66%
Percentage of Respondents
Systemic Racism in Schools
65%
Need for Safe Environments
60%
Lack of Representation
55%
3.3.2 Health sector
The health sector consultation for the National Anti-Racism Framework engaged 68 participants
from a diverse range of organisations, including the Australian Indigenous Doctor’s Association
(AIDA), National Association of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and
Practitioners (NAATSIWHP), Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Australia (GDPSA) along with various
health services and research institutes. This consultation provided invaluable insights into the
challenges and opportunities for eradicating racism within the broader health system.
The health sector is crucial in the fight against racism, as it can directly influence the well-being
and life expectancy of individuals and communities. Tackling racism in health is vital for ensuring
equitable access to services, enhancing health outcomes, and creating a supportive environment
for both patients and healthcare providers.
Education and training for healthcare providers on the historical and ongoing impacts of
colonisation on First Nations health was deemed essential. Participants advocated for mandatory
Cultural Safety education linked to continuing professional development (CPD) and annual
performance reviews, emphasising that "Cultural Safety education needs to be mandatory and
reported on, not a tick-the-box exercise." They also called for increased frontline employment
opportunities for First Nations people and for truth-telling about the effects of colonisation.
"Education about racism should start from a young age to help eliminate biased views," one
participant stated.
An Anti-Racism Framework: Voices of First Nations Peoples
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