full report - Reconciliation Australia

Contents

POLITY RESEARCH & CONSULTING _______________________________

1.

Introduction & background

2.

Methodology

3.

4.

►

ARB approach 2008-2012

►

ARB approach 2014-2016

►

Online survey details

Australian Reconciliation Barometer 2016 ►

Key findings and trends analysis

►

Key State segment results

►

Full results:



Race Relations



Unity



Material Equality and Cultural Security



Historical Acceptance

Appendix ►

2

Online survey sample profiles

Introduction & background

POLITY RESEARCH & CONSULTING _____________________________

Reconciliation Australia (RA) first launched the Reconciliation Barometer research project in February 2007. The objective of the research was to develop a tool to measure the progress of reconciliation between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and non-Indigenous Australians. The first study was completed in 2008, with subsequent biennial tracking waves in 2010 and 2012. While improvements in Indigenous health, employment, housing and education are essential for the reconciliation process, equally important, and at the core of reconciliation, is the relationship between the first Australians and those who have come since. If we are to improve the relationship and create an environment which provides equal life chances for all Australians we must also measure, track and understand the underlying values and perceptions that shape this relationship and influence our social interactions and structures. This is the only study of this nature undertaken in Australia. The inspiration for the Barometer came from South Africa, where the Institute of Justice and Reconciliation developed the ‘South African Reconciliation Barometer’. Initially it was conducted bi-annually in 2003 and 2004 and since then annually. The Australian Reconciliation Barometer delves into the heart of our nation to identify the attitudes Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians hold about each other, and about reconciliation in this country. It also attempts to shed some light on opportunities for moving the relationship forward, towards a greater reconciled, shared unity. As in 2014, this latest Barometer aligns closely with RA’s Reconciliation Outcomes Framework, to focus on 4 of the 5 key dimensions: 

3

Race Relations, Unity, Material Equality and Historical Acceptance

Methodology 2008-12 Barometers


Original ARB development To create the first Australian Reconciliation Barometer, the first part of the research task was to identify different factors that contributed to advancing reconciliation. Several phases of both quantitative and qualitative research were used in the process of identifying and defining these factors. In May 2007 RA commissioned a quantitative survey among 1,024 people to determine the underlying values of Australians towards Indigenous issues and reconciliation. This survey was further enhanced by a series of in-depth interviews with 14 key Indigenous and non-Indigenous stakeholders. From this, 29 hypotheses of reconciliation were identified, forming the basis of a discussion guide for further study. In November-December 2007, a series of 12 forums were conducted with Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians in Shepparton, Rockhampton and Sydney. The forums explored the 29 hypotheses of reconciliation and this resulted in the development of 31 “outcomes” for reconciliation, that is actions or conditions that will advance reconciliation. These outcomes were used to inform the development of the original Barometer questionnaire. The same questionnaire was used in surveys of Indigenous Australians as well as the general community, to allow a direct comparison between the attitudes of the two groups. This first Barometer survey was conducted in May 2008, May 2010 and July 2012.

General Community Sample For the 2008-2012 studies, the general community sample of Australians was selected and weighted to be representative in terms of age, gender and location (state and urban/regional splits), as per Australian Bureau of Statistics 2006 Census data. Participants were recruited from a professional market and social research panel and they received a small incentive for their participation. 1007 Australian residents aged 18+ completed the survey in May 2008, 1220 completed the survey in April 2010, and 1012 completed the survey in July 2012. These sample sizes are associated with margins of error of +/- 3.1%, +/- 2.8% and +/-3.1% at the 95% confidence interval respectively. Indigenous Sample The 2008-2012 surveys among Indigenous respondents involved recruitment through Indigenous networks across Australia, with an open invitation distributed by email and hosted on the RA website. This targeted approach was taken due to the relatively small proportion of Indigenous Australians within established research panels, and the Australian population overall. A sample of 617 Indigenous Australians completed the survey between 25th-30th June 2008, while 704 Indigenous Australians completed it in 12th-29th April, 2010, and 516 completed it in July 2012. These sample sizes are associated with margins of error of +/- 4%, +/- 3.7% and +/- 4.3% respectively. Gaining a truly representative sample of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians is difficult because of a number of geographical and socioeconomic factors. Accounting for these factors was beyond the scope of the research, and it was acknowledged that the sample of Indigenous people (recruited via Indigenous networks) may not have been truly representative of the overall Indigenous population. The data was weighted according to Indigenous demographic data (age/gender and location) from the Australian Bureau of Statistics 2006 Census, to try and ensure it was as representative as possible. 4

Methodology 2014-2016 Barometer


ARB reviewed and refined In early 2014, following a tender process, Polity Research & Consulting was selected to conduct the ARB survey, and to assist RA and its stakeholders with a comprehensive review of the Barometer survey. In May 2014, RA convened a Roundtable workshop at the National Centre for Indigenous Excellence in Redfern. Participants were invited based on their knowledge and experience in Indigenous affairs, reconciliation and social research, and to achieve an appropriate mix of not-for-profit, academic and commercial sectors and gender. The Roundtable identified 4 key areas for improvement of the ARB: i.

To better inform a broader narrative on reconciliation, by more closely aligning with RA’s Reconciliation Outcomes Framework

ii.

To remove questionnaire asymmetry, with too many existing questions ‘speaking’ to non-Indigenous respondents rather than both groups

iii.

To address Indigenous sample bias, as much as logistically possible, with respondents drawn from a narrow group of Indigenous networks

iv.

To measure the ‘lived experience’ of respondents more, rather than their perceptions of the broader social reality

Accordingly, the Barometer was revised extensively and contains many new measures, as well as some revisions to past questions. For this reason and also due to the improved ‘random’ sampling approach for the Indigenous community (see below), the ARB since 2014 represents something of a resetting of the reconciliation baseline in Australia, and makes direct tracking comparisons with 2008-2012 results difficult. Nevertheless, the results of these past surveys have, where applicable, been included in the Barometer reported in full in this report. This allows for possible trend analysis by readers of this report, however Polity advises caution regarding any dramatic changes in results from 2012. In 2014, 1100 residents aged 18+ in the general community and 502 in the Indigenous community completed the survey in Sept-Oct 2014.

General Community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Samples - 2016 The general community sample of Australian residents continues to be selected and weighted to be representative in terms of age, gender and location (state and urban/regional splits), as per Australian Bureau of Statistics 2011 Census data. Participants were recruited from a professional market and social research panel and they received a small incentive for their participation. The sample of 2277 completed the survey between 14 July and 8 August 2016, and is associated with a margin of error of +/-2.1% at the 95% confidence interval. This means that if a result of 50% is found, we can be 95% confident the real result is between 47.9% and 52.1%. As in 2014, the Indigenous sample was also drawn from a professional market and social research panel. Participants were ‘self-identified’ as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. The sample of 500 completed the survey between 14 July and 1 August 2016 (simultaneously with the general community sample), and is associated with a margin of error of +/-4.4% at the 95% confidence interval. Further details of the composition of both samples are provided in the Appendix. 5

Methodology 2016 Barometer


General Community Sample – 2016: State segments The general community sample of Australian residents has been increased from previous waves, to allow for viable State sub-segments for the first time. The sample of 2277 included quotas set for some Sates and NT, and are associated with the following margins of error at the 95% confidence interval: NSW +/-4.0%, Victoria +/-4.4%, QLD +/-4.9% WA, SA, Tasmania, +/-6.9% NT, +/-11.3% NOTE: State breakouts in this report have each been weighted separately as per ABS stats per State/Territory. It has not been possible to segment for the ACT, due to a very small sample size. Further details of the composition are provided in the Appendix.

Acknowledged limitations Gaining a truly representative sample of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians remains difficult because of a number of geographical and socioeconomic factors. Accounting for these factors comprehensively is beyond the current budget scope of the research, and as such the sample of Indigenous people may not be truly representative of the overall Indigenous population (particularly encompassing remote community views). For demographic profiling, the survey asked questions regarding cultural backgrounds, including personal cultural heritage for non-Indigenous participants. It is acknowledged that in the course of survey objectives and brevity, this covered only macro-level major cultural groups (i.e. European or Asian), but did not cover ‘National’ identities (e.g. Australian, Indonesian, Iranian etc). It is further acknowledged that, in the interests of graphical and reporting brevity, the abbreviation Indigenous has been used in this report, to refer to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Similarly, the term “Australians” has been used in both the survey questions and report, to refer to all people who are resident in Australia, including both citizens and non-citizens.

Online approach Participants from both groups completed the survey online. Previous studies have shown that online research produces research which is at least as accurate (and sometimes more accurate) than telephone research. Another benefit of this approach is the removal of any interviewer bias that may come into play when discussing sensitive issues. Online surveys also have the advantage of allowing people to respond at their own pace, giving them enough time to properly consider important and complex issues. However, it is possible that this methodology over-samples the computer literate population which on average may be more highly-educated than the general population. 6

The social context of changing attitudes


Before interpreting any changes in the survey results between 2008 and 2014, it is worthwhile examining how the broader social, political, and economic environment has changed in Australia during this period. There have been some important changes in the last 6 years and these may have influenced our attitudes to reconciliation and other Indigenous issues. The Apology to the Stolen Generation There were two “Indigenous events”, which were prominent at the time of the first Barometer, but have since become less visible as major issues in the media and the political debate. The first of these was the Federal Government’s Apology to the Stolen Generation in February 2008. This event acknowledged and brought attention to the impact of past government policies on Indigenous Australians. It was generally well received by the broader community, as well as Indigenous people, with the latter typically seeing it as a crucial step towards building better relations between the groups. As such, the apology brought attention to the issue of reconciliation in a positive way that set an optimistic tone for the future. The Northern Territory Intervention The other major event occurring around the time of the first Barometer was the Northern Territory Intervention which began in late 2007. As with the Apology it generated significant media attention, but this time it was mostly focussed around negative portrayals of Indigenous people associated with themes of abuse, disadvantage and neglect. Although supported by both sides of politics, the intervention was controversial, with Indigenous people and other Australians divided on its merits.

7

In the time since these two events, there has generally been less attention given to Indigenous issues in the media, and there has also been a drop in the political salience of Indigenous issues compared to other concerns.

The Global Financial Crisis On a broader level there has also been a major change in the global financial environment and this has affected the importance that Australians ascribe to various issues. Concern over the Global Financial Crisis peaked around 2009 and continues to affect sentiment today. At a broad level the GFC has been associated with a general shift in the public mood, from one of prosperity to one of uncertainty and guarded optimism. Other public indicators have shown that over this period Australians have become relatively more concerned about job security and their financial stability and relatively less concerned with “nonfinancial issues” such as the environment or Indigenous reconciliation.

