A report released Thursday by Griffith University and Macquarie University researchers reveals many Aboriginal women in Victorian public sector workplaces experience racism and misogyny.
The research shows Aboriginal women want to be able to enjoy their work and have productive careers without being subjected to discrimination. Instead, many participants felt "lost or worthless" in the workplace, where there was a failure to actively support the employment, development, retention, and promotion of Aboriginal women.
Head of Macquarie University's Department of Indigenous Studies and one of the study's lead authors, Professor Bronwyn Carlson, said the state public sector "is one of Victoria's largest employers of Aboriginal people and has the potential to provide stability and economic security", but "more needs to be done to address the barriers Aboriginal employees face, including a lack of Aboriginal women in senior roles".
The research highlighted issues including barriers to recruitment and progression, reoccurring short-term contracts, and expectations of unpaid labour.
One participant detailed working in the Victorian public sector for 22 years almost exclusively on short-term contracts. Several others said they were expected to organise events, such as those associated with NAIDOC and Reconciliation Week, or provide advice on Indigenous subjects, regardless of their role.
The report also revealed it was common for respondents to experience interpersonal racism, including questions about Aboriginality, stereotyping, racist remarks and jokes; structural and systemic forms of racism, such as being repeatedly overlooked for career progression; and a failure and resistance from management to respond to racism.
Limited positive feedback referenced the support to undertake further studies, and initiatives such as the opportunity to be mentored by Aboriginal women in senior positions. However, study participants also identified a lack of Aboriginal women in senior roles.
The study's lead author, Associate Professor Debbie Bargallie from the Centre for Social and Cultural Research at Griffith University, said the research "identified the need for greater criticality and reflexivity in workplace policies and programs".
"Race and racism must be centered in order to create environments that achieve authentic racial justice, gender equity and workplace rights," she said.
"We need to tackle race head on. If we are serious about dismantling racism, we must be willing to recognise it in all its forms."
The report outlined 12 key recommendations, including a recruitment and retention plan, creating better access to employment, addressing precarious employment, responding to unpaid labour, prioritising institutional complaint policies and processes, fostering racial literacy, and acknowledging the multiple forms of racism and gender discrimination faced by Aboriginal women in Victorian public sector workplaces.
The research, which was funded by the Victorian Government as part of the Commission for Gender Equality in the Public Sector's Research Grants Round 2022, was undertaken by Associate Professor Debbie Bargallie from Griffith University, and Professor Bronwyn Carlson and Madi Day from Macquarie University. The full report is available online.
