research & consulting - reconciliation australia...this is the only study of this nature...

POLITYRESEARCH & CONSULTING

________________________________________________________________________


_______________________________

Contents

1. Introduction & background

2. Methodology

► Online survey details 2018

► ARB approach 2014-2018

► ARB approach 2008-2012

3. Australian Reconciliation Barometer 2018

► Key high level findings

► Full results:

Race Relations

Equality & Equity

Unity

Institutional Integrity

Historical Acceptance

► Trends analysis

4. Appendix

► Online survey sample profiles

2


_______________________________

Introduction & background

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 since then.

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’.

3


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Introduction & background (cont.)

The Australian Reconciliation Barometer (ARB) 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.

Reconciliation cannot be seen as a single issue or agenda.

Reconciliation Australia undertook a review of reconciliation in

Australia and internationally, and as a result of this work, five

critical dimensions that together represent a holistic and

comprehensive picture of reconciliation were identified.

Since 2014, the Barometer has aligned closely with RA’s

Reconciliation Outcomes Framework, to focus on the 5 key

dimensions:

► Race Relations, Equality and Equity, Institutional Integrity,

Unity, Historical Acceptance

Using these five dimensions, we can get a clear picture of what

is required to achieve reconciliation in Australia.

These dimensions do not exist in isolation. They are interrelated

and Australia can only achieve full reconciliation if we make

progress in all five areas.

4


_____________________________

5

The 2018 Reconciliation Barometer report presents some key findings from this year’s survey, followed by full

findings under each Dimension, as well as survey trends, state and territory breakdowns and 10-year tracking

(where possible).

As the Methodology overview explains, it must be noted that long-term tracking prior to 2014 to today should be

approached with some caution.

Race Relations

At the heart of reconciliation is the relationship between the broader Australian community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait

Islander people. To achieve reconciliation, we need to develop strong relationships built on trust and respect, and that are free

of racism.

Equality and Equity

Reconciliation is more likely to progress when Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous Australians participate

equally and equitably in all areas of life. To make this happen we have to close the gaps in life outcomes for Aboriginal and

Torres Strait Islander peoples, and achieve universal recognition and respect for the distinctive collective rights and cultures of

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.


The active support of reconciliation by the nation’s political, business and community structures.

Unity

In a reconciled Australia, national unity means Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander rights, histories and cultures are valued

and recognised as part of a shared national identity.


We can’t change the past but we can learn from it. We can make amends and we can ensure mistakes are never repeated.

Our nation’s past is reflected in the present and unless we can heal historical wounds, they will continue to play out in our

country’s future.

RA’s Reconciliation Outcomes framework: The 5 key dimensions of the ARB


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Methodology 2018 Barometer: Survey details

General Community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Samples - 2018

Since the first Barometer in 2008, the general community sample of Australian residents has been recruited from a professional market and social research

panel. Participants received a small incentive for their participation. The sample of 1995 completed the survey between 16-30 July 2018, and is associated

with a margin of error of +/-2.2% 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 47.8% and 52.2%.

Since 2014, the Indigenous sample has also been drawn from a professional market and social research panel. Participants were self-identified as

Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. The sample of 497 completed the survey between 17 July-28 August 2018 (simultaneously with the general

community sample), and is associated with a margin of error of +/-4.4% at the 95% confidence interval.

Both the general community sample and Indigenous sample are weighted to be representative in terms of age group, gender and location (State and

Territory populations), as per Australian Bureau of Statistics 2016 Census data.

The general community sample of Australian residents included quotas set for States and Territories, which are associated with the following margins of

error at the 95% confidence interval:

NSW, Victoria, QLD +/-4.9%

WA, SA, Tasmania, +/-6.9%

ACT, NT, +/-9.8%

NOTE: State breakouts for the general population in this report have each been weighted separately as per ABS 2016 Census stats per State/Territory.

Further details of the composition of both samples are provided in the Appendix.

Comparative samples from previous waves

In 2014, 1100 residents aged 18+ in the general community and 502 in the Indigenous community completed the survey in Sept-Oct 2014.

In 2016, 2277 residents aged 18+ in the general community and 500 in the Indigenous community completed the survey in July-August 2016.

6


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Methodology 2014-2018 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.

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).

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.7


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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.

8


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The social context of changing attitudes

9

Before interpreting any changes in the survey results between 2008 and

2018, 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 10 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.

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 and financial security

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

post-GFC public mood has seen a shift 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 “non-financial issues” such as the environment or Indigenous

reconciliation.

Campaign for Constitutional Recognition

Since 2010 there had 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 steadily gained

attention during 2013-2016.

However, in 2017 the Coalition Government decided to shelve the

campaign indefinitely, following a period of Indigenous consultation and

the resulting Referendum Council’s final report.

The Political Landscape, 2013-2018

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.

This largely continued under the Turnbull Government.

Episodes such as the Don Dale Detention Centre outrage in 2016, and

how Federal support for Constitutional Recognition has retreated since

2017, have likely impacted negatively on the relationship.

However, since 2016 all state parliaments have now amended their

Constitutions to recognise Australia’s First Peoples through legislation.

The Federal parliament also passed an Act of recognition in 2013.

These ‘mixed messages’ are arguably both helping and hindering the

reconciliation cause.

Australian Reconciliation Barometer 2018

10

2018

KEY FINDINGS


_____________________________

Almost all Australians view the relationship as important

11

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 (73%) remain much more likely than the general community (50%) to view the

relationship as very important.

1

5

4

5

4

4

8

9

10

9

7

7

40

44

41

43

41

40

51

43

46

43

48

50

0 25 50 75 100

Not important at all Fairly unimportant Fairly important Very important

0

0

0

1

2

3

1

2

3

1

3

6

9

11

22

21

21

94

90

87

73

76

73

0 25 50 75 100

2008

2010

2012

2014

2016

2018

Indigenous respondents 2018General community 2018

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


_____________________________

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

12

People among both the general community and Indigenous peoples 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.

For Indigenous respondents, there is also a notable correlation with parents and family as their main source.

4

6

4

5

1

6

9

7

7

6

49

40

41

36

30

41

46

49

52

64

0 25 50 75 100

The relationship is not important at all Fairly unimportant Fairly important Very important

5

3

7

3

8

39

23

45

15

10

61

71

46

79

82

0 25 50 75 100

Other people around you

Parents and family

The media

My own personalexperiences with Aboriginaland Torres Strait Islander…

My main source of info is...School education or other

research

Correlations of main source of information about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and views of the

importance of the relationship:

General community 2018 Indigenous respondents 2018


_____________________________

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

13

The general community continues to mostly agree that Australia is better off for having many cultural groups (70%), as do

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people (56%).

4

5

6

3

4

3

9

10

10

10

9

7

20

23

23

23

21

20

43

42

43

40

41

42

25

20

19

24

25

28

0 25 50 75 100

Strongly disagree Disagree Neither agree nor disagree Agree Strongly agree

1

6

3

9

6

5

7

9

6

9

10

9

22

19

25

24

28

30

32

34

36

36

33

34

37

33

30

22

23

22

0 25 50 75 100

2008

2010

2012

2014

2016

2018

General community Indigenous respondents

Australia is better off because we have many different races/cultures?


_____________________________

We widely agree Indigenous people hold a unique and important place in the national identity

14

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people continue to be twice as likely to strongly agree (64%) that their cultures are

important for Australia’s national identity, compared to the general community (32%). 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.

2

3

3

3

2

2

7

7

8

5

4

5

20

20

18

20

18

14

46

49

48

46

46

47

25

21

23

26

31

32

0 25 50 75 100


1

1

1

2

2

2

2

1

5

10

5

10

7

11

11

28

27

23

92

87

83

59

66

64

0 25 50 75 100

2008

2010

2012

2014

2016

2018


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

4

2

3

4

4

4

21

20

19

40

39

39

31

34

35

0 25 50 75 100

2014

2016

2018

2

2

1

2

2

9

7

10

23

19

22

64

72

65

0 25 50 75 100

Aboriginal and Torres StraitIslander people hold a

unique place as the FirstAustralians?


_____________________________

We mostly believe it is important to undertake a formal truth-telling process

15

The general community (80%) and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples (91%) widely believe it’s important to

undertake a formal truth telling process, in relation to Australia’s shared history.

However, Indigenous respondents are much more likely to feel this is very important, compared to the general public.

General community 2018

6 14 44 36

0 25 50 75 100


3 6 33 58

0 25 50 75 100

Important or not toundertake a formal truth

telling process, toacknowledge the reality ofAustralia's shared history?

Indigenous respondents 2018


_____________________________

We mostly believe it is very important for Indigenous peoples to have a say in their affairs

16

The general community (95%) and Indigenous communities (94%) widely believe it’s important for Aboriginal and Torres

Strait Islander peoples to have a say in matters that affect them.

Notably, this includes a strong majority of the general public (58%) who think this is very important.


24 37 58

0 25 50 75 100


24 22 72

0 25 50 75 100

Important or not forAboriginal and Torres

Strait Islander peoples tohave a voice/say in matters

that affect them?



_____________________________

We continue to agree it is important for all Australians to learn more about past issues

17

The general community (45%) remain less likely to feel 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 (65%).

However, the vast majority in both communities has continued to believe that it’s important, since 2014.