Campaign for Constitutional Recognition Since 2010 there has been considerable progress towards an agreement to hold a referendum that would recognise Indigenous people in the constitution. The expert panel for constitutional change released their initial report in January 2012 with recommendations for specific constitutional amendments. The movement for constitutional change had a relatively low profile at the time of the 2012 Barometer but has steadily gained attention during 2013-2016.

The Political Landscape, 2013-2016 The Federal election of 2013 saw a change of Commonwealth Government and the ushering in of a national focus on austerity and a more conservative agenda, particularly towards immigration and welfare. However, the Coalition under both Abbott and Turnbull has shown strong support for Constitutional Recognition, although the process has slowed to undertake Indigenous consultation. These ‘mixed messages’ are arguably both helping and hindering the reconciliation cause.

Australian Reconciliation Barometer 2016 Insights

Key findings and trends analysis

8

We continue to view the relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians as important


The vast majority of both the general community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities continue to feel that the relationship between them is an important one. However, Indigenous people remain more likely than the general community to feel this way. Levels of importance have remained largely consistent since 2008, though dipping slightly during the Abbott Government term. Stolen NT intervention generation apology

GFC peak/ Decline in community confidence

100 100 1st Barometer May 2008

99

2nd Barometer May 2010

90

Constitutional change panel reports/ Aus day incident

Abbott Govt focuses on ‘austerity’ and border protection

Constitutional Recognition still not certain

98

3rd Barometer July 2012

91

96 4th Barometer Sept 2014

97

89 87

87

86

80

Indigenous respondents who feel the relationship is fairly/very important General community respondents who feel the relationship is fairly/very important 70

60

50 Late '07 Early '08 Late '08 Early '09 Late '09 Early '10 Late '10 Early '11 Late '11 Early '12 Late '12 Early '13 Late '13 Early '14 Late '14 Early '15 Late '15 Early '16 Late '16

9

5th Barometer Aug 2016

Indigenous Australians are more likely to feel other Australians trust them, than actually do


A gap remains in the level of trust seen to be held by other Australians for Indigenous Australians. While only one in four (25%) of the general community hold fairly high/very high trust for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, one in three (34%) of Indigenous respondents feel other Australians hold that level of trust for them. This perhaps highlights how more work is needed with non-Indigenous Australians in particular, to build levels of shared trust. Stolen NT intervention generation apology





40

Indigenous respondents who feel other Australians have fairly/very high trust for them

4th Barometer Sept 2014

General community respondents who feel they have fairly/very high trust for Indigenous Australians

34

34 5th Barometer Aug 2016

30

26

25

20 1st Barometer May 2008

10

12


13 6

4


13 5


10

Indigenous trust towards other Australians has increased again


There has been a solid increase again in the numbers of Indigenous Australians who hold fairly high/very high trust for other Australians, now nearly half (46%). However, a considerable gap is evident between communities, with only 19% of the general community believing Indigenous Australians hold such trust for them. Again, this reflects the greater need for more work to be done in the general community to build a sense of shared trust. Stolen NT intervention generation apology





50

Indigenous respondents who feel they have fairly/very high trust for other Australians 46

General community respondents who feel Indigenous Australians have fairly/very high trust for them


40 39 4th Barometer Sept 2014 30

20

1st Barometer May 2008


3rd Barometer July 2012 15

12 10

20

19

12

12

11 9


11

Both groups continue to believe they trust more than the other group does


Throughout the eight years since the first Barometer, both non-Indigenous Australians and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians have more widely felt that they trust the other group, than the other group trusts them. These ‘gaps’ in the perceptions of shared trust highlight a key ongoing misunderstanding between the communities.

Stolen NT intervention generation apology





50

Indigenous respondents who feel other Australians have fairly/very high trust for them Indigenous respondents who feel they have fairly/very high trust for other Australians

4th Barometer Sept 2014

46

40

30

General community respondents who feel Indigenous Australians have fairly/very high trust for them General community respondents who feel they have fairly/very high trust for Indigenous Australians

20 1st Barometer May 2008



39 34

26

20

34

25

19

10


12

‘Gap’ in trust perception


‘Gap’ in trust perception

Education and personal experience help drive views that the relationship is very important General community


Indigenous respondents

Comparisons of main source of information about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and views of the importance of the relationship: 23

36

4 8

38

2 8

7 0

44

45

9 50

Parents and family 2

Other people around you 3 4

38 75

0

100

The relationship is not important at all

Fairly unimportant

66

31 79

19

70

26

2

The media

42

46 25

My own personal experiences with Aboriginal 11 and Torres Strait Islander…

50 46

6 8

My main source of info is school education or other 3 research

59

80

18

57

36 25

Fairly important

50

75

100

Very important

People among the general community who cite personal experience or education sources (such as school or other research) as their main source of information about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are most likely to view the relationship as very important. By contrast, people in the general community who mostly ‘know’ Indigenous people and cultures through the filtered lenses of the media or other people around them are more likely to view the relationship as only fairly important. For Indigenous respondents, there is less notable ‘effect’ from any particular main source. 13

Education and media influence has increased since 2014 General community



Comparisons of main source of information about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and views of the importance of the relationship: 2016 23

36

7 4

2014

41

2016 2 8

2014

48

46

5 10 0

My main source is School education 3 or other research

59

47 25

50

7 4

The media 22

44

6

38 75

0

100

The relationship is not important at all

Fairly unimportant

66

31

69

19

70

26

61

33 25

Fairly important

50

75

100

Very important

The influence of school education and other research in the general community, in terms of helping drive the view the relationship is very important, has increased since 2014. Similarly, the influence of the media in both communities, as the main source of information leading to views the relationship is very important, has also increased. This is particularly evident among Indigenous respondents, which may reflect how mainstream media has largely supported the Constitutional Recognition campaign. 14

Most Australians hardly ever socialise with Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Australians General community


People of British or European heritage

84

16

53

32 0

50

75

100

Socialise with never/rarely

46

15

People of another cultural heritage

68 25

54

People of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander heritage

33

63

37

Peope of Middle Eastern heritage

47

67

74

26

People of Asian heritage

72

28


85

32 0

68 25

50

75

Socialise with occassionally/frequently

Misunderstandings of trust levels and reliance on the media or other people to know about Indigenous people remain unsurprising, given the general community continues to have little ‘socialising’ contact with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians. While undoubtedly the relatively small Indigenous population in Australia doesn’t make regular contact easy, this still highlights a key ‘gap’ in reconciliation progress. 15

100

More Australians now socialise with Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Australians General community 2014

2016

British or European heritage

87

13

69

31

59

70

0

53

Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander heritage

30

50

100

Socialise with never/rarely

47

67

Another cultural heritage

75

72

28

Middle Eastern heritage

69 25

84

16

Asian heritage

41

31


33

32 0

68 25

50

75

100

Socialise with occassionally/frequently

Despite continued low levels of ‘socialising’ contact with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians, there has been a small yet encouraging increase in the general community among those who socialise occasionally or frequently with Indigenous people (33%, up from 30% in 2014).

16

Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Australians are more likely to experience racial prejudice


More Indigenous people have experienced racial prejudice in the last 6 months, than the general community, with one in two Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander respondents having suffered at least one form of such prejudice. The most common forms of this have been verbal abuse or physical violence. This significant ‘gap’ in daily realities underlines a key stumbling block in the relationship and impediment to reconciliation. General community

18

Experienced at least 1 form of racial prejudice in past 6 months

82

14

Physical violence

97

25

50

75

100 Yes

17

46

Verbal abuse

86

3

0


54

37

63

17

0 No

83

25

50

75

100

More Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Australians have experienced recent prejudice, compared with 2014

General community

2016

18

82

2014

16

84

0

25

50



Experienced at least 1 form of racial prejudice in past 6 months

46

54

39

75

100 Yes

0 No

61

25

50

75

100

More Indigenous people have experienced racial prejudice in the last 6 months, compared with the same period two years ago. Conversely, the prevalence of such prejudice experienced in the general community has remained stable. This increased evidence of discrimination may reflect the political environment created since the election of the Coalition Government in late 2013, with its emphasis on border protection, austerity and efforts to water down the Racial Discrimination Act. The July 2016 election of One Nation senators also indicates these focus points are influencing attitudes across the Australian population. 18

People who feel Australia’s past has been the cause of Indigenous disadvantages today also widely disagree they are responsible for them


General community Past racial policies are the cause of Indigenous disadvantage today

5

Australia's colonial legacy is the cause of Indigenous disadvantage today

14

7 0

27

54

17

30

25 Strongly disagree Disagree 5

17

46 50 75 Neither agree or disagree

28

100 Agree/Strongly agree

51

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians are responsible for their own disadvantages today?

4

14

0

26

56

25 Strongly agree

Agree

50 Neither agree or disagree

75

100

Disagree/Strongly disagree

Those people in the general community who agree that past racial policies (54%) and Australia’s colonial legacy (46%) are the causes of Indigenous disadvantages, also widely disagree Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians are responsible for their own disadvantages (51% and 56% of them respectively). This highlights how an understanding of the causes of Indigenous disadvantage mostly correlates with people feeling Indigenous Australian’s are not responsible for those disadvantages today. 19

Q. How much do you agree or disagree with the following statement?

People who disagree Australia’s past has been the cause of Indigenous disadvantages today also widely feel they are responsible for them


General community Past racial policies are the cause of Indigenous disadvantage today

19

Australia's colonial legacy is the cause of Indigenous disadvantage today

27

24 0

38

30 25

16

33 50

Strongly disagree/Disagree

14 75

100

Neither agree or disagree

Agree

Strongly agree

63

29

5 3

63

29

5 2

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians are responsible for their own disadvantages today?

0

25 Strongly agree/Agree


75 Disagree

100 Strongly disagree

Those people in the general community who disagree that past racial policies (19%) and Australia’s colonial legacy (24%) are the causes of Indigenous disadvantages, also widely agree Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians are responsible for their own disadvantages (63% of them respectively). This highlights how a lack of understanding of the causes of Indigenous disadvantage mostly correlates with people feeling Indigenous Australian’s are responsible for those disadvantages today. 20


The attitude among younger non-Indigenous Australians bodes well for the future


While the majority of Australians view the relationship as important, 30-39 year olds in the general community are most likely also to hold higher trust for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians. Furthermore, 18-29 year olds are ahead of most age groups in terms of trust. General community 50

% Hold fairly/very high trust for Indigenous people

Low importance Hold high trust for Indigenous people

40

High importance Hold high trust for Indigenous people

30

30-39 yrs 70+ yrs

All ages

18-29 year olds

50-59 yrs

20

60-69 yrs

10

Low importance Hold low trust for Indigenous people

40-49 yrs

High importance Hold low trust for Indigenous people

0 40

50

60

70

80

The relationship is fairly/very important

21

90

100

The attitude among younger Indigenous Australians bodes well for the future


While the majority of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians view the relationship as important, 18-39 year olds in the Indigenous community are most likely also to hold higher trust for non-Indigenous Australians. Indigenous respondents

% Hold fairly/very high trust for non-Indigenous people

70

Low importance Hold high trust for other Australians

60

High importance Hold high trust for other Australians

30-39 yrs

18-29 year olds

50 All ages

70+ yrs 60-69 yrs

40 50-59 yrs 30

40-49 yrs

20

Low importance Hold low trust for other Australians

10

High importance Hold low trust for other Australians

0 40

50

60

70

80


22

90

100

Australian Reconciliation Barometer 2016

Key trends by State in the general community

23

Despite high importance in the relationship, trust for Indigenous Australians is low in all States


High trust in Indigenous people is lacking across the general communities of all States, but particularly low in SA, NT and WA. . General community

% Hold very/fairly high trust for Indigenous Australians

40

Low importance Higher trust for Indigenous Australians

High importance Higher trust for Indigenous Australians

35

30

NSW National

25 Victoria Tasmania 20

Queensland

WA SA

15

10

NT

Low importance Low trust for Indigenous Australians

5

High importance Low trust for Indigenous Australians

0 60

65

70

75

80

85


24

90

95

100

Northern Territorians are most likely to view the relationship as very important


General community Perceptions of the importance of the relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians:

6

3

NSW

6

6

TAS

4

QLD

72

17

3

8

NT

6

41

50

39

49

41

49 48

40

8

VIC

3

WA

4

9

SA

4

10

0

42

44 25

Not important at all

45

42

50 Fairly unimportant

75 Fairly important

100

Very important

Most people (89%) among the general community in NT feel the relationship is important to Australia as a nation, with nearly three out of four people saying it’s very important. Conversely, people in South Australia are least likely (42%) to view the relationship as very important. It is noticeable, however, that NT is also where more people think the relationship is not important at all (8%), compared to other areas. 25 Q. How important is the relationship between Indigenous people and other Australians for Australia as a nation? NOTE: ACT sample too small

Trust is lowest among Northern Territorians


General community Trust that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have for other Australians:

21

NSW

18

VIC

SA

23

WA

23

16

42

14

48

4

14

3

16

4 11 1

4

15 5

46

6

10

18

45

33

NT

17

12

52

19

TAS

14

51

22

QLD

14

43

6

10

Trust that other Australians have for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people:

14

NSW

12

VIC

0

25 Very low

Fairly low

16 1

50 Don't know

5 75 Fairly high

7 19

17 46

4

13

9

50

31

NT

5

14 49

11

TAS

20 20

56

22

WA

5

15

46

13

SA

24 14

49

16

QLD

13

44

13

3 4 100

Very high

High levels of trust between both groups are lowest in NT, with 31% of the general community there feeling there is very low trust for Indigenous Australians and 33% believing that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians have very low trust for other Australians. Conversely, NSW has the highest levels of shared trust. 26 Q. How would you describe the level of trust between the following groups of people?

Trust is lowest among Capital city residents, especially in Perth


General community Trust that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have for other Australians: Regional and rural residents Capital city residents

66

16

19 National

68

Regional and rural residents Capital city residents

13

56

19

18

26 WA

74

13

13

Trust that other Australians have for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people: Regional and rural residents Capital city residents

59

15

26 National

64


12

56

24

11

33 WA

75 0

25 Fairly/Very low

8 50 Don't know

75 Fairly/Very high

18 100

Levels of trust between both groups are lowest among Capital city residents, compared to their regional and rural neighbours. This is particularly evident in WA, with 75% of the Perth community feeling there is low trust for Indigenous Australians and 74% believing that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians have low trust for other Australians. 27 Q. How would you describe the level of trust between the following groups of people?

Trust is lowest among regional and rural residents in the Northern Territory


General community Trust that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have for other Australians: Regional and rural residents Capital city residents

66

16

19 National

68


13

19

82

6

12 NT

72

2

26

Trust that other Australians have for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people: Regional and rural residents Capital city residents

59

15

26 National

64


12

24

80

6

13 NT

72 0

25 Fairly/Very low

2 50 Don't know

75 Fairly/Very high

26 100

While levels of trust between both groups are lowest among Capital city residents, compared to their regional and rural neighbours, the reverse is evident in the NT. There, 80% of the NT regional community feel there is low trust for Indigenous Australians and 82% believe that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians have low trust for other Australians. 28 Q. How would you describe the level of trust between the following groups of people?

Queenslanders and Victorians are most likely to feel there is low prejudice between the groups


General community Level of prejudice between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and non-Indigenous Australians? NSW

11

QLD

11

33

VIC

11

34

39

13

TAS

19

17

SA

17

0

20

30

7

19 18

40

17

14

Fairly high prejudice

13 50 Don't know

5 8 6

27 3

49 25

Very high prejudice

7

31

42

19

25

19 40

WA

NT

19

75 Fairly low prejudice

17 3 100 Very low prejudice

Levels of prejudice between non-Indigenous Australians and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians are perceived to be lowest in Queensland, Victoria and NSW. Conversely, the general communities of Tasmania, WA, SA and NT mostly believe there are high levels of prejudice.

29 Q. How would you describe the level of prejudice between the following groups of people in Australia?

Capital city residents are more likely to feel there is high prejudice between the groups


General community Level of prejudice between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and non-Indigenous Australians? Regional and rural residents

44

19

36 National

Capital city residents

52

Regional and rural residents

18

47

30

18

36 NSW


51


41

20

29

20

39 QLD


48 0

25 Fairly/Very high prejudice

18 50 Don't know

34 75

100

Fairly/Very low prejudice

High levels of prejudice between non-Indigenous Australians and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians are most widely perceived among capital city residents, including in Queensland and NSW.


Regional NT residents are most likely to feel there is high prejudice between the groups


General community Level of prejudice between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and non-Indigenous Australians? Regional and rural residents

46

28

26 WA


62


15

55

22

16

29 TAS


48

29


23

71

11

18 NT


61 0

25 Fairly/Very high prejudice

16 50 Don't know

23 75

100

Fairly/Very low prejudice

High levels of prejudice between non-Indigenous Australians and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians are most widely perceived among capital city residents, especially in WA. Conversely, the regional and rural communities of Tasmania and NT more widely believe there are high levels of prejudice, compared to their capital city neighbours. 31 Q. How would you describe the level of prejudice between the following groups of people in Australia?

Most Northern Territorians feel they know about Indigenous history


General community Knowledge of the history of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australia: NT 1

23

57

8

WA

45

39

15

SA NSW

8

QLD

10

VIC

11

TAS

11 0

20 8

46

32

47

6

40

48

6

37 52

33

54 25 Very low/No knowledge at all

6 4

31 50 Fairly low

75 Fairly high

3 100

Very high

77% of the general community in NT believe they have a high level of knowledge about the history of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Conversely, Tasmanians are least likely to feel they have a high level of knowledge about the history of Indigenous people in Australia. 32 Q. How would you describe your level of knowledge about the following topics?

There is widespread support in NSW for Indigenous history to be formally taught in schools


General community Important Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history becomes a compulsory part of the school curriculum?

6

NSW

8

WA

15 14

SA

6

QLD

6

TAS

6

36

43

17

4

VIC

37

26

26

10

NT

39

43

11

48

32 32 31

42

21 25 Not important at all

33

46

16

0

45


75 Fairly important

100 Very important

People in NSW are most likely to believe it is important for Indigenous history to be compulsory in school (82%). It is notable that NT is where the general community is most divided on the importance of this, with 37% saying it’s very important but 36% saying its unimportant.

33

Q. Is it important or not for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history to be a compulsory part of the school curriculum?

More people in NT are strongly proud of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures


General community Proud of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures?

NSW

QLD 2

SA

3

TAS

3

9

0 Strongly disagree

50 Disagree

16

36

38 25

17

43

28

6

18

33

36

9

4

WA

20

36

36

6

22

41

31

VIC 1 5

22

42

31

23

26

37

28

6

3

NT

Neither agree nor disagree

75 Agree

100 Strongly agree

More people in the general community in the Northern Territory strongly agree they are proud of Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures (26%), than in other States. Conversely, more people in WA (13%) and SA (12%) disagree they are proud of Indigenous cultures, than in other States.

34

Q. As an Australian, or as someone living in Australia, please indicate your level of agreement with the following statements.

West Australians widely agree Indigenous people are responsible for their disadvantages today


General community Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians are responsible for their own disadvantages today?

TAS

8

SA

9

0

25 Strongly agree

Agree

14

37

26

17

WA

9

19

40

23

10

25

37

22

10

19

33

27

11

QLD

13

23

36

20

8

NSW

13

26

34

21

6

VIC

39

3

30

18

10

NT


7

75 Disagree


More people in the WA general community agree Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians are responsible for their own disadvantages today, than in other States. There is also a high level of agreement in QLD (38%). Conversely, people in the NT are most likely to strongly disagree (39%) that Indigenous people are responsible for their own disadvantages.

35


More people in the eastern States accept that Australia was owned by Indigenous people


General community Do we accept Australia was owned by Indigenous people at the time of colonisation?

11

VIC

12

54

33

54

30

16

WA

56

26

14

SA

59

29 18

QLD

60

29

NSW

14

39

NT

0

47

37

16

TAS

25 I do not accept this

47

50 I am unsure about this

75 I accept this

100

The general communities of NSW, Victoria and Queensland most widely accept the fact that Australia was owned by Indigenous communities at the time of British colonisation. Conversely, most people in Tasmania and the Northern Territory do not accept this as factual, particularly in the NT where 39% do not accept it at all. 36

Q. Do you accept or not accept the following as facts about Australia’s past?

More Northern Territorians strongly agree it is important for all Australians to learn more about past issues


General community Important for all Australians to learn more about past issues of European settlement and government policy?