General community

4

3

3

11

10

11

46

44

41

39

43

45

0 25 50 75 100

2014

2016

2018


4

2

3

4

2

6

26

24

26

66

72

65

0 25 50 75 100

Important for allAustralians to learn moreabout the past issues of

European settlement andgovernment policy forIndigenous people?

Indigenous respondents


_____________________________

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

18

More Indigenous peoples have experienced racial prejudice in the last 6 months, than the general community, with 43% of

Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander respondents having suffered at least one form of such racism.

The most common forms of this have been verbal abuse, refused entry or physical violence. This significant disparity in daily

realities remains a key stumbling block in the relationship and an impediment to reconciliation.

4

4

16

20

96

96

84

80

0 25 50 75 100

Yes No

14 86

12

33

43

88

67

57

0 25 50 75 100

Physical violence

Refused entry to avenue

Verbal abuse

Experienced at least1 form of racial

prejudice in past 6months



19

FINDINGS BY

DIMENSIONFull results comparing Indigenous-only perspectives with the

general public

Race Relations

20

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

All Australians understand and value Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous cultures, rights and experiences, which results in stronger relationships based on trust and respect and that are free of racism

Key Findings: 63% of Australians never or rarely socialise with Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Australians

51% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander respondents agree that Australia is a racist country, compared to 38% of the general community

Fewer Indigenous Australians feel culturally empowered than in 2016. 19% feel they can never be themselves at work, or in their interactions with law and order (25%)

43% of Indigenous Australians have experienced at least one form or racial prejudice in the last 6 months


_____________________________

Most Australians still hardly ever socialise with Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Australians

21

Although personal experiences with Indigenous people are steadily influencing the general community, most Australians

continue 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.

29

63

51

24

13

71

37

49

76

87

0 25 50 75 100

Socialise with never/rarely Socialise with occassionally/frequently


29

18

47

33

22

71

82

53

67

78

0 25 50 75 100

People of anothercultural heritage

People of Aboriginalor Torres Strait

Islander heritage

Peope of MiddleEastern heritage

People of Asianheritage

People of British orEuropean heritage



_____________________________

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

22

Australians remain 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 (10%) than with any other major cultural group.

6

21

15

6

3

23

42

37

18

9

48

27

35

36

32

24

10

14

40

56

0 25 50 75 100

Never Rarely Occasionally Frequently


7

2

15

12

8

22

16

31

21

14

43

33

38

39

35

29

49

15

28

42

0 25 50 75 100

People of anothercultural heritage

People of Aboriginalor Torres Strait

Islander heritage

Peope of MiddleEastern heritage

People of Asianheritage

People of British orEuropean heritage



_____________________________

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

23

There has been little change in the percentage of mainstream Australians who socialise with Aboriginal and Torres Strait

Islander people, either frequently (10%) or occasionally (27%), since 2016.

However, Australians (37%) are now more likely to socialise frequently or occasionally with Indigenous peoples than in

2014 (30%).

25

24

21

45

43

42

23

24

27

7

8

10

0 25 50 75 100

2014

2016

2018

Never Rarely Occasionally Frequently

General community

4

4

2

14

12

16

38

34

33

44

51

49

0 25 50 75 100

Socialise with peopleof Aboriginal or Torres

Strait Islanderheritage?



_____________________________

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

24

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 (73%) remain much more likely than the general community (50%) to view the


1

5

4

5

4

4

8

9

10

9

7

7

40

44

41

43

41

40

51

43

46

43

48

50

0 25 50 75 100


0

0

0

1

2

3

1

2

3

1

3

6

9

11

22

21

21

94

90

87

73

76

73

0 25 50 75 100

2008

2010

2012

2014

2016

2018

Indigenous respondents 2018General community 2018



_____________________________

The views among younger Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians are a mixed picture

25

When it comes to holding high value in the relationship, a sense that past wrongs can never be forgiven and belief that it’s

very important for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians to have a say in matters that concern them, 18-24 year

olds are mostly behind all other age groups in Indigenous communities.

A key underlying factor for the contradictions in these views among young Indigenous Australians may be that while they

are more inclined to feel they trust other Australians (51%), they are less inclined to believe that trust is reciprocated (34%).

5

6

3

1

4

7

2

2

18

18

37

19

21

5

73

69

61

78

78

93

0 25 50 75 100

18-24

25-34

35-44

45-54

55-64

65+ yrs old

How important is the relationship?


34

45

38

42

43

32

51

47

42

42

48

40

0 25 50 75 100

18-24

25-34

35-44

45-54

55-64

65+ yrs old

Fairly high/Very high trust:

Trust Indigenouspeoples have forother Australians

Trust otherAustralians have forIndigenous peoples

27

19

11

12

6

12

6

4

6

1

2

34

48

47

28

39

41

32

29

37

59

53

48

0 25 50 75 100

18-24

25-34

35-44

45-54

55-64

65+ yrs old

The wrongs of thepast can never beforgiven

I don't believe therehave been anywrongs

The wrongs of thepast must be rectified

There should beforgiveness

2

6

1

1

6

3

4

4

5

25

21

29

19

14

19

68

70

67

76

80

81

0 25 50 75 100

18-24

25-34

35-44

45-54

55-64

65+ yrs old

Important Indigenous peoples have a voice?




_____________________________

The views among younger Australians are generally positive for the future

26

When it comes to holding high value in the relationship, perceptions of trust, a sense that past wrongs must be rectified

and belief that it’s very important for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians to have a say in matters that concern

them, 18-24 year olds are mostly ahead of all other age groups in the general community.

That these attitudes are also largely evident among 25-34 year olds further highlights how these positive views have been

largely carried forward by young people since the first Barometer in 2008.


3

5

4

3

5

4

6

6

8

4

7

8

31

38

42

40

41

43

61

52

46

53

47

44

0 25 50 75 100

18-24

25-34

35-44

45-54

55-64

65+ yrs old

How important is the relationship?


33

33

30

22

24

19

21

29

24

18

18

14

0 25 50 75 100

18-24

25-34

35-44

45-54

55-64

65+ yrs old

Fairly high/Very high trust:

Trust Indigenous peoples have forother Australians

Trust other Australians have forIndigenous peoples

7

4

7

4

5

6

2

5

6

4

4

3

45

41

25

27

17

17

45

49

63

65

74

74

0 25 50 75 100

18-24

25-34

35-44

45-54

55-64

65+ yrs old

The wrongs of thepast can never beforgiven

I don't believe therehave been anywrongs

The wrongs of thepast must be rectified

There should beforgiveness

2

2

3

2

1

3

3

4

3

4

5

28

40

38

38

37

36

69

54

56

57

57

58

0 25 50 75 100

18-24

25-34

35-44

45-54

55-64

65+ yrs old

Important Indigenous peoples have a voice?



_____________________________

ACT residents are most likely to view the relationship as very important

27

Most people (97%) among the general community in ACT feel the relationship is important to Australia as a nation,

with two in three saying it’s very important. Conversely, people in South Australia are least likely (47%) to view the


Notably, the Northern Territory is where more people think the relationship is not important at all (10%), compared to

other States and Territories.

3

4

3

10

5

4

2

1

8

7

8

7

6

5

7

2

43

41

40

34

39

42

38

36

47

48

49

49

50

50

52

61

0 25 50 75 100

SA

TAS

VIC

NT

NSW

QLD

WA

ACT





_____________________________

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

28

People among both the general community and Indigenous peoples 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.

For Indigenous respondents, there is also a notable correlation with parents and family as their main source.

4

6

4

5

1

6

9

7

7

6

49

40

41

36

30

41

46

49

52

64

0 25 50 75 100


5

3

7

3

8

39

23

45

15

10

61

71

46

79

82

0 25 50 75 100


Parents and family

The media

My own personalexperiences with Aboriginaland Torres Strait Islander…

My main source of info is...School education or other

research

Correlations of main source of information about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and views of the




_____________________________

Education and personal experience influence has increased since 2014

29

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. This is particularly evident among Indigenous respondents, which

may reflect a greater emphasis within educational settings.

Similarly, the influence of personal experience in the general community, as the main source of information leading to views

the relationship is very important, has also increased.

6

4

5

7

2

1

9

8

7

4

3

6

36

38

36

41

36

30

48

50

52

48

59

64

0 25 50 75 100

2014

2016

2018

2014

2016

2018


1

3

7

3

1

3

4

3

8

18

19

15

19

31

10

78

79

79

69

66

82

0 25 50 75 100

My own personalexperiences withAboriginal andTorres Strait

Islander peoples

My main sourceis... School

education orother research

Comparisons of main source of information about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and views of the




_____________________________

Trust levels have changed little since 2016

30

Perceptions of trust among the general public have remained steady, with 27% feeling they trust Indigenous Australians

(24% in 2016) and 21% believing that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have trust for non-Indigenous

Australians (19% in 2016). Similarly, the perception of trust held among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander

respondents has changed little: 46% now feel they have high trust for other Australians, the same as 2016.

However, more Indigenous people now believe other Australians have high trust for them (40%), than in 2016 (35%).

28

29

25

15

14

13

33

31

25

20

21

18

54

52

53

48

48

49

48

50

53

46

46

48

6

6

8

12

13

11

8

10

11

13

14

13

11

11

11

21

20

21

10

7

9

16

15

16

1

2

2

5

4

6

2

2

2

4

4

5

0 25 50 75 100

Very low Fairly low Don't know Fairly high Very high

41

45

38

23

23

21

28

31

29

14

13

11

50

46

55

36

35

33

58

54

55

41

33

37

5

3

3

7

7

6

2

2

1

5

8

6

4

6

5

21

20

25

11

11

13

27

31

28

13

15

15

1

1

2

12

15

18

0 25 50 75 100

2008

2010

2012

2014

2016

2018

2008

2010

2012

2014

2016

2018


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

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


_____________________________

NSW

VicQld

WA

SA

Tas

NT

ACT

National

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

60 65 70 75 80 85 90 95 100

% H

old

very

/fair

ly h

igh

tru

st

for

Ind

igen

ou

s

Au

str

alian

s

The relationship is fairly/very important

High importance

Low trust for

Indigenous

Australians

Low importance

Higher trust for Indigenous Australians

Low importance

Low trust for

Indigenous

Australians

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

While there is widespread agreement the relationship is important, high trust for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

is lacking across the general communities of all States and Territories, but particularly low in NT and WA. Trust and

importance are highest in ACT.

.

High importance

Higher trust for Indigenous Australians


31


_____________________________

Trust is lowest among West Australians

32

Levels of trust are lowest in WA, with 78% of the general community there feeling there is very/fairly low trust for

Indigenous Australians and 78% believing that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians have very/fairly low trust

for other Australians. Conversely, ACT has the highest levels of perceived high trust held by non-Indigenous Australians

(32%), while NT has the highest for trust held by Indigenous Australians (25%).

11

15

9

21

10

14

9

14

16

24

20

22

18

18

16

18

47

54

50

57

51

47

49

47

49

48

52

56

51

45

50

45

10

12

15

5

13

13

14

10

10

3

11

8

16

18

13

13

26

15

22

13

19

20

21

21

20

11

13

8

12

15

17

17

6

4

4

4

6

6

6

7

5

14

3

6

3

3

4

7

0 25 50 75 100

ACT

NT

TAS

WA

SA

QLD

VIC

NSW

ACT

NT

TAS

WA

SA

QLD

VIC

NSW

Very low Fairly low Don't know Fairly high Very high





_____________________________

Trust is highest among Sydney residents and regional/rural residents in Victoria

33

Levels of trust are highest among regional and rural residents in Victoria, with 30% feeling there is high trust for Indigenous

Australians and 33% believing that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians have high trust for other Australians.

Sydney has the highest level of trust for Indigenous peoples among capital city residents.

62

49

59

66

71

51

60

67

12

20

11

8

12

16

14

12

26

30

30

26

17

33

26

21

0 25 50 75 100

Capital cityresidents

Regional andrural residents







Fairly/Very low Don't know Fairly/Very high




NSW

NSW

VIC

VIC


_____________________________

Trust is lowest among regional/rural residents in Western Australia

34

Levels of trust are lowest among regional and rural residents of WA, with 86% believing that Aboriginal and Torres Strait

Islander Australians have low trust for other Australians and 81% feeling there is low trust for Indigenous Australians.

76

81

63

61

75

86

67

64

5

5

10

13

8

6

13

14

18

14

27

26

16

8

20

22

0 25 50 75 100









Fairly/Very low Don't know Fairly/Very high




National

National

WA

WA


_____________________________

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

35

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, 21% of Indigenous respondents feel there is low trust with police, compared with 10% of the general

community. Similarly, 11% see low trust with school staff, compared with 5% in the general community.

1

3

4

7

2

24

13

7

51

47

48

21

30

43

0 25 50 75 100

Very low trust Fairly low trust Don't know Fairly high trust Very high trust


2

8

1

9

13

7

25

12

10

41

42

45

22

26

37

0 25 50 75 100

School teachersand principals

Police

Doctors, nurses,medical staff etc

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



_____________________________

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

36

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 (17%) than the general

community (5%).

1

1

4

3

2

24

10

7

43

53

48

28

35

43

0 25 50 75 100

Very poor relationship Fairly poor relationship Don't know Fairly good relationship Very good relationship


6

2

1

11

5

4

15

10

8

39

53

48

29

31

39

0 25 50 75 100

Police

Local shopowners and staff


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


_____________________________

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

37

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. And notably, the general

public are currently more likely not to trust real estate agents (37%) than Indigenous respondents (31%).

9

2

28

8

3

34

28

17

24

48

62

4

14

17

0 25 50 75 100



13

3

2

18

9

6

36

30

16

24

41

55

9

18

19

0 25 50 75 100

Real estateagents

Employers





_____________________________

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

38

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 very poor relationship with real estate agents (7%), than non-

Indigenous Australians (3%).

3

1

1

9

3

4

38

31

25

39

40

44

11

26

27

0 25 50 75 100



7

3

3

6

5

5

39

27

28

35

41

40

13

23

26

0 25 50 75 100

Real estate agents


Employers




_____________________________

12

3

2

5

12

2

18

8

6

8

11

3

35

29

20

21

17

10

25

39

51

44

34

47

10

21

21

23

26

37

0 25 50 75 100

Very low trust Fairly low trust Dont know Fairly high trust Very high trust

Indigenous trust has remained steady for all groups of professions since 2016

39

There has been little change in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people feeling there is high trust shared with all the

professional groups, compared with 2016.

2016

13

3

2

2

8

1

18

9

6

9

13

7

36

30

16

25

12

10

24

41

55

41

42

45

9

18

19

22

26

37

0 25 50 75 100

Real estateagents

Employers



Police





_____________________________

7

2

1

2

8

1

22

5

3

8

7

3

38

29

20

22

15

8

24

46

53

48

42

47

9

18

23

21

28

40

0 25 50 75 100


Indigenous trust has decreased for most professions since 2014

40

More Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people now feel there is low trust shared with all professional groups, compared

with 2014. In particular, Indigenous respondents are currently more likely to feel there is a low level of trust between them

and police (21%) and employers (12%), than in 2014 (15%, 7% respectively).

Notably, perceptions of very low trust with estate agents have doubled (13%), since 2014 (7%).

2014



13

3

2

2

8

1

18

9

6

9

13

7

36

30

16

25

12

10

24

41

55

41

42

45

9

18

19

22

26

37

0 25 50 75 100

Real estateagents

Employers



Police



_____________________________

6

3

3

8

2

2

10

4

4

8

2

3

40

28

28

20

12

6

28

36

36

37

52

50

16

29

29

28

31

40

0 25 50 75 100

Very poor relationship Fairly poor relationship Dont know Fairly good relationship Very good relationship

Indigenous relationships have changed little with all groups of professions since 2016

41

There has been little improvement in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people feeling they have good relationships

with all professional groups, since 2016.

2016 Indigenous respondents 2018

7

3

3

6

2

1

6

5

5

11

5

4

39

27

28

15

10

8

35

41

40

39

53

48

13

23

26

29

31

39

0 25 50 75 100

Real estate agents


Employers

Police

Local shop ownersand staff




_____________________________

4

2

2

4

1

1

14

9

6

12

6

7

42

22

26

20

15

9

30

42

35

38

45

47

11

25

31

25

33

37

0 25 50 75 100


Indigenous relationships have improved slightly with all groups of professions since 2014

42

More Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people now feel they have good relationships with all professional groups,

compared with 2014.

Notably, Indigenous respondents are more likely now to have a good relationship with estate agents (48%), than in 2014

(41%).



7

3

3

6

2

1

6

5

5

11

5

4

39

27

28

15

10

8

35

41

40

39

53

48

13

23

26

29

31

39

0 25 50 75 100

Real estate agents


Employers

Police

Local shop ownersand staff



_____________________________

Personal experience is growing as a key source of information about Indigenous people

43

The general community remain more likely to cite the media (34%) or other secondary sources (such as school or other

research, 17%) as their main source of information about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. However, personal

experiences are steadily increasing as a key source.

Unsurprisingly, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander respondents continue to learn about their people mostly from their

own interactions with their communities and families.

37

38

35

36

34

34

35

35

36

36

38

39

15

16

17

15

16

17

3

3

4

3

3

3

9

9

8

10

9

7

0 25 50 75 100

The media

Your own personal experiences with Indigenous people

School education or other research

Parents and family


2

2

10

10

9

62

57

57

49

50

50

4

5

2

7

6

7

28

32

37

28

27

30

4

4

4

6

7

4

0 25 50 75 100

2008

2010

2012

2014

2016

2018


Main source of information about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people:


_____________________________

Indigenous Australians remain more likely to worry about other cultures

44

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people continue to be more likely to worry that other cultures are harmful to their own

(22%), or find other cultures difficult to understand (28%), than the general community.

However, a similar percentage of both groups worry about causing offence to people from another culture. And notably,

this has steadily decreased among Indigenous respondents, since 2014.