7

NT

9

30

54

SA

3

11

NSW

3

9

43

45

VIC

3

9

44

45

WA

3

11

QLD

4

TAS

5 0

40

47

44

14

42

41

18

41 44

25

50


Fairly unimportant

33 75

Fairly important

100 Very important

The general community in NT mostly believe (54%) that it’s very important to learn about the past issues of European settlement and government policies experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. This is notably higher than in other States. Conversely, only 33% of people in Tasmania feel this way, with 23% saying it’s not important. 37

Q. Is it important or not important for all Australians to learn more about the past issues of European settlement and government policy for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people?

Queenslanders are most likely to feel past issues should be forgiven


The general community in Queensland more widely believe “there should be forgiveness so we can now move on” (71%), compared to other States. Victoria has the largest percentage of people who feel “past wrongs must be rectified” (33%), while the NT has the largest percentage of people who believe “the wrongs of the past can never be forgiven” (20%). General community

4 3

QLD

22

71

WA

4

6

25

66

TAS

4

6

24

65

10

SA

6

NSW

0

60

32 3

20

NT

23

5 9

VIC

6

57

33 7

55 22

25

51 50

75

100

The wrongs of the past can never be forgiven I don't believe there have been any wrongs of the past The wrongs of the past must be rectified before all Australians can move on There should be forgiveness for the wrongs of the past and all Australians should now move on

38

Q. In terms of the history of European settlement in Australia, which of the following statements do you most agree with?

Australian Reconciliation Barometer 2016

Full results comparing Indigenous-only perspectives with the general public

39

Race Relations

How do we see cultural diversity and how well do we treat each other?

40

Most Australians socialise less with Indigenous people than with any other major cultural group General community

19

7 0

25 25

45 50 Never

75

Peope of Middle Eastern heritage

14

24

43

14

8

People of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander heritage

100 Rarely

8 0

Occasionally

32

33

24 25

14

51

34

4 12

21

42

24

21

People of another cultural heritage

23

39

34

16

11

People of Asian heritage

33

35

24

People of British or European heritage

35

37

20

7


51

32

4 12


46 50

75

22 100

Frequently

Australians are most likely to socialise with people of British or European cultural heritage on a frequent basis. When it comes to socialising with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, the general public are least likely to do so frequently (8%) than with any other major cultural group.

41

Q. In a typical week, at work or otherwise, how often do you socialise with people from the following different cultural groups (including your own)?

There has been little change in the percentage of Australians who frequently socialise with Indigenous people General community

24

2016

0


43

25

2014

45

25

50 Never


75

24

8

23

7

Socialise with people of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander heritage?

100 Rarely

4 12

34

4 14

0 Occasionally

51

38

25

50

44

75

100

Frequently

There has been little change in the percentage of mainstream Australians who socialise with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, either frequently (8%, compared with 7% in 2014) or occasionally. Conversely, Indigenous Australians are now more likely to socialise frequently with their own people (51%) than in 2014 (44%).

42

Q. In a typical week, at work or otherwise, how often do you socialise with people from the following different cultural groups (including your own)?

We mostly have a good relationship with medical staff and local shops


General community


Perceptions of the overall quality of the relationship with the following groups of people:

12 9

46

12 10

24

0

52

24

50

Very poor relationship

30

75

50

Local shop owners and staff 22 12

35

41

25

Doctors, nurses, medical staff etc 23 6

42

8

Police

100

Fairly poor relationship

0 Don't know

8

40

52

31

20

25

37

50

Fairly good relationship

28

75

Very good relationship

The general community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people largely feel they have good relationships with medical staff, local shop owners and police. However, Indigenous respondents are much more likely to have a poor relationship with police (16%) than the general community (6%).

43

Q. Overall, do you find you have a good relationship or a poor relationship with the following groups?

100

Indigenous Australians are more likely to have poor relationships with real estate agents General community




14

27

40

33

13

3 8

0

36

40

25

37

50


28

Employers 3 4

28

36

29

27

School teachers and principals 3 4

28

36

29

12

75

6 10

Real estate agents

100


0 Don't know

40

25


28

50

16

75

100


The general community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people largely feel they have good relationships with employers and school staff. However, Indigenous Australians are more likely to have a poor relationship with real estate agents (16%), than non-Indigenous Australians (11%). Indigenous people are also more likely to have a poor relationship with school staff (7%) than the general community (4%).

44


Indigenous relationships have mostly improved with school staff, police and estate agents 2014


Indigenous respondents 2016


2 9

22

4

12

4

14

0

42

25

School teachers and 3 4 principals

38

25

Police

8

8

Real estate agents

6

10

20

42

25

30

50


75

11

0

100


Dont know

36

28

29

37

20

28

40

25


28

50

16

75


More Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people now feel they have very good relationships with teachers and principals, police and estate agents, compared with 2014. Similarly, Indigenous respondents are less likely now to have a poor relationship with education staff, than in 2014.

45


100

We mostly feel there is mutual trust with medical staff, police and school staff


General community


Perceptions of the overall level of trust with the following groups of people:

12 9

46

3 7

16

14

25

0

46

28

47

25

Doctors, nurses, medical staff etc 2 3 10

42

50 Very low trust

School teachers and principals

23

75

12

Police

100

Fairly low trust

5 8

0 Don't know

47

11

37

17

34

21

25 Fairly high trust

26

44

50

23

75

100

Very high trust

The general community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people largely feel there is a shared trust with medical staff, police and teachers and principals. However, 23% of Indigenous respondents feel there is low trust with police, compared with only 10% of the general community. Similarly, 13% see low trust with school staff, compared with 5% in the general community.

46

Q. Overall, how much trust do you feel there is between you and the following groups?

We are most likely to feel there is a low level of trust with estate agents General community




14

2 11

11

0

18

60

31

42

27

25

14

35

50 Very low trust


17

22

75

Employers 3 8

5

Real estate agents

100

Fairly low trust

12

0 Don't know

20

51

29

18


21

39

21

35

50

25

75

10

100

Very high trust

The general community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people largely feel there is high trust shared with shop owners and staff and employers. However, both groups are divided about the overall level of trust shared with real estate agents.

47


Indigenous trust has mostly deteriorated for police, local shops and employers 2014




8

13

25

0

7

15

20

42

53

29

25


23

46

50 Very low trust

Employers 3 8

18

75

12

Police

28

0

100

Fairly low trust

Dont know

11

17

20

34

26

51

29


21

39

50

21

75

100

Very high trust

More Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people now feel there is low trust shared with employers, shop owners and staff and police, compared with 2014. Indigenous respondents are more likely to feel there is a low level of trust between them and police (23%), local shops (8%) and employers (11%), than in 2014 (15%, 4% and 7% respectively).

48


Indigenous Australians remain more likely to view the relationship as very important General community



Perceptions of the importance of the relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians:

4 7

5

41

9

43

4 10

5

41

9

0

40 25


87

20100 1 9

43

75

73

22

20120 2 11

46

20080

51 50

76

21

2014 13

43

44

1 8

2016 2 1

48

100

Fairly unimportant

90

94

6 0

25 Fairly important

50

75

100

Very important

Most people among the general community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities continue to feel the relationship is important to Australia as a nation. However, Indigenous respondents (76%) remain much more likely than the general community (48%) to view the relationship as very important. It is notable that the general community sentiment has returned to a level closer to 2008, while the percentage of Indigenous people who consider the relationship “very important” remains much lower than 2008. 49 Q. How important is the relationship between Indigenous people and other Australians for Australia as a nation?

Trust among Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians remains steady from 2014 General community



Trust that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have for other Australians:

21

46

20

46

25

15 4

2016

13

16 4

2014

14

9 2

2012

29

55

7 2

2010

31

54

2 11 1

10 2

2008

58

2 11 1

14 13 53

11

31

50

10

33

48

8

33

8 41

31 5

28

15 27

12 2

1 13

Trust that other Australians have for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people:

14

48

13

20 4

2016

23

35

7

20

15

15

48

12

21 5

2014

23

36

7

21

13

25

0

53

8

11 2

2012

29

52

6

11 2

2010

28

54

6

11 1

2008

25

50 Very low

75 Fairly low

38 45

Don't know

35

46

41 0

100

55

3 6

50 25

50 Fairly high

5 4 75

100

Very high

The marked rise in trust between both groups in 2014 has remained steady, with 24% of the general community feeling they trust Indigenous Australians (in line with 26% in 2014) and 46% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander respondents feeling they have trust for other Australians (up from 39% in 2014). However, the ‘gap’ in perceptions of shared trust also continues. For example, while only 4% of the general community think that Indigenous Australians have very high trust for them, 15% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people feel they have very high trust for other Australians. 50 Q. How would you describe the level of trust between the following groups of people?

We continue to be more likely to see high prejudice between ourselves


General community

2016

12

2014

10 0

37

19

35 25

19 50

12

2014

10 0

37

30

20 50

6

Prejudice between nonIndigenous Australians and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians

75

20

0

100

26

6

30

5

40

22

6

Fairly high prejudice

19

36 25

27

75

Very high prejudice

2016


Don't know

40 25

Fairly low prejudice

Between Non-Indigenous Australians and new Immigrants from overseas

100

20

0

6

11

23

4

75

100

Very low prejudice

34 25

17

50

38

24

17

50

19

16

13

22 75

7

7 100

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people continue to be more likely to feel there is high prejudice between themselves and non-Indigenous Australians (60%), than the general community (49%). For non-Indigenous Australians, this is slightly higher than in 2014 (45%). Both groups also widely continue to see low levels of trust between non-Indigenous Australians and new immigrants.


Perceptions of prejudice 2008-12


General community


Prejudice that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have for other Australians: 25

44

12

16

3

2012

18

17

1

2010

19

55

2

21

3

2

2008

18

55

2

24

2

26

46

9

26

45

12

15

26

54

2

Prejudice that other Australians have for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people: 21

49

20

51 6

16 0

8

55 25

50 Very high

8

19

2

2012

20

2

2010

19

75 Fairly high

2 100

59

36

53

2008

0 Don't know

25

15

40

50

14 2

43 50 Fairly low

5

75

100

Very low

Between 2008-2012, both groups felt there were relatively high levels of prejudice between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and other Australians. However, while the general community mostly felt there were ‘fairly’ high levels of prejudice for Indigenous people, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander respondents mostly believed that prejudice towards Indigenous people from other Australians was ‘very’ high. 52 Q. How would you describe the level of prejudice between the following groups of people?

Few people believe non-Indigenous Australians are superior General community



Non-Indigenous Australians are superior to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians?