3

3

3

3

3

3

3

5

4

18

15

17

12

13

11

25

26

28

29

29

28

26

24

24

28

26

29

37

37

39

33

30

31

30

30

28

14

16

13

26

30

31

15

13

11

0 25 50 75 100

2014

2016

2018

2014

2016

2018

2014

2016

2018

Strongly agree Agree Neither agree nor disagree Disagree Strongly disagree

General community

10

7

5

10

10

7

12

8

6

23

20

23

23

17

15

28

28

25

27

31

32

28

26

29

28

26

27

24

27

23

22

24

22

20

24

21

15

15

17

18

22

27

11

14

21

0 25 50 75 100

I find it difficult to understand the customsand ways of other races/cultures

Other races/cultures are harmful to mine

I worry about causing offence when I meetpeople from other races/cultures



_____________________________

Most people reject the notion that non-Indigenous Australians are superior

45

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people continue to be more likely to disagree strongly (46%) that non-Indigenous

Australians are superior, than the general community (39%).

However, it is notable that Indigenous respondents who agree with this sentiment (18%) also continues to be higher than in

the general community. This may reflect issues of low self esteem or perceptions of ‘material’ superiority in non-Indigenous

Australians, among Indigenous respondents.

2

3

2

2

2

3

9

10

8

6

6

8

26

27

27

24

25

23

33

30

29

32

26

28

30

30

34

35

40

39

0 25 50 75 100


7

7

4

5

8

9

7

5

5

14

9

9

6

10

9

20

14

18

12

14

11

14

15

18

68

64

70

47

54

46

0 25 50 75 100

2008

2010

2012

2014

2016

2018


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


_____________________________

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

46

The general community continues to mostly agree that Australia is better off for having many cultural groups (70%), as do

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people (56%).

4

5

6

3

4

3

9

10

10

10

9

7

20

23

23

23

21

20

43

42

43

40

41

42

25

20

19

24

25

28

0 25 50 75 100


1

6

3

9

6

5

7

9

6

9

10

9

22

19

25

24

28

30

32

34

36

36

33

34

37

33

30

22

23

22

0 25 50 75 100

2008

2010

2012

2014

2016

2018


Australia is better off because we have many different races/cultures?


_____________________________

More Indigenous Australians still believe Australia is a racist country

47

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are still more likely to agree Australia is a racist country (51%), than the

general community (38%), and are much more likely to strongly agree (19%, compared to 8%).

However, the vast majority of both communities also continue to believe Australians can become united.

3

3

3

11

10

9

21

18

16

44

45

48

21

23

24

0 25 50 75 100

2014

2016

2018


General community

4

5

3

7

9

8

20

20

15

39

37

42

30

29

32

0 25 50 75 100

I believe it is possiblefor all Australians to

become united


6

6

8

29

33

30

33

29

30

24

23

23

8

9

9

0 25 50 75 100

2014

2016

2018


17

19

19

31

38

32

29

23

25

17

13

17

6

7

7

0 25 50 75 100

Australia is a racistcountry


_____________________________

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

48

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people continue to be more likely to feel there is very high prejudice between

themselves and non-Indigenous Australians (18%), than the general community (7%).

Notably, there has been a steady decline since 2014 in both groups of people who feel there is low prejudice.

10

12

7

35

37

42

19

19

35

30

27

15

6

6

2

0 25 50 75 100

2014

2016

2018

Very high prejudice Fairly high prejudice Don't know Fairly low prejudice Very low prejudice


22

20

18

40

40

37

11

17

29

23

17

14

4

6

3

0 25 50 75 100

Prejudice between non-Indigenous Australians andAboriginal and Torres Strait

Islander Australians


_____________________________

We are most likely to see high prejudice between Anglo-Celtic heritage and Indigenous Australians

49

Both the general community (43%) and Indigenous respondents (45%) widely see high prejudice between Australians of

Anglo-Celtic heritage and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

However, Indigenous Australians are more likely to see high levels of prejudice between themselves and non-English

speaking heritage Australians (39%), than the general community (30%).

6

6

7

34

24

36

35

52

38

23

16

17

2

2

1

0 25 50 75 100



14

13

15

29

26

30

39

41

38

16

18

14

2

3

2

0 25 50 75 100

Prejudice between people of Anglo-Celticcultural heritage and people of non-English

speaking cultural heritage

Prejudice between people of non-Englishspeaking cultural heritage and Indigenous

Australians

Prejudice between people of Anglo-Celticcultural heritage and Indigenous Australians


_____________________________

West Australians are most likely to feel there is high prejudice between the communities

50

Levels of prejudice between non-Indigenous Australians and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians are most

widely perceived to be high in WA and ACT.

Conversely, the general communities of Tasmania (22%), Victoria (21%) and NT (26%) most widely believe there are low

levels of prejudice. However, NT is the most divided area, with fewest people feeling they ‘don’t know’ (19%).

3

5

6

6

7

8

9

9

40

38

42

52

49

42

40

49

35

36

36

24

19

36

36

32

20

19

15

16

25

13

13

10

2

2

1

2

1

1

2

0 25 50 75 100

TAS

VIC

QLD

ACT

NT

NSW

SA

WA



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


_____________________________

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

51

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are twice as likely to have experienced verbal abuse in the past six months

(33%), than the general community (16%), and are much more likely to have experienced other forms of prejudice, on the

basis of their race.

8

3

3

4

4

16

92

97

97

96

96

84

0 25 50 75 100

Yes No


20

12

15

14

12

33

80

88

85

86

88

67

0 25 50 75 100

Other

Refused service in ashop

Prevented from rentingor buying a property

Physical violence


Verbal abuse



_____________________________

The experiences of younger Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are a mixed picture

52

When it comes to views of prejudice between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians and non-Indigenous

Australians, young Indigenous peoples are most likely to see very high prejudice, compared to other age groups.

Several daily issues can be seen as underlying factors. Along with many experiencing racial prejudice in the past six months

(43%), 18-24 year olds are most likely to have felt discriminated against by employers or local shop staff. And, consequently,

young Indigenous peoples are least likely to feel they can always be themselves at work or in the general community.

26

30

50

49

31

43

30

22

9

12

5

23

0 25 50 75 100

18-24

25-34

35-44

45-54

55-64

65+ yrs old

Prejudice between Indigenous & non-Indigenous?

Fairly high prejudice Very high prejudice


11

9

9

8

2

12

9

8

8

1

5

0 25 50

18-24

25-34

35-44

45-54

55-64

65+ yrs old

Felt discriminated against in the past 6 months by..

Employers

Local shop owners/staff

43

49

44

40

47

23

0 25 50 75 100

18-24

25-34

35-44

45-54

55-64

65+ yrs old

Experienced racial prejudice in past 6 months?

Experienced at least 1 form of racism

39

45

49

53

63

67

31

42

37

53

40

63

0 25 50 75 100

18-24

25-34

35-44

45-54

55-64

65+ yrs old

Can always be true to yourself..

At work

In the generalcommunity


_____________________________

Indigenous experiences of racial prejudice have decreased since 2016

53

There has been a slight decrease in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people experiencing verbal abuse in the

past six months (33%), since 2016 (37%).

Encouragingly, there have also been slight decreases in Indigenous people experiencing most other forms of race-

based prejudice, in the past two years.

12

16

17

17

37

88

84

83

83

63

0 25 50 75 100

Yes No

2016

12

12

14

15

33

88

88

86

85

67

0 25 50 75 100



Physical violence


Verbal abuse



_____________________________

Indigenous experiences of racial prejudice have changed little since 2014

54

There has largely been no improvement in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s experiences of race-based

prejudice in the past four years.

Most notably, the issue appears to be getting worse in terms of Indigenous Australians trying to rent or buy property.

11

11

14

12

31

89

89

86

88

69

0 25 50 75 100

Yes No


12

12

14

15

33

88

88

86

85

67

0 25 50 75 100



Physical violence


Verbal abuse


_____________________________

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

55

46% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have witnessed verbal abuse of another person in the past six

months, considerably more than in the general community (28%).

Notably, Indigenous respondents are much more likely to have witnessed other forms of prejudice, on the basis of their

race, compared to the general public.

7

5

6

7

10

28

93

95

94

93

90

72

0 25 50 75 100

Yes No


17 83

19

22

24

30

46

81

78

76

70

54

0 25 50 75 100

Other




Physical violence

Verbal abuse



_____________________________

Indigenous witness of racial prejudice has decreased since 2016

56

Since 2016, there has been a slight decrease in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people witnessing all forms of

race-based prejudice.

Most notably, fewer Indigenous respondents have witnessed prejudice towards others in property transactions (19%),

than two years ago (26%).

26

24

29

32

49

74

76

71

68

51

0 25 50 75 100

Yes No

2016

19

22

24

30

46

81

78

76

70

54

0 25 50 75 100




Physical violence

Verbal abuse



_____________________________

Indigenous witness of racial prejudice has increased since 2014

57

More Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people (46%) have witnessed verbal abuse of another person in the past six

months, up from 2014 (42%).

Worryingly, they are also more likely to have witnessed other forms of race-based prejudice, compared to 2014. Most

notably, more Indigenous respondents have witnessed physical violence (30%) than four years ago (23%).

17

19

22

23

42

83

81

78

77

58

0 25 50 75 100

Yes No


19

22

24

30

46

81

78

76

70

54

0 25 50 75 100




Physical violence

Verbal abuse


_____________________________

Perceptions of prejudice 2008-12

58

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 them from other Australians was

‘very’ high.

16

20

21

26

26

25

55

51

49

45

46

44

8

6

8

12

9

12

19

20

19

15

17

16

2

2

2

2

1

3

0 25 50 75 100

Very high Fairly high Don't know Fairly low Very low

50

53

59

18

19

18

43

40

36

55

55

54

1

1

2

2

4

5

5

24

21

26

2

2

3

2

0 25 50 75 100

2008

2010

2012

2008

2010

2012


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

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

EQUALITY & EQUITY

59

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

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples participate equally in a range of life opportunities and the unique rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are recognised and upheld.

Key Findings: 94% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander respondents and 95% of the general community believe it is important for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to have a say in their affairs

45% of Indigenous respondents and 40% of the general community believe that the Australian education system does not prepare children well for employment

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and Australians in the general community, believe more must be done by government departments to close the gap in areas of disadvantage.


_____________________________

We mostly believe it is very important for Indigenous peoples to have a say in their affairs

60

The general community (95%) and Indigenous communities (94%) widely believe it’s important for Aboriginal and Torres

Strait Islander peoples to have a say in matters that affect them.

Notably, this includes a strong majority of the general public (58%) who think this is very important.


24 37 58

0 25 50 75 100


24 22 72

0 25 50 75 100

Important or not forAboriginal and Torres

Strait Islander peoples tohave a voice/say in matters

that affect them?



_____________________________

More people from the ACT believe it is very important for Indigenous peoples to have a voice

61

The general community in ACT mostly believe (73%) that it’s very important for Aboriginal and Torres Strait

Islander peoples to have a say in matters that affect them. This is notably higher than in other areas.

However, strong majorities in all States and Territories believe this is important.


2

1

2

1

3

2

7

5

4

3

4

4

4

45

41

40

38

37

36

36

27

47

54

56

58

58

58

58

73

0 25 50 75 100

NT

TAS

WA

SA

NSW

QLD

VIC

ACT


Important Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have a voice/say in matters that affect them?


_____________________________

Indigenous Australians remain more likely to consider their living conditions are poor

62

While 65% of the general community consider their own living conditions to be comfortable, only 48% of Aboriginal

and Torres Strait Islander people do so. This ‘gap’ has worsened slightly since 2016, with less Indigenous

respondents now comfortable.

Notably, while only 2% of the general public consider their own living conditions to be a lot worse than the majority of

people in Australia, 7% of Indigenous respondents feel that way.

1

1

1

3

3

2

29

31

31

52

48

49

16

17

16

0 25 50 75 100

2014

2016

2018

Very poor Poor Just getting by Comfortable Very comfortable

General community

2

2

2

13

13

15

47

45

42

29

30

31

9

10

10

0 25 50 75 100

2014

2016

2018

My conditions are a lot worse Slightly worse About the same Slightly better A lot better


4

3

2

4

6

6

40

38

43

34

34

32

18

20

16

0 25 50 75 100

Own livingconditions

8

8

7

20

19

16

38

39

47

18

21

19

16

13

11

0 25 50 75 100

Own livingconditions

compared tomajority inAustralia


_____________________________

Indigenous Australians remain more likely to feel their prospects will change for the worse

63

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 still think their conditions will deteriorate, in terms of home life, financial situation

and working situation, compared to the general community.

11

10

10

22

22

18

7

7

8

70

69

68

54

54

57

72

73

71

19

20

21

24

24

25

22

20

21

0 25 50 75 100

2014

2016

2018

2014

2016

2018

2014

2016

2018

Get worse Stay the same Improve

General community

16

13

16

27

21

24

13

11

12

58

52

57

44

43

43

58

55

58

26

35

27

29

36

33

29

34

31

0 25 50 75 100

My working situation will…

My financial situation will…

My home life will…

Perceptions of how prospects will change in the next year:



_____________________________

More Indigenous Australians see employment potential in terms of education and equal opportunity

64

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are now more likely to feel that employers in Australia do follow equal

opportunity laws and practices (42%), in line with the general community (44%).

Similarly, more Indigenous respondents now agree (32%) that the education system prepares children well for employment.

However, they are also more likely to strongly disagree with this premise (15%), than the general public (9%).

12

13

9

7

7

5

27

29

31

17

19

18

29

28

29

35

33

32

28

26

27

35

34

35

4

4

5

6

7

9

0 25 50 75 100

2014

2016

2018

2014

2016

2018


General community

18

16

15

9

11

7

27

32

30

25

19

19

28

26

22

33

35

32

18

20

21

23

25

27

9

6

11

9

10

15

0 25 50 75 100

The Australian education systemprepares children well to find a

job

Employers in Australia follow theEqual Opportunity laws



_____________________________

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

65

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people remain 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 (50%), the community sector (33%) and the

business sector (32%) need to do a lot more.

10

11

15

18

15

2

2

2

5

2

2

3

1

2

2

33

26

29

31

33

34

34

34

31

36

18

24

18

14

12

0 25 50 75 100

Don't know Should do nothing Should do less Doing as much as they can Need to do more Need to do a lot more


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

5

4

5

8

6

1

1

2

2

1

1

2

23

17

32

25

24

34

27

35

33

35

36

50

27

32

33

0 25 50 75 100

Educationalinstitutions

Governmentdepartments

Aboriginal and TorresStrait Islanderorganisations

Private sectorbusinesses

Community sectororganisations



_____________________________

More Australians think organisations are doing as much as they can in areas of education

66

There has bee a slight decrease in the general community of people who think that various organisations need to do a lot

more in areas of education, to help close the gap, since 2016.

In particular, more Australians now believe that businesses (31%) are doing as much as they can, compared to 2016.

General community 2016 2018

12

15

20

17

1

1

4

1

3

1

2

2

23

25

26

31

33

37

32

34

27

21

17

14

0 25 50 75 100


10

11

15

18

15

2

2

2

5

2

2

3

1

2

2

33

26

29

31

33

34

34

34

31

36

18

24

18

14

12

0 25 50 75 100








_____________________________

Most Australians still think organisations need to do more in areas of education, as in 2014

67

There has been little change in the general community regarding how various organisations need to do more in areas of

education, to help close the gap, since 2014.


12

16

20

17

2

2

4

2

2

1

1

1

25

27

28

32

34

36

33

34

24

19

14

13

0 25 50 75 100


10

11

15

18

15

2

2

2

5

2

2

3

1

2

2

33

26

29

31

33

34

34

34

31

36

18

24

18

14

12

0 25 50 75 100








_____________________________

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

68

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people remain 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 the education sector (27%), the community sector (23%) and the

business sector (25%) need to do a lot more.

11

9

12

14

13

2

2

1

3

2

2

3

2

3

3

37

28

31

30

36

35

36

37

35

35

13

21

16

15

11

0 25 50 75 100



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

4

4

5

6

4

1

1

1

1

3

5

3

3

2

26

19

34

23

29

38

36

36

43

42

27

35

21

25

23

0 25 50 75 100








_____________________________

Most Australians still think organisations need to do more in areas of employment

69

There has been little change in the general community regarding how various organisations need to do more in areas of

employment, to help close the gap, since 2016.


11

13

14

14

2

1

2

1

4

3

3

2

28

30

28

36

35

36

35

34

21

18

18

13

0 25 50 75 100


11

9

12

14

13

2

2

1

3

2

2

3

2

3

3

37

28

31

30

36

35

36

37

35

35

13

21

16

15

11

0 25 50 75 100






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


_____________________________

More Australians think organisations are doing as much as they can in employment, since 2014

70

There has bee a slight increase in the general community of people who think that various organisations are

doing as much as they can in areas of employment, to help close the gap, since 2014. In particular, more

Australians now believe the community sector (36%) is doing as much as they can, compared to 4 years ago.

However, more people now feel government needs to do a lot more (21%).


12

13

13

14

2

2

3

2

2

2

1

1

28

29

28

33

38

38

40

39

18

16

15

11

0 25 50 75 100


11

9

12

14

13

2

2

1

3

2

2

3

2

3

3

37

28

31

30

36

35

36

37

35

35

13

21

16

15

11

0 25 50 75 100






Doing enough to help close the

between non-Indigenous and Indigenous peoples in employment?


_____________________________

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

71

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 educational institutions (36%), the community sector (34%) and

the business sector (35%) need to do a lot more.

15

11

14

20

15

3

2

2

5

2

2

1

1

2

1

34

26

28

32

35

30

32

31

27

33

16

29

23

15

15

0 25 50 75 100



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

6

4

4

8

6

1

1

1

1

1

1

2

25

17

34

24

24

31

27

31

30

34

36

50

30

35

34

0 25 50 75 100

Educational institutions







_____________________________

More Australians think organisations are doing as much as they can in areas of health

72

There has been a slight decrease in the general community of people who think that various organisations need to do a

lot more in areas of health, to help close the gap, since 2016.

In particular, more Australians now believe the community sector (35%) and Indigenous organisations (28%) are doing as

much as they can, compared to 2016.


12

15

20

17

1

1

4

1

24

24

29

31

30

33

27

32

30

25

17

17

0 25 50 75 100


15

11

14

20

15

3

2

2

5

2

2

1

1

2

1

34

26

28

32

35

30

32

31

27

33

16

29

23

15

15

0 25 50 75 100








_____________________________

More Australians think organisations are doing as much as they can in areas of health, since 2014

73

More people in the general community now believe various organisations are doing as much as they can in areas of

health, to help close the gap, since 2014.