26

25

26

24

29

27

3 10

26

2 9 0

32 27

2 8

25 Strongly agree

2016

40

26

8

9

14

35

2014

5

14

34

2012

45

9

30

30

2010

7 5

33

30

2008

7 7 6

50

75 Agree

100

0


15 20

54 14

11

10

47 70

14

64

12 25 Disagree

68 50

75

100

Strongly disagree

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people continue to be more likely to disagree strongly (54%) that non-Indigenous Australians are superior, than the general community (40%). However, it is notable that Indigenous respondents who agree with this sentiment (17%, in line with 2014) also continues to be higher than in the general community. This may reflect issues of low self esteem or perceptions of ‘material’ superiority among Indigenous respondents. 53 Q. Please indicate your level of agreement with the following statement

Indigenous Australians remain more likely to worry about other cultures General community 2016

2016 3 13

24

2014 3 12

26

2016 3

15

2014 3

18

0

Strongly agree

Other races/cultures are harmful to mine

7 I find it difficult to understand the customs and ways of other races/cultures

14 75 Agree

100 Neither agree nor disagree

26

28

17

10

16

37

28

12

10

26

37

50

I worry about causing offence when I meet people from other races/cultures

30

33

29

8

15

30

29

25

13

30

28

25

2014 3


30

26

26

5


20

10 0

Disagree

28

26

23

25

20

24 28

31

23

24

27 50

14 11

22 22

18

27

15

24

15

75

100

Strongly disagree

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are more likely to worry about causing offence to people from another culture (36%), or to worry that other cultures are harmful to their own (27%), or find other cultures difficult to understand (27%), than the general community. However, it is notable that all these levels of agreement among Indigenous respondents are lower than in 2014.

54

Q. Please indicate your level of agreement with the following statements

The media continues to be a key source of information about Indigenous people for many Australians General community

0

25


38

16 3 9

2016

10

50

36

36

15 3 10

2014

10

49

35

36

17 4 8

2012

16 3 9

2010 2

9

2008 2

34

38

35

37

35 50


15 3 75

100

6 7

57

0

2

57

25

28

6

32 4

50

7

37 5

62

27

28 75

The media Your own personal experiences with Indigenous people School education or other research Parents and family Other people around you

The general community remain likely to cite the media (34%) or other secondary sources (such as school or other research, 16%) as their main source of information about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Unsurprisingly, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people continue to learn about their people mostly from their own interactions with their families and communities.

55

Q. Which of the following is your main source of information about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people?

4 4 4 100

Indigenous people widely feel the media usually portrays them negatively


General community

45

48

0

25

Media portrayal of nonIndigenous Australians

58

22

20


10

9

50

Media portrayal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians

45

100

Usually negative

39

49

57

Media portrayal of new immigrants from overseas

43

75

12

10

52

0 Usually positive

25

33

17

50

31

75

100

Balanced

While the general community is divided over whether the media usually portrays Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in a negative or balanced way, Indigenous respondents mostly see the media as negative towards them (57%). Similarly, Indigenous people are more likely to believe the media usually portrays non-Indigenous Australians positively (39%), than the general community (22%).

56 Q. Do you believe the media presents mostly a positive, negative or balanced portrayal of the following groups of people in Australia?

Indigenous people have become more sceptical about media portrayal


General community

2016

45

2014

44

0

25

10

7

50


Media portrayal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians

45

57

49

75

45

100

Usually negative

0 Usually positive

25

10

10

50

33

45

75

Balanced

The general community remains divided over whether the media usually portrays Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in a negative or balanced way, in line with 2014. However, Indigenous people are now more likely to believe the media usually portrays them negatively (57%), than did so in 2014 (45%).

57 Q. Do you believe the media presents mostly a positive, negative or balanced portrayal of the following groups of people in Australia?

100

We still mostly agree we are better off with many cultural groups General community



Australia is better off because we have many different cultures?

4

9

3

10

21

41

23

40

25

2016

24

2014

6

10

23

43

19

2012 3 6

5

10

23

42

20

2010

4

9

0

25

43 50 Strongly disagree

25 75 Disagree

6

2008 1 7

100

0

28

33

23

24

36

22

9

9

6

20

10

22 25


33

34

19

9

30

36

25

37

32 50 Agree

75

100

Strongly agree

The general community continues to mostly agree that Australia is better off for having many cultural groups (66%), as do Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people (56%). This remains steady from 2014 (64% and 58% respectively).

58

Q. Please indicate your level of agreement with the following statements.

More Australians now believe Australia is a racist country


General community

2016 3 10

18

45

2014 3 11

21

0

25

50

6

2014

6 0

33

29 25

29

33 50 Strongly agree

I believe it is possible for all Australians to become united

23

44

Strongly disagree

2016


5 9

4 7

21 75 Disagree

9

24

8

Agree

Australia is a racist country


37

20

30

50

Agree

19

75

23

31 25

Disagree

100

Strongly agree

38

17 0

29

39

25


23

75

0

100

20

29 50

75

13

7

17

6 100

Strongly disagree

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are still more likely to agree Australia is a racist country (57%), than the general community (39%), and are much more likely to strongly agree (19%, compared to 6%). It is notable that levels of agreement with this statement have increased since 2014, in both communities . However, the vast majority of both communities also continue to believe Australians can become united. 59 Q. Please indicate your level of agreement with the following statements

Indigenous Australians are more likely to have experienced racial prejudice in the past 6 months General community


86

14


63

37

Verbal abuse

3

97

Physical violence

17

83

3

97

Prevented from renting or buying a property

17

83

2

98

Refused entry to a venue

16

84

2

98

Refused service in a shop

12

88

Other

14

86

95

5 0

25

50

75

100 Yes

0 No

25

50

75

100

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are nearly 3 times more likely to have experienced verbal abuse in the past 6 months (37%), than the general community (14%), and are 6 times more likely to have experienced other forms of prejudice, on the basis of their race.

60

Q. In the past 6 months, have you personally experienced any of the following forms of prejudice, on the basis of your race?

Indigenous experiences of racial prejudice have increased since 2014 2014


31

0


69

37

Verbal abuse

63

14

86

Physical violence

17

83

12

88


17

83

11

89


16

84

25

50

75

100 Yes

0 No

25

50

75

More Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have experienced verbal abuse in the past 6 months (37%), than in 2014 (31%). Worryingly, there have also been increases in other forms of race-based prejudice, in the past 2 years.

61

Q. In the past 6 months, have you personally experienced any of the following forms of prejudice, on the basis of your race?

100

Indigenous Australians are much more likely to have witnessed racial prejudice in the past 6 months General community


76

24

94


5

95


4

96


5

95

Other

25

50

75

100

68

29

71

24

76

26

74

13

0 Yes

51

32

Physical violence

6

0

49

Verbal abuse

90

10


87

25

50

75

100

No

49% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have witnessed verbal abuse of another person in the past 6 months, twice as many as the general community (24%), and are much more likely to have witnessed other forms of prejudice, on the basis of their race. Most notably, Indigenous respondents are 3 times more likely to have witnessed physical violence (32%). 62 Q. In the past 6 months, have you seen someone else experience any of the following forms of prejudice, on the basis of their race?

Indigenous witness of racial prejudice has increased since 2014 2014


58

42

0

77

Physical violence

22

78


19

81


17

83


90 25

50

49

Verbal abuse

23

10


32

100

71

24

76

26

74

13 0

Yes

68

29

Other

75

51

87 25

50

75

100

No

49% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have witnessed verbal abuse of another person in the past 6 months, up from 2014 (42%). Worryingly, they are also much more likely to have witnessed other forms of race-based prejudice, since 2014. Most notably, more Indigenous respondents have witnessed physical violence (32%), than 2 years ago. 63 Q. In the past 6 months, have you seen someone else experience any of the following forms of prejudice, on the basis of their race?

Indigenous Australians are much more likely to experience racial discrimination General community


21 3

94

Doctors, nurses, and/or medical staff etc

12 3

94

Real estate agents

12 4

93

School teachers and/or principals

0

25

50

Yes, in the past 6 months


75

100

8 7 10

11

7

7

8

0

Yes, between 6-12 months ago

76

14

68

15

25

69

50

Yes, but more than a year ago

75

100 No

18% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have felt racially discriminated against by a real estate agent in the past 12 months, 6 times as many as the general community (3%). Indigenous Australians are also twice as likely to have experienced racial discrimination from health workers and school staff, than the general community.

64

Q. Have you or members of your family felt racially discriminated against by any of the following groups?

Indigenous Australians are much more likely to experience racial discrimination (cont.) General community

114

93

22 4

91

32 6

89

0

25

50




15

Police

Local shop owners and/or staff

10

8

Employers

75

100

14

10

10

0


15

56

12

68

14

68

25

50

75


100 No

29% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have felt racially discriminated against by police in the past 12 months, 15 times as many as the general community (2%). Similarly, more Indigenous respondents have experienced racial discrimination by a local shop owner and/or staff (20%) and employers (18%) in the past year, compared to the general community.

65 Q. Have you or members of your family felt racially discriminated against by any of the following groups?

Indigenous experience of racial discrimination has increased since 2014 2014

9

6

7

8

7 6

0


17

68

9

Local shop owners and/or staff

75

25

50


15

Police

76

12


10

8

Employers

75

100

14

10

10

0


15

56

12

68

14

68

25

50

75


100 No

Indigenous experience of racial discrimination has increased markedly in some contexts: 29% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have felt racially discriminated against by police in the past 12 months, nearly twice as many as in 2014 (16%). Similarly, more Indigenous respondents have experienced racial discrimination in the past year by a local shop owner and/or staff (20%) and employers (18%), compared with 2 years ago (14% and 13% respectively). 66 Q. Have you or members of your family felt racially discriminated against by any of the following groups?

Unity

How much do we all value Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures?

67

Australians’ knowledge of Indigenous history and cultures has increased slightly since 2014 General community

Indigenous respondents Knowledge about the history of Australia

2016 4

26

56

14

2014 3

27

57

13

2016

10

48

37 5

2014

9

52

33 6

2016

12

2014

55 59

11 0

25

50


75

Knowledge about the history of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australia

4

15

2

21

19

4

23

29 4

5

21

26 4

Knowledge about Aboriginal and Torres 3 Strait Islander cultures

Very low/No knowledge at all

0 Fairly low

28

48

5

100

35

45

35

41

30

43

33

41

27

38

31 25 Fairly high

50

75

100

Very high

70% of the general community and 80% of Indigenous people believe they have a high level of knowledge about the history of Australia. However, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are more likely to have a high level of knowledge about the history of their people (76%) or their cultures (74%), than the general community (42% and 33% respectively). This can be seen to highlight how, for Indigenous respondents, Indigenous history is central to Australian history overall. However, it is notable that higher knowledge levels have increased slightly among the general community, since 2014. 68 Q. How would you describe your level of knowledge about the following topics?

Levels of knowledge about Indigenous history and culture 2008-2012 General community



Knowledge level about the history of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people: 16

42

21

34

41

15

35

43

2012

8

38

5

8

4

2010 2 8

4

2008

4

35

51 48

9

41

42

46

Knowledge level about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures: 17

51

24

48

17 0

26 25

52 25

50

28 75

No knowledge at all/Very low

5

2012

5

3

2010

4

11

3

2008 3

13

100

0

Fairly low

11

42

42 48

44 25 Fairly high

50

37 40 75

100

Very high

Between 2008-12, there remained a widespread lack of knowledge about Indigenous history and culture among the general community, with more than half claiming to have a low level of knowledge or none at all. Unsurprisingly, knowledge levels among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people were far higher.

69 Q. How would you describe your level of knowledge about the following topics?

Knowing and learning about Indigenous history and cultures has increased in importance since 2014 General community 2016 1 5 2014 2 4

2014

1 3 Importance of knowing about the history of Australia

54

39

2016 3 11


55

39

5 12

50

33

2016 4 13

50

34

2014

0

25

50

75

6

2014

8 0

14

45

15

50

35

75

100

0

62

32

65

30

57

36 25

Fairly important

Important Indigenous history is a compulsory part of the school 23 curriculum?

31

70

25

0

Fairly unimportant

35

46 25

2 4

65

31

Importance of knowing about 1 6 Indigenous cultures

100


2016

3 2

71

24

Importance of knowing about the 2 5 history of Indigenous people

31

49

6 15

4

37

48


50

75

100

75

100

Very important

27

69

30 25

62 50

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are twice as likely to believe it is very important for all Australians to learn about the history of Indigenous people (70%) or their cultures (65%) and that Indigenous history should be compulsory in school (69%), compared to the general community (37% , 34% and 35% respectively). However, it is encouraging that there has been an increase in these sentiments in both communities since 2014.

70

Q. How important is it that all Australians know about the following topics? Q. Is it important or not for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history to be a compulsory part of the school curriculum?

Perceptions of importance of Indigenous history and culture 2008-2012 General community



Importance of knowing about the history of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people: 4 4

10

51

12

53

2 11

2012 2 9

35 31

53

34

89

2010

8

92

2008

6

94

Importance of knowing about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures: 5

14

5 2

0

51

15

55

13

2008

28

50 Not at all important

75

3

2010 1

25

57

25

2012

31


23

73

19

80

15

0

84

25 Fairly important

50

75

100

Very important

Between 2008-2012, there was widespread agreement amongst both groups that it is important for all Australians to know about Indigenous history and cultures. However, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people were much more likely to consider it was very important.

71

Q. How important is it that all Australians know about the following topics?

More Australians agree Indigenous people hold a unique and important place in the national identity General community



Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures are important to Australia’s identity as a nation?

3 5 3 8

18

3 7

20

2 7

20

0

50

0

39

21

40

25

50

34 31 75

2014

2 10

2012

5

66 28

59

11

83

100

87

7

2008

75 Disagree

27

2010 2 11

25

46

20

44

21

49

Strongly disagree

2014

23

48

25

2016 2 4

26

46

20

2016 2 5

31

46

18

24

92

0

25


27

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people hold a 22 9 unique place as the first Australians?

100

0

50 Agree

75

100

Strongly agree

19

72

23 25

64 50

75

100

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people continue to be more likely to strongly agree (66%) that their cultures are important for Australia’s national identity, compared to the general community (31%). Similarly, twice as many Indigenous respondents strongly agree that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people hold a unique place as the first Australians. However, there has been an encouraging increase in both sentiments in the general community, since 2014.

72

Q. As an Australian, or as someone living in Australia, please indicate your level of agreement with the following statements. Q. Do you agree or disagree that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people hold a unique place as the first Australians?

Most Australians remain proud of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures General community



Proud of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures?

25

33

46

34

9

36

5

8

37

35

37

41 25

Strongly disagree

17

2014 11

16

2012 12 8

13

32 50

2016 1 7

21

40

5

2 8 0

39

17 75

Disagree

100

14

2010

2 11

2008

7 0

28

62

34

51

89

86

92 25


50 Agree

75

100

Strongly agree

More people in the general community now strongly agree they are proud of Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures (21%), than in 2014 (17%). Similarly, more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people strongly agree they are proud of their cultures (62%), than 2 years ago.

73


Most Australians continue to be proud of our multiculturalism General community



Proud of our multiculturalism?

3 7

3 7

21

42

23

2016

6 6

23

23

2014

6 5

23

27

44

26

40

35

31

Proud of our British/European cultures?

26

29

43

21

2016

15

30

44

20

2014

0

25


75 Disagree

100

8

11

35

5 8 0

37 25


18

32 50

Agree

16

29

75

100

Strongly agree

The general community are more likely to agree they are proud of Australia’s multiculturalism (69%) or British and European cultures (64%) than they are of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures (60%). Conversely, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are much more likely to agree they are proud of their cultures (90%), compared to Australia’s multiculturalism (66%) and British/European cultures (45%).

74


We mostly continue to think the 2008 Apology has improved the relationship General community



Perception of The Apology to the Stolen Generations in 2008:

4 4

34

46

44

5 6

41

43

4 5 0

38

41

50 25

35 50

75

It has made the relationship a lot worse

8

2016

7 3

41

8

2014

5 6

38

6

2012 1 4

7

2010 32

100

0

A little worse

33

34

34

No difference

17

48

37 25

16

13

47 50 A little better

11 75

100

A lot better

46% of the general community believe the 2008 Apology to the stolen generations has made the relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians better, similar to 49% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. However, while the general community sentiment has remained stable since 2012, Indigenous respondents remain less sure, with the majority thinking it has made things worse or no different since 2014.

75

Q. In February 2008, the Australian Parliament apologised to members of the stolen generations for past government policies that separated many Indigenous people from their families and homelands. What effect, if any, do you think this apology has had on the relationship between Indigenous people and other Australians?

More Australians would like to do something to improve reconciliation General community 2016

4 8

2014

4 8

7

2016

5

2014

0

2014 4 8

2016

5 11

2014

6 11 0

13

25

50

25

75

36 25

50


13

36 75

25

The Federal Government should put measures in place 22 to help improve reconciliation

19 38

0

50 Agree

11 100

24

Businesses should put measures in place to help 3 4 improve reconciliation

0

75

46

36

20

100

Strongly agree 37

17

13

34

39

3 11

17

32

37

23 12

23

43 33

100

Disagree

41

25

4

20

47

25

do to help improve reconciliation

22

46

26

4 I know what I can 4 10

22

41

26

29

41

25

I would like to do 32 something to 33 help improve reconciliation

8

36

44

Strongly disagree 2016 4 7


39

37


43 44

25 25

30

38 50

29 75

100

There has been an increase in both communities since 2014 in the number of people who want to help improve reconciliation, up 9% in the general community and 2% among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. However, both groups are still more likely to want to help than they are to know exactly what they can do. It is notable that both groups are also still more likely to strongly agree the Federal Government should do something to help improve reconciliation, compared to businesses. 76


We still agree ANZAC Day could celebrate Australia’s national unity with more shared ceremonies


Shared cultural icons or events that would celebrate national unity and identity: General community


Official ANZAC Day ceremonies to honour Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander AND non-Indigenous soldiers

86

76

84

75

Acknowledgement of the Traditional Custodians of the land at Australian Citizenship ceremonies

84

68

83

66 2016

Official dual naming of significant sites in Australia, using English AND Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander names (e.g. Uluru/Ayers Rock)

66

83

2014 76

61

82

61

Making Mabo Day (June 3) a day of national significance

75

55

Having Welcome to Country addresses at major sporting events (e.g. Melbourne Cup, International matches, etc)

76

52

71

47 0

25

50 % Yes

75

100 0

25

50 % Yes

75

100

Both the general community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people continue to believe a range of things could become shared icons that celebrate a national unity and identity, particularly official ANZAC ceremonies to honour both non-Indigenous and Indigenous soldiers. However, as in 2014, agreement with these potential cultural icons is more widespread in the Indigenous community. 77

Q. Many countries have shared cultural icons or events that celebrate their national unity and identity. Do you feel the following changes/events would celebrate this unity in Australia?

We mostly think more needs to be done to reduce problems of prejudice General community



Doing enough to reduce problems of discrimination and prejudice between non-Indigenous and Indigenous Australians?

16

22

19

15

33

52

12

12 2 5 0 Don't know

33

27

30

27

23

34

33

25 50 Should do nothing

13

17

21

25

Community sector organisations

9 11

25

Private sector businesses

11 21

17

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations

8 22

Government departments

6 12 13

33

32

34

34

35

27

27

33

75 100 0 25 50 Should do less Doing as much as they can Need to do more

45 75 100 Need to do a lot more

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are more likely to think that various organisations need to do more to reduce problems of prejudice in Australia, than the general community. In particular, Indigenous respondents more widely believe Government (45%) and the community sector (32%) need to do a lot more, than the general community (25% and 13% respectively). Indigenous people are also more likely to believe businesses need to do a lot more. 78

Q. Are the following groups doing enough to reduce problems of discrimination and prejudice between non-Indigenous people and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples?

More Indigenous Australians think a lot more needs to be done to reduce prejudice 2014



Doing enough to reduce problems of discrimination and prejudice between non-Indigenous and Indigenous Australians?

8 23

24

10 4 2

20

6 12

0

39

34

33

6 23 13

25 Don't know

23

40

34


9 11

25

17

26


11 21

24


8 22

42

50 75 100 Should do nothing Should do less


6 12 13

32

33

35

34

27

27

34

45

33

0 25 50 Doing as much as they can Need to do more

75 100 Need to do a lot more

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people more widely think that various organisations need to do a lot more to reduce problems of prejudice in Australia, than in 2014. In particular, Indigenous respondents more widely believe Government (45%), businesses (35%) and the community sector (32%) need to do a lot more, than 2 years ago (42%, 25% and 23% respectively). 79


We mostly think more needs to be done to create a stronger relationship


General community


Doing enough to create a stronger relationship between non-Indigenous and Indigenous Australians?

18

22

20

17

29

42

25

12

25

14 2 4

23

0 Don't know

25

13


16

34

33

35

20

33 50

Should do nothing

Should do less

23

35

31


11 21

19

36

31


7 22


24 75

10 1

100

32

6 12 11

0

Doing as much as they can

32

33

25

24

46 50

Need to do more

75

100

Need to do a lot more

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are more likely to think that various organisations need to do more to create a stronger relationship among Indigenous and non-Indigenous people, than the general community. In particular, Indigenous respondents more widely believe Government (46%) and the community sector (31%) need to do a lot more, than the general community (24% and 13% respectively). Indigenous people are also more likely to believe businesses need to do a lot more. 80 Q. Are the following groups doing enough to create a stronger relationship between non-Indigenous people and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples?