12

15

20

16

2

1

5

2

2

1

2

1

22

26

30

31

34

34

29

34

28

23

15

15

0 25 50 75 100



15

11

14

20

15

3

2

2

5

2

2

1

1

2

1

34

26

28

32

35

30

32

31

27

33

16

29

23

15

15

0 25 50 75 100







_____________________________

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

74

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are more likely to think that various organisations need to do more in areas of

justice, to help close the gap, than the general community.

In particular, Indigenous respondents more widely believe the educational sector (33%), the community sector (31%) and

the business sector (28%) need to do a lot more.

13

10

12

19

14

3

2

1

6

2

2

3

2

2

3

35

26

27

34

33

32

32

34

26

34

14

27

24

11

14

0 25 50 75 100



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

7

5

6

8

6

2

2

1

3

1

3

3

2

2

3

24

17

28

31

26

31

30

30

28

32

33

43

32

28

31

0 25 50 75 100







UNITY

75

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

An Australian society that values and recognises Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and heritage as a proud part of a shared national identity

Key Findings:73% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people would like to do something to help improve reconciliation, compared to 54% of the general community.

81% of the general community believes Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and cultures should be recognised in the Constitution.

64% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander respondents support a treaty, compared to 47% of the general community.

More Australians believe it is possible to become united – 74% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and 72% of Australians in the general community


_____________________________

Most Northern Territorians feel they know about Indigenous history

76

73% 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, Capital Territorians are least likely to feel they have a high level of knowledge about the history of

Indigenous people in Australia (36%).

10

6

11

7

7

8

11

1

50

49

51

46

49

44

53

25

37

39

32

41

38

41

26

57

3

5

5

6

6

7

10

16

0 25 50 75 100

TAS

WA

VIC

SA

NSW

QLD

ACT

NT

Very low/No knowledge at all Fairly low Fairly high Very high


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


_____________________________

Our knowledge of Indigenous histories and cultures continues to increase slowly

77

72% of the general community and 79% of Indigenous respondents believe they have a high level of knowledge about the

history of Australia. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are more likely to have a high level of knowledge about the

histories of their people (74%) or their cultures (72%), than the general community (43% and 38% 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 steadily among the general public, since 2014.

11

12

10

9

10

8

3

4

2

59

55

53

52

48

48

27

26

26

26

29

33

33

37

37

57

56

58

4

4

5

6

5

6

13

14

14

0 25 50 75 100

2014

2016

2018

2014

2016

2018

2014

2016

2018

Very low/No knowledge at all Fairly low Fairly high Very high

General community

3

5

5

4

5

6

2

4

5

31

21

23

23

19

21

21

15

16

38

41

45

43

41

47

48

45

49

27

33

27

30

35

27

28

35

30

0 25 50 75 100

Knowledge aboutAboriginal and Torres

Strait Islandercultures

Knowledge about thehistories of Aboriginal

and Torres StraitIslander people in

Australia

Knowledge about thehistory of Australia


NOTE: Knowledge about the history of Indigenous people changed to “histories” in 2018


_____________________________

The importance of knowing and learning about Indigenous history and cultures remains steady

78

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are twice as likely to believe it is very important that Indigenous histories and

cultures should be compulsory in school (62%), compared to the general public (32%).

The levels of importance in both communities has remained stable since 2014.

7 13 47 32

0 25 50 75 100

2018


General community

4 7 27 62

0 25 50 75 100

Important Indigenous historiesand cultures are a compulsorypart of the school curriculum?


8

6

15

14

46

45

31

35

0 25 50 75 100

2014

2016

3

2

5

3

30

27

62

69

0 25 50 75 100

Important Indigenous history isa compulsory part of the school

curriculum?


_____________________________

The importance of learning about Indigenous histories and cultures remains stable

79

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people remain more likely to believe it is very important for all Australians to learn

about the histories of Indigenous people (64%) or their cultures (61%). However, it is encouraging that there has been a

slight increase in these sentiments in both communities since 2014.

Similarly, Indigenous respondents are also more likely to feel that learning the history of Australia is very important,

compared to the general public. Again, this may indicate how they see Indigenous and ‘Australian’ histories entwined.

6

4

3

5

3

3

2

1

2

15

13

13

12

11

11

4

5

5

49

50

51

50

48

50

39

39

39

31

34

33

33

37

36

54

55

55

0 25 50 75 100

2014

2016

2018

2014

2016

2018

2014

2016

2018


General community

1

2

2

2

3

3

1

2

6

4

6

5

2

5

4

3

4

36

30

31

32

25

28

31

24

29

57

65

61

62

70

64

65

71

65

0 25 50 75 100

Importance of knowing aboutIndigenous cultures

Importance of knowing about thehistories of Indigenous people

Importance of knowing about thehistory of Australia


NOTE: Importance of the history of Indigenous people changed to “histories” in 2018


_____________________________

There is widespread support in ACT for Indigenous histories and cultures to be formally taught in schools

80

People in ACT are most likely to believe it is very important for Indigenous history to be compulsory in school (41%).

It is notable that Tasmania is where the general community is most divided on the importance of this, with 31%

saying it’s very important but 27% saying its unimportant.

6

6

10

6

6

8

9

4

13

9

17

14

14

13

12

14

52

55

42

49

49

47

41

40

28

30

31

32

32

32

38

41

0 25 50 75 100

SA

NT

TAS

VIC

NSW

QLD

WA

ACT



Important Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures are a compulsory part of the school curriculum?


_____________________________

Levels of knowledge about Indigenous history and cultures 2008-2012:

81

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.

17

24

17

15

21

16

52

48

51

43

41

42

28

25

26

38

35

34

3

3

5

4

4

8

0 25 50 75 100

No knowledge at all/Very low Fairly low Fairly high Very high

3

4

5

4

2

5

13

11

11

9

8

8

44

48

42

42

48

35

40

37

42

46

41

51

0 25 50 75 100

2008

2010

2012

2008

2010

2012

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

Knowledge level about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures:



_____________________________

Perceptions of importance of Indigenous history and culture 2008-2012:

82

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 very important.

2

5

5

2

4

4

13

15

14

11

12

10

57

55

51

53

53

51

28

25

31

34

31

35

0 25 50 75 100

Not at all important Fairly unimportant Fairly important Very important

1

1

3

2

15

19

23

6

8

9

84

80

73

94

92

89

0 25 50 75 100

2008

2010

2012

2008

2010

2012

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

Importance of knowing about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures:



_____________________________

We widely agree Indigenous people hold a unique and important place in the national identity

83

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people continue to be twice as likely to strongly agree (64%) that their cultures are

important for Australia’s national identity, compared to the general community (32%). 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.

2

3

3

3

2

2

7

7

8

5

4

5

20

20

18

20

18

14

46

49

48

46

46

47

25

21

23

26

31

32

0 25 50 75 100


1

1

1

2

2

2

2

1

5

10

5

10

7

11

11

28

27

23

92

87

83

59

66

64

0 25 50 75 100

2008

2010

2012

2014

2016

2018


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

4

2

3

4

4

4

21

20

19

40

39

39

31

34

35

0 25 50 75 100

2014

2016

2018

2

2

1

2

2

9

7

10

23

19

22

64

72

65

0 25 50 75 100

Aboriginal and Torres StraitIslander people hold a

unique place as the FirstAustralians?


_____________________________

People in ACT widely agree Indigenous people hold a unique place as the First Australians

84

More people in the ACT strongly agree Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians have a unique standing as the

First Australians (52%), than in other areas.

Conversely, people in Tasmania are most likely to disagree (10%) that Indigenous people hold a unique place.


4

3

2

3

2

2

3

5

7

6

6

4

6

2

4

26

18

20

19

18

20

17

15

44

43

43

37

40

37

39

30

21

29

29

34

35

35

38

52

0 25 50 75 100

NT

TAS

SA

WA

NSW

QLD

VIC

ACT


Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people hold a unique place as the First Australians?


_____________________________

We remain proud of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures

85

Most people in the general community agree they are proud of Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures

(62%).

However, this continues to lag behind the prevalence among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who agree they are

proud of their cultures (86%).

Again, it is encouraging that this sentiment has increased in both communities since 2014.

2

5

5

4

2

2

8

8

9

6

5

5

41

37

36

34

33

30

32

37

35

40

39

40

17

13

16

17

21

22

0 25 50 75 100


1

1

1

1

1

1

2

2

14

7

11

7

11

8

34

28

24

92

86

89

51

62

62

0 25 50 75 100

2008

2010

2012

2014

2016

2018


Proud of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures?


_____________________________

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

86

More people in the general community in the ACT strongly agree they are proud of Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres

Strait Islander cultures (37%), than in other areas.

Conversely, more people in NT (11%) and SA (10%) disagree they are proud of Indigenous cultures.

3

2

2

3

2

2

3

6

3

5

7

7

6

8

4

36

31

31

27

27

35

27

20

36

42

41

41

42

33

38

39

19

21

21

21

22

23

24

37

0 25 50 75 100

TAS

VIC

QLD

SA

NSW

WA

NT

ACT



Proud of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures?