More Indigenous Australians think a lot more needs to be done for a stronger relationship 2014



Doing enough to create a stronger relationship between non-Indigenous and Indigenous Australians?

7 32

10 22

6 12

21

18

29

37

38

25 Don't know


22

38

30

5 22 12

0

45

24

Should do nothing

75

23

35

31


11 21

19

36

31


7 22


42

50

10 1

100

Should do less

32

6 12 11

0

32

33

25


24

46

50 Need to do more

75

100


Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people more widely think that various organisations need to do a lot more to create stronger relationships in Australia, than in 2014. In particular, Indigenous respondents more widely believe Government (46%) and the community sector (31%) need to do a lot more, than 2 years ago (42% and 22% respectively). 81


Material Equity and Cultural Security

How do we feel about our living standards and is enough being done to close the gap?

82

Racial/cultural differences are still seen as the biggest cause of social divisions in Australia General community

37 39 27

2016

19


41 24 25 12

Differences in religion

14

2014

12

10

Differences in education

11 4

10 9

Political differences

5 3 2 0

39

Differences in racial/cultural background Differences in income and wealth

24 17


5 6

Differences in health

25

50

5 0

25

Racial/cultural differences are most widely viewed as the biggest cause of divisions in our society, by both the general community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. This is in line with 2014. Difference in income and wealth is also cited as the biggest cause by 1 in 4 people among both groups.

83

Q. What is the biggest cause of divisions between people in Australia?

50

Indigenous Australians remain twice as likely to consider their living conditions are worse than most


General community

2016 1 3

31

48

17

Own living conditions 3 6

38

2014 1 3

29

52

16

4 4

40

0

25

50 Very poor

2016 2 13

45

2014 2 13

0

25

75 Poor

30

47

29 50


75

My conditions are a lot worse

100

0

Just getting by

Comfortable

10 9

Own living conditions compared to majority in Australia

100 Slightly worse

25

34 34 50

19

39

8

20

38

About the same

25

18 75

100

Very comfortable

8

0

20

50 Slightly better

21 18

13 16

75

100

A lot better

65% of the general community consider their own living conditions to be comfortable, compared with 54% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. This is in line with 2014. However, while only 15% of the general public consider their own living conditions to be worse than the majority of people in Australia, 27% of Indigenous respondents feel that way. 84

Q. How would you describe your own living conditions? Q. How do you feel your living conditions compare with the majority of people in Australia?

Indigenous Australians are more likely to feel their prospects will change for the better General community



Perceptions of how prospects will change in the next year: 2016

7

73

20

2014

7

72

22

2016

22

54

24

2014

22

54

24

2016

10

69

20

2014

11

70

19

0

25

50

75 Get worse

11 My home life will…

55

13

58

21 My financial situation will…

Stay the same

29

52

16 0

36 44

13

100

29

43

27

My working situation will…

34

35 58

25

26 50

75

100

Improve

Both the general community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people largely think their prospects for next year will stay the same. However, more Indigenous respondents now think their conditions will improve, in terms of home life, financial situation and working situation, compared to 2014. This perhaps highlights how for many people in the Indigenous community, there is more room for things to get better than they are currently, but also a growing optimism they will. 85

Q. Thinking ahead 12 months, how do you see your prospects will change in the following areas?

Indigenous Australians more widely see employment barriers in terms of education and equal opportunity General community


2016

7

19

33

34

7

2014

7

17

35

35

6

Employers in Australia follow the Equal Opportunity laws

26

4

The Australian education system prepares children well to find a job

28

4

2016

13

2014

12 0

29

27 25

28

29 50


75

Strongly disagree

100 Disagree

11

19

9

25

32

18

27


25 Agree

23

33

16

10

25

35

20

26

18

28 50

75

9

6

9 100

Strongly agree

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people continue to be more likely to feel that employers in Australia do not follow equal opportunity laws and practices (30%), compared with the general community (26%). Similarly, Indigenous respondents more widely disagree (48%) that the education system prepares children well for employment, than the general community (42%). However, it is notable that the level of difference between the two communities has narrowed since 2014.

86


We mostly think more needs to be done in areas of education to close the gap


General community


Doing enough to help close the gap between non-Indigenous and Indigenous peoples in education?

17

12

20

31

42

15 11

12 13 0 Don't know

26

25

14

32

17

37

23 25

34

Should do nothing


21

33 50


9 23

18

5 11


5 11

100

Should do less

27


27 75

8 11

36

35

37

16

0 Doing as much as they can

34

34

34 25

27

22

44 50

Need to do more

75

100


Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are still more likely to think that various organisations need to do more in areas of education, to help close the gap, than the general community. In particular, Indigenous respondents more widely believe government (44%) and the business sector (34%) need to do a lot more, than the general community (27% and 17% respectively). However, Indigenous people are also more likely to believe their own organisations are doing as much as they can (37%). 87

Q. Are the following groups doing enough to help close the gap between non-Indigenous people and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, in areas of education?

More Indigenous Australians want Government and Businesses to do more in areas of education 2014



Doing enough to help close the gap between non-Indigenous and Indigenous peoples in education?

10 4

62

19

38

15

0

36

25 Don't know

29



41

50

Should do nothing

75 Should do less

100

9 23

5 11

18

16

0


35

34

25

34

44

50

Need to do more

75

100


More Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people now feel business and government organisations need to do a lot more in areas of education, to help close the gap, compared to 2014.

88

Q. Are the following groups doing enough to help close the gap between non-Indigenous people and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, in areas of education?

We mostly think more needs to be done in areas of health to close the gap


General community


Doing enough to help close the gap between non-Indigenous and Indigenous peoples in health?

17

20

15 12

12 13 0 Don't know

32

31

12

27

29

42

24 25

Should do nothing

17

30

30 50


25

33

24

17

75

100

Should do less

8 21

28


10 13

21


5 11


5 02 0


28

26

46

32 25

35

31

39

14

29

32

50

Need to do more

75

100


Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are still more likely to think that various organisations need to do more in areas of health, to help close the gap, than the general community. In particular, Indigenous respondents more widely believe government (46%) and the business sector (35%) need to do a lot more, than the general community (30% and 17% respectively).

89

Q. Are the following groups doing enough to help close the gap between non-Indigenous people and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, in areas of health?

More Indigenous Australians want Businesses to do more in areas of health 2014



Doing enough to help close the gap between non-Indigenous and Indigenous peoples in health?

10 21

5 12

0

20

37

29

25 Don't know

30

38

50 Should do nothing

26

75 Should do less

100


10 13


5 11

0


21

31

39

25

35

26

50

Need to do more

28

75

100


More Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people now feel that business organisations need to do a lot more in areas of health, to help close the gap, than in 2014. Conversely, more Indigenous people also now believe their own organisations are doing as much as they can (39%), compared to 2014 (29%).

90

Q. Are the following groups doing enough to help close the gap between non-Indigenous people and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, in areas of health?

We mostly think more needs to be done in areas of employment to close the gap


General community


Doing enough to help close the gap between non-Indigenous and Indigenous peoples in employment?

14 12

36

13 13

14

30

23

28

11 24 0

34

28 25

Don't know

13


6 12

5 13

7 12

36

18


35

18


35 50

Should do nothing


21 75

100

Should do less

4 13

28

42

20

34

39

18


17

33

42

0

19

43

29

25

50

Need to do more

75

100


Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are still more likely to think that various organisations need to do more in areas of employment, to help close the gap, than the general community. In particular, Indigenous respondents more widely believe government (34%) and the business sector (28%) need to do a lot more, than the general community (21% and 18% respectively).

91

Q. Are the following groups doing enough to help close the gap between non-Indigenous people and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, in areas of employment?

More Indigenous Australians believe their own organisations are doing as much as they can in areas of employment 2014



Doing enough to help close the gap between non-Indigenous and Indigenous peoples in employment?

4 22

0 Don't know

33

25

34

50

Should do nothing


25

75

100

Should do less

5 13

0


42

25

33

50

Need to do more

17

75

100


More Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people now believe their own organisations are doing as much as they can in areas of employment, to help close the gap (42%), compared to 2014 (33%).

92

Q. Are the following groups doing enough to help close the gap between non-Indigenous people and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, in areas of employment?

Indigenous Australians more often feel they can’t be true to their culture or personal beliefs General community



Can you be true to your culture or personal beliefs in the following contexts?

0

8

23

68

In my interactions with Police or the Courts

5

28

66

In the general community

8

27

64

At work

8

29

63

In my interactions with Government departments

25

50

75

100 No, never

47

37

16

8

39

53

10

38

52

0 Only sometimes

46

41

13

25

50

75

100

Yes, always

The general community continue to be more likely to believe they can be true to their own culture or personal beliefs in various contexts, than Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. In particular, Indigenous respondents more widely feel they can never or only sometimes be themselves in their interactions with law and order officials (53%), than the general public (31%). These levels have changed little since 2014, in both communities. 93

Q. Do you feel you can be true to culture or personal beliefs in the following contexts?

Indigenous Australians more often feel they don’t have the right to raise their issues with law officials General community



Do you feel you have the right to raise your issues in the following contexts?

0

12

35

53


10

36

53


12

36

52

11

37

51

At work

12

34

54

8

41

51


11

38

25

50

75 No, never

100 Only sometimes

0

49

36

15

25

51

50

75

100

Yes, always

Both the general community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are now likely to believe they always have the right to raise their issues in various contexts. However, Indigenous respondents remain more likely to feel they never or only sometimes have this right in their interactions with law and order officials (51%), than the general public (47%). 94

Q. If you feel unhappy about something, do you feel you have the right to raise your issues in the following contexts?

Indigenous Australians more often feel they don’t have the opportunity to raise their issues General community



Do you feel you have the opportunity to raise your issues in the following contexts?

41

16

47

10

45

13

0

25

50

42


42


41


75 No, never

100 Only sometimes

40

41

19

38

49

13

36

48

15

0

44

41

14

At work

45

42

13

25

50

75

100

Yes, always

The general community are more likely to believe they have the opportunity to raise their issues in various contexts, than Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. In particular, Indigenous respondents more widely feel they never or only sometimes have this opportunity in the general community (62%) and in their interactions with government (63%), than the general public (57% and 58% respectively). 95

Q. If you feel unhappy about something, do you feel you have the opportunity to raise your issues in the following contexts?