_____________________________

More Australians continue to be proud of our multiculturalism than our Indigenous cultures

87

The general community are more likely to agree they are proud of Australia’s multiculturalism (74%) than they are of our

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures (62%).

Conversely, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are much more likely to agree they are proud of their cultures

(86%), compared to Australia’s multiculturalism (72%).

1

2

2

3

3

4

5

6

6

7

7

5

30

29

30

23

21

18

44

43

41

44

42

45

20

21

21

23

27

29

0 25 50 75 100


5

8

6

6

6

5

8

11

11

5

6

5

37

35

35

23

23

18

32

29

32

31

40

39

18

16

16

35

26

33

0 25 50 75 100

2014

2016

2018

2014

2016

2018


Proud of our multiculturalism?

Proud of our British/European cultures?


_____________________________

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

88

Racial/cultural differences continue to be most widely viewed as the biggest cause of divisions in our society, by both

the general community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Worryingly, there has been a sharp increase

in the number of Indigenous respondents with this view (49%), since 2014.

Difference in income and wealth is also cited as the biggest cause among both groups.

5

5

10

14

25

41

6

9

10

12

24

39

5

7

7

10

23

49

0 25 50

Differences in health

Political differences

Differences in education

Differences in religion

Differences in income andwealth

Differences in racial/culturalbackground

2018

2016

2014

2

5

11

19

24

39

3

4

12

17

27

37

2

7

10

16

27

38

02550

2018

2016

2014



_____________________________

More Australians would like to do something to improve reconciliation

89

There has been a steady increase in both communities since 2014 of people who want to help improve reconciliation, now

54% in the general community and 73% 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.

5

7

7

4

4

4

25

26

26

8

8

8

47

41

38

44

37

34

20

22

25

36

39

41

4

4

4

8

13

13

0 25 50 75 100

2014

2016

2018

2014

2016

2018


General community

3

4

5

3

3

3

11

10

12

3

2

1

39

37

39

26

25

23

34

32

25

46

41

40

13

17

19

22

29

33

0 25 50 75 100

I know what I can do tohelp improvereconciliation

I would like to dosomething to help

improve reconciliation



_____________________________

More Australians believe the Government should initiate measures to improve reconciliation

90

T here has been an increase in both communities since 2014 of people who strongly agree the Federal

Government and businesses should do something to help improve reconciliation. There is also widespread agreement that

educational institutions should adopt a leading role.

However, Indigenous respondents remain more likely to strongly agree with these notions, compared to the general public.


5

6

5

6

4

4

5

7

11

11

12

8

7

6

20

36

33

28

25

25

19

45

36

38

38

43

41

42

23

11

13

16

19

23

27

0 25 50 75 100

2018

2014

2016

2018

2014

2016

2018


2

3

2

4

2

2

3

4

4

4

4

2

3

2

17

25

20

24

17

12

16

34

38

44

36

36

37

32

43

29

30

32

43

46

47

0 25 50 75 100

Educational institutionsshould put measures in placeto help improve reconciliation

Businesses should putmeasures in place to help

improve reconciliation

The Federal Governmentshould put measures in placeto help improve reconciliation


_____________________________

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

91

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 widely believe Government (50%), educational institutions (38%) and the private

sector (36%) need to do a lot more.

12

10

14

18

15

3

3

2

5

2

3

4

2

2

3

31

25

29

29

33

34

34

34

31

34

17

24

19

14

13

0 25 50 75 100



7

7

7

10

8

1

1

1

2

1

2

2

1

1

1

22

14

30

19

23

30

26

29

31

32

38

50

32

36

34

0 25 50 75 100






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



_____________________________

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

92

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 2016.

In particular, more Indigenous respondents now believe Indigenous organisations (32%) and businesses (36%) need to

do a lot more, than two years ago.

2016



6

7

11

10

1

2

2

2

2

1

1

11

32

19

23

33

32

36

35

46

24

31

31

0 25 50 75 100


7

7

7

10

8

1

1

1

2

1

2

2

1

1

1

22

14

30

19

23

30

26

29

31

32

38

50

32

36

34

0 25 50 75 100







_____________________________

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

93

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, more Indigenous respondents now believe Indigenous organisations (32%) and the government sector

(50%) need to do a lot more, than four years ago.

2014



5

6

10

7

2

1

2

3

2

2

2

2

12

30

18

21

38

37

38

45

42

24

29

22

0 25 50 75 100


7

7

7

10

8

1

1

1

2

1

2

2

1

1

1

22

14

30

19

23

30

26

29

31

32

38

50

32

36

34

0 25 50 75 100







_____________________________

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

94

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. There is also strong support for establishing a national day of significance to

celebrate Indigenous histories and cultures.

However, agreement with these potential cultural icons/events remains more widespread in the Indigenous communities.


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

47

55

61

66

75

52

61

66

68

76

31

67

71

72

60

69

72

78

0255075100

% Yes

2018

2016

201471

75

76

83

84

76

82

83

84

86

47

82

82

60

75

79

85

84

0 25 50 75 100

Australia Day moving to a different date

National Reconciliation Week

Establishing a national day of significance thatcelebrates Indigenous histories and cultures

Australia Day continuing on January 26th

Having Welcome to Country addresses at majorsporting events (e.g. Melbourne Cup,…

Making Mabo Day (June 3) a day of nationalsignificance

Official dual naming of significant sites inAustralia, using English AND Indigenous…

Acknowledgement of the Traditional Custodiansof the land at Australian Citizenship ceremonies

Official ANZAC Day ceremonies to honourIndigenous AND non-Indigenous soldiers

% Yes

2018

2016

2014


_____________________________

Perceptions of the 2008 Apology 2010-16:

95

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.

4

5

3

4

5

6

4

4

50

43

44

46

35

41

41

38

7

6

8

8

0 25 50 75 100

It has made the relationship a lot worse A little worse No difference A little better A lot better

3

1

5

7

2

4

6

3

37

34

38

41

47

48

34

33

11

13

17

16

0 25 50 75 100

2010

2012

2014

2016


Perception of The Apology to the Stolen Generations in 2008:


_____________________________

We mostly believe it is very important for key constitutional changes to happen

96

The general community and Indigenous communities widely believe it’s important to implement the key constitutional

changes that have been proposed in Australia.

In particular, strong majorities of both groups feel it’s very important to remove racial discrimination from the Constitution.


8

5

7

4

15

10

12

6

43

49

36

32

34

36

45

58

0 25 50 75 100


6

5

5

5

8

5

5

5

28

31

24

23

59

59

66

67

0 25 50 75 100

To protect an Indigenous Bodywithin the Constitution, so it

cant be removed by anygovernment

To establish a representativeIndigenous Body, to share the

views of IndigenousAustralians regarding…

To formally recogniseAboriginal and Torres Strait

Islander peoples and culturesin the Constitution

To remove racial discriminationfrom the Constitution - like

Section 25 that says peoplecan be banned from voting…



_____________________________

Younger Australians place high importance on Constitutional change

97

When it comes to the importance of removing race discrimination, recognition and establishing a representative body for

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians in the Constitution, 18-24 year olds are ahead of all other age groups in

the general community.


3

2

5

4

4

6

4

7

8

5

6

7

27

35

34

32

32

31

67

56

54

59

58

56

0 25 50 75 100

18-24

25-34

35-44

45-54

55-64

65+ yrs old

Important to remove discrimination from the Constitution?


2

2

6

5

7

9

4

9

11

10

11

12

44

52

52

49

47

46

49

37

32

36

35

33

0 25 50 75 100

18-24

25-34

35-44

45-54

55-64

65+ yrs old

Important to establish an Indigenous rep body in the

Constitution?


5

4

7

6

12

13

11

16

13

15

18

17

36

46

48

44

41

39

47

34

32

34

30

32

0 25 50 75 100

18-24

25-34

35-44

45-54

55-64

65+ yrs old

Important to protect an Indigenous rep body in the

Constitution?


3

5

7

5

8

13

6

9

13

13

16

15

35

39

35

39

37

30

56

47

44

44

38

43

0 25 50 75 100

18-24

25-34

35-44

45-54

55-64

65+ yrs old

Important to formally recognise Indigenous peoples in the

Constitution?



_____________________________

Older Indigenous Australians place high importance on Constitutional change

98

When it comes to the importance of removing race discrimination, recognition and establishing a representative body for

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians in the Constitution, 55+ year olds are ahead of all other age groups in

Indigenous communities.

1

8

1

9

6

4

8

3

3

10

23

20

43

16

13

21

72

64

53

72

71

79

0 25 50 75 100

18-24

25-34

35-44

45-54

55-64

65+ yrs old

Important to remove discrimination from the Constitution?


5

9

3

3

1

4

5

7

3

6

5

27

26

46

33

20

35

63

58

48

58

74

62

0 25 50 75 100

18-24

25-34

35-44

45-54

55-64

65+ yrs old

Important to establish an Indigenous rep body in the

Constitution?


7

10

2

5

5

2

9

5

6

11

14

2

29

27

34

28

12

33

54

58

59

56

69

63

0 25 50 75 100

18-24

25-34

35-44

45-54

55-64

65+ yrs old

Important to protect an Indigenous rep body in the

Constitution?