More Indigenous Australians now feel empowered at work


2014


Can you be true to your culture or personal beliefs in the following contexts?

10

44


46

16

37

47

Do you feel you have the right to raise your issues in the following contexts?

11

39

49

At work

12

34

8

44

47


11

38

54 51

Do you feel you have the opportunity to raise your issues in the following contexts?

14 0

45 25

41 50

75

14

At work

100

No, never

0 Only sometimes

41 25

44 50

75

Yes, always

More Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people now feel they can never be true to their culture or beliefs in their interactions with law officials (16%), than in 2014 (10%). However, more Indigenous respondents do now feel they have the right to raise their issues at work (54%) and in the general community (51%), than in 2014. Similarly, more Indigenous people also see they have the opportunity to raise their issues at work (44%), compared to 2014. 96

100

Historical Acceptance

How much do we accept the wrongs of the past?

97

We remain divided on whether Indigenous people are responsible for their disadvantages today General community 2016

9

2014

10

23

0


36

24

21

36

25

20

50

Strongly agree


75 Agree

11

7

17

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians are 10 responsible for their 10 own disadvantages today? 100 0


25

15

22

30

22

25 Disagree

29

50

23 75

100

Strongly disagree

Many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians are disadvantaged today because of…? 2016

5

14

27

2014

6

12

30

2016

7 7

2014

0

17

38 38

30

14

Strongly disagree

75

100

Disagree

39

34

21

37

30

5 6

24

33

32

Australia's colonial legacy

11

19

5 7

14

32 50

Past racial policies

14

33

35 25

43

16

7 7 0


26 25 Agree

37 50

24 75

100

Strongly agree

While the general community remain divided on Indigenous responsibility for disadvantage, more people in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities now disagree Indigenous people are responsible for their own disadvantages today, than in 2014. However, both groups now more widely agree that many Indigenous people are disadvantaged today because of past racial policies and Australia’s colonial legacy.

98

Somewhat paradoxically, this may highlight how some Australians believe Indigenous people should take the initiative regarding their current disadvantages, despite not being responsible for causing them. Q. How much do you agree or disagree with the following statements?

We widely agree that past policies have been a cause of many Indigenous disadvantages General community



Have past government policies been a cause of these disadvantages among some Indigenous Australians?

9

38

25

4 11

37

22

6 15

25


23

Alcohol and substance abuse 3 7

21

Discrimination 2 4

21

Poor education 3 5

19

38

26

5 12

0

31

21

16

75 Disagree

Lack of respect (for Aboriginal and Torres Strait 2 3 Islander people)

100

19

17

19


40

39

21

0

31

39

34

35

25 Agree

38

41

50

75

100

Strongly agree

The general community are far less likely to agree strongly that past government policies are responsible for many forms of disadvantage experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people today, than Indigenous people. In particular, many more Indigenous respondents strongly agree past policies have been a cause of lack of respect (41%), compared to just 19% of the general public. 99

Q. How much do you agree or disagree that race-based policies of past governments are a cause of the following disadvantages suffered by some Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians?

We widely agree that past policies have been a cause of many Indigenous disadvantages (cont.) General community



Have past government policies been a cause of these disadvantages among some Indigenous Australians?

6 14

0

25

36

19

Poor health 2 5

6 15

23

38

18

Low employment 2 4

5 14

26

38

17

Lack of confidence and low self esteem of Aboriginal and Torres 3 3 Strait Islander people

6 17

26

34

16

Inadequate living conditions 1 5

7 15

28

35

16

Lack of personal responsibility (among Aboriginal and Torres 3 9 Strait Islander people)

25

50

75

Strongly disagree

100

Disagree


19

39

17

21

22

42

36

37

37

35

37

27 25 Agree

35

35 50

26 75

100

Strongly agree

The general community are far less likely to agree strongly that past government policies are responsible for many forms of disadvantage experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people today, than Indigenous people. In particular, 36% of Indigenous respondents strongly agree past policies have been a cause of low employment for their people, and poor health (35%), compared to just 18% and 19% respectively of the general public. 100


More of us now agree that past policies have been a cause of some Indigenous disadvantages


Have past government policies been a cause of these disadvantages among some Indigenous Australians? General community 2014

39

29

4 12

2016

15

Lack of respect (for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people)

5 12

4 11

4 10

28

41

17

Discrimination

5 12

25

41

17

Poor education

6 15

22

Low employment

6 15

23

0

25

15

38

30

3 13


75 Disagree

100

0


21

37

18

38

50

Agree

21

38

25

25

19

38

26

75

100

Strongly agree

More people in the general community now agree strongly that past government policies are responsible for many forms of disadvantage experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people today, than in 2014. In particular, more Australians now strongly agree past policies have been a cause of lack of respect, discrimination, poor education and low employment for Indigenous people, than two years ago. 101


We mostly accept key facts about past injustices


Do we accept the following as facts? General community

12

21

68

Government policy enabled Aboriginal children to be removed from their families without permission until the 1970s

9

24

67

11

9

14 0


25

64

33

29 25

50

18

17

65

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people did not have full voting rights throughout Australia until the 1960s

15

21

64

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians were subject to mass killings, incarceration, forced removal from land and restricted movement throughout the 1800s

17

18

65

23

63

58

Government policy in the 1900s dictated where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians could live and be employed

57

Australia was owned by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities at the time of colonisation in 1770

75

100

I do not accept this

13

9 0

I am unsure about this

71

20 25 I accept this

50

75

100

Both the general community and Indigenous people largely accept a number of key facts about Australia’s past institutional prejudices against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. However, there continues to be greatest disagreement between the groups regarding the fact that Australia was owned by Indigenous communities at the time of British colonisation, with 71% of Indigenous respondents seeing this as factual, compared to 57% of the general public. 102


More of us now accept key facts about past injustices


Do we accept the following as facts? General community 2014

14

21

65

Government policy enabled Aboriginal children to be removed from their families without permission until the 1970s

11

25

64

14

10

12

21

68

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people did not have full voting rights throughout Australia until the 1960s

9

24

67

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians were subject to mass killings, incarceration, forced removal from land and restricted movement throughout the 1800s

11

25

9

33

28

59

35

55

Government policy in the 1900s dictated where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians could live and be employed

53

Australia was owned by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities at the time of colonisation in 1770

16 0

2016

31 25

50

75

100 I do not accept this

14 0

I am unsure about this

64

58

29 25

57 50

75

100

I accept this

More people in the general community now accept a number of key facts about Australia’s past institutional prejudices against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Since 2014, there has been a uniform increase of between 3-5% for acceptance of each statement by the general public.

103


More of us now agree it is important for all Australians to learn more about past issues

General community

2016 3 10

2014

0


44

4 11

50

Important for all Australians to learn more about the past issues of European settlement and 22 government policy for Indigenous people?

43

46

25


39

75


4 4


0 Fairly important

24

72

26

25

66

50

75

100

Very important

The general community continue to be far less likely to believe (43%) that it’s very important to learn about the past issues of European settlement and government policies experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, than Indigenous respondents (72%). However, there has been a strong increase in the view that it’s important to learn more in both communities, since 2014.

104

Q. Is it important or not important for all Australians to learn more about the past issues of European settlement and government policy for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people?

Indigenous Australians are still more divided on whether past issues can be forgiven or not


Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people remain more likely to feel the wrongs of the past must be rectified before we can move on with reconciliation (44%), compared with the general community (28%). However, there has been a notable fall in agreement among both groups that “there should be forgiveness so we can now move on”, compared to 2014. General community

6 5

5 6

0

28


61

23

66

25

50

75

2016

14

4

2014

14

4

100

0

39

44

37

25

45

50

75

The wrongs of the past can never be forgiven I don't believe there have been any wrongs of the past The wrongs of the past must be rectified before all Australians can move on There should be forgiveness for the wrongs of the past and all Australians should now move on

105

Q. In terms of the history of European settlement in Australia, which of the following statements do you most agree with?

100

Appendix

Respondent profiles

106

Sample characteristics:


Gender and age

General community weighted %

General community (raw numbers)

Indigenous community weighted %

Male

49%

1086

49%

195

Female

51%

1191

51%

305

18 to 29 years old

21%

430

34%

154

30 to 39

18%

406

21%

110

40 to 49

18%

430

20%

97

50 to 59

17%

413

14%

88

60 to 69

13%

321

7%

35

70+

13%

277

4%

16

Education level




Indigenous community (raw numbers)

Working full-time

35%

779

33%

147

Working part-time

19%

433

15%

77

5%

111

13%

70

Student

11%

232

9%

37

Retired

20%

484

9%

45

Manage household/ family

7%

181

15%

86

Other

2%

57

7%

38

Unemployed/not working

General community total sample size = 2277. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander total sample size = 500 Please note, percentages have been rounded and may not equal 100% 107




State




NSW

32%

663

32%

190

ACT

2%

33

1%

6

VIC

25%

507

7%

81

QLD

20%

399

28%

118

WA

10%

199

13%

40

SA

8%

200

6%

24

NT

1%

75

10%

12

TAS

2%

201

4%

29

Metro/Regional





Capital city

65%

1414

39%

194

Major regional city

15%

335

16%

86

Regional town

8%

196

19%

97

Rural town

8%

205

15%

72

Remote town or community

4%

127

10%

51





Education level

Part of secondary school




5%

122

14%

71

Secondary school

24%

563

30%

140

TAFE / Apprenticeship

28%

659

30%

166

University degree Postgraduate university degree

30%

658

20%

93

12%

275

5%

30

Household income (gross)





Less than $30,000

15%

369

28%

147

$30,000 - $49,999

17%

390

15%

81

$50,000 - $69,999

12%

291

17%

78

$70,000 - $89,999

11%

245

14%

67

$90,000 - $119,999

13%

284

8%

41

$120,000 - $149,999

7%

164

4%

16

$150,000 - $249,999

9%

191

3%

18

$250,000 or more

2%

38

0%

1

14%

305

10%

51

Don’t know/prefer not to say





Birth




Born in Australia

70%

1629

99%

496

Not born in Australia

30%

648

1%

4

Non-Indigenous

98%

2226

2%

51

100%

500

Australian Aboriginal / Torres Strait Islander

Cultural heritage (nonIndigenous)



British or Irish

52%

1186

European

21%

464

Asian

14%

282

Middle Eastern

1%

26

African

1%

11

Pacific Islander

0%

9

Central or South American

1%

14

Other culture

4%

95

Mixed cultures

6%

139



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