1

8

6

14

7

6

6

1

6

2

25

19

38

24

12

19

67

66

56

68

68

79

0 25 50 75 100

18-24

25-34

35-44

45-54

55-64

65+ yrs old

Important to formally recognise Indigenous peoples in the

Constitution?




_____________________________

13

8

12

7

26

25

18

26

13

21

17

12

0 25 50 75 100

Definitely oppose Oppose Neither support nor oppose Support Definitely support Don't know

Indigenous Australians more strongly support a treaty and sovereignty, than the general public

99

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people more widely support a treaty (64%) between Indigenous and non-Indigenous

Australians and granting sovereignty (55%), than the general public.


6

5

3

1

24

23

23

28

32

36

13

8

0 25 50 75 100

Support oroppose grantingsovereignty to

Indigenouspeoples?

Support oroppose a treaty?



_____________________________

More people from the ACT support a treaty with Indigenous peoples

100

More people in the ACT general community support a treaty with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples (62%),

than in other areas. There is also a high level of support in Victoria (52%).

Conversely, people in NT are most likely to oppose (23%) a treaty.


6

8

8

9

10

10

6

6

8

9

7

4

13

7

7

4

26

29

23

30

23

22

29

18

26

25

27

25

26

27

21

29

17

17

20

21

22

25

25

33

17

12

14

11

5

10

13

9

0 25 50 75 100

WA

QLD

NSW

SA

NT

VIC

TAS

ACT


Support or oppose a treaty with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples?


_____________________________

Northern Territorians are widely divided on granting sovereignty to Indigenous peoples

101

More people in the ACT general community support granting sovereignty to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander

peoples (42%), than in other areas.

Conversely, people in the NT are divided, with 39% opposing and 37% supporting this proposal.


20

12

12

15

13

10

13

11

19

16

15

14

9

12

8

15

18

25

23

30

27

27

29

16

28

18

17

15

19

17

19

23

9

9

11

13

14

15

16

19

5

20

22

14

18

19

13

15

0 25 50 75 100

NT

WA

QLD

TAS

NSW

SA

VIC

ACT


Support or oppose granting sovereignty to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples?


_____________________________

Results from Recognise campaign tracking 2013-17:

102

In August 2017, 75% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander respondents supported a treaty between Indigenous and non-

Indigenous Australians, a strong increase on the long term average of 66% of previous waves, between August 2013-March

2017.

70% supported the resolution of the issue of Indigenous sovereignty, also ahead of the long term average of 66%.

40

32

42

44

41

38

45

43

34

40

42

39

36

48

26

31

25

27

23

28

25

26

26

28

26

30

29

27

28

31

17

15

18

22

16

25

32

21

21

22

25

18

3

2

3

3

3

3

4

4

3

4

5

5

4

3

3

3

4

4

3

2

3

2

5

6

6

4

5

4

9

8

11

7

6

0 25 50 75 100

Aug-13

Aug-14

Mar-15

Jul-15

Mar-16

Mar-17

Aug-17

Aug-13

Aug-14

Mar-15

Jul-15

Mar-16

Mar-17

Aug-17

Definitely support Probably support Neither support nor oppose Probably oppose Definitely oppose Don't know


A treaty between

Indigenous and

non-Indigenous

Australians

Addressing the

issue of

Indigenous

sovereignty

66%

66%


103

What role do we think institutions play in reconciliation?

The active support of reconciliation by the nation’s political, business and community structures.

Key Findings:

Experiences of racial prejudice towards Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people has slightly reduced:• 18% in interactions with local shop owners/staff (20% in 2016)• And most notably, 16% in interactions with police (29% in 2016)

19% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people feel they cannot be true to their cultures or personal beliefs.

50% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people believe media portrayal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is usually negative, compared to 42% of the general community.


_____________________________

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

104

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 widely believe Government (54%), educational institutions (41%) and the private

sector (37%) need to do a lot more.

10

8

13

18

14

3

3

2

5

3

3

4

2

2

2

33

26

33

29

34

34

32

30

30

34

17

26

19

15

12

0 25 50 75 100



4

4

5

7

7

1

1

2

1

2

4

1

2

3

23

13

33

18

21

28

26

28

34

36

41

54

32

37

33

0 25 50 75 100






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



_____________________________

6

8

11

9

1

2

2

1

2

2

1

1

13

34

17

25

33

27

34

33

45

27

35

32

0 25 50 75 100Don't know Should do nothing Should do less Doing as much as they can Need to do more Need to do a lot more

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

105

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 2016.

In particular, more Indigenous respondents now believe Government (54%) and Indigenous organisations (32%) need to

do a lot more, than two years ago.

2016

4

4

5

7

7

1

1

2

2

4

1

2

3

23

13

33

18

21

28

26

28

34

36

41

54

32

37

33

0 25 50 75 100






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



_____________________________

6

6

10

8

2

1

4

2

3

2

2

3

13

33

20

24

34

34

39

40

42

24

26

23

0 25 50 75 100Don't know Should do nothing Should do less Doing as much as they can Need to do more Need to do a lot more

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

106

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, more Indigenous respondents now believe Indigenous organisations and the government sector need to do

a lot more, than four years ago.

2014

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

Australians?


4

4

5

7

7

1

1

2

2

4

1

2

3

23

13

33

18

21

28

26

28

34

36

41

54

32

37

33

0 25 50 75 100







_____________________________

Indigenous Australians are more likely to experience racial discrimination from professionals

107

7% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have felt racially discriminated against by medical professionals in

the past six months, compared to only 1% of the general community.

Indigenous Australians are also more likely to have experienced racial discrimination recently from police (8%) and

school staff (7%), than the general community.

1

2

1

2

2

2

5

4

2

92

93

95

0 25 50 75 100

Yes, in the past 6 months Yes, between 6-12 months ago Yes, but more than a year ago No


7 5 12 76

8

7

8

7

16

6

68

81

0 25 50 75 100

School teachersand/or principals

Police

Doctors, nurses,and/or medical

staff etc


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


_____________________________

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

108

6% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have felt racially discriminated against by a real estate agent in the past

six months, compared to only 2% of the general community.

Similarly, more Indigenous respondents have experienced racial discrimination recently by a local shop owner and/or staff

(8%) and employers (8%), compared to the general community.

2

3

4

2

2

3

4

6

7

92

89

86

0 25 50 75 100



6 6 15 73

8

8

10

5

11

13

72

74

0 25 50 75 100

Real estateagents

Local shopowners and/or

staff

Employers


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


_____________________________

Indigenous experience of racial discrimination from professionals has changed little since 2016

109

Indigenous experience of racial discrimination has changed little in professional and service contexts, since 2016.

However, there has been a notable improvement regarding police, with 8% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander

people have felt racially discriminated against by police in the past six months, half as many as two years ago (15%).

11

8

7

10

15

8

7

7

8

10

14

10

14

10

15

12

15

14

68

76

69

68

56

68

0 25 50 75 100


2016

6

7

7

8

8

8

6

7

5

10

8

5

15

6

12

11

16

13

73

81

76

72

68

74

0 25 50 75 100

Real estateagents


staff etc



staff

Police

Employers



_____________________________

Indigenous experience of racial discrimination from professionals has changed little since 2014

110

There has been no improvement in Indigenous experience of racial discrimination in professional and service

contexts, since 2014.

5

6

5

6

9

7

6

5

9

8

7

6

10

9

11

9

17

12

80

81

75

76

68

75

0 25 50 75 100



6

7

7

8

8

8

6

7

5

10

8

5

15

6

12

11

16

13

73

81

76

72

68

74

0 25 50 75 100

Real estateagents


staff etc



staff

Police

Employers


_____________________________

Indigenous Australians more often feel they can’t be true to their culture with Police and the Courts

111

The general community continue to be more likely to believe they can always 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 be themselves in their interactions with law and

order officials (25%), than the general public (12%).

8

12

11

11

12

28

24

24

22

20

63

64

65

67

68

0 25 50 75 100

No, never Only sometimes Yes, always


13

19

19

17

25

37

39

36

29

30

50

42

45

53

45

0 25 50 75 100


At work

In my interactionswith Government

departments

In my interactionswith educational

institutions

In my interactionswith Police or the

Courts

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



_____________________________

10

16

13

8

38

37

41

39

52

47

46

53

0 25 50 75 100


Fewer Indigenous Australians now feel empowered culturally

112

More Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people now feel they can never be true to their culture or beliefs in various

contexts, than in 2016.

Most notably, more Indigenous respondents now feel they can never be themselves at work (19%) or in their interactions

with law and order (25%), compared to two years ago.

2016

19

25

19

13

17

39

30

36

37

29

42

45

45

50

53

0 25 50 75 100

At work


Courts


departments



institutions




_____________________________

11

10

10

6

39

44

43

44

50

46

47

51

0 25 50 75 100


Fewer Indigenous Australians now feel empowered culturally than in 2014

113

More Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people now feel they can never be true to their culture or beliefs in various

contexts, than in 2014.

Most notably, more Indigenous respondents now feel they can never be themselves at work (19%) or in their interactions

with law and order (25%) or government (19%), compared to four years ago.



19

25

19

13

17

39

30

36

37

29

42

45

45

50

53

0 25 50 75 100

At work


Courts


departments



institutions


_____________________________

We are divided on whether the media usually portrays Indigenous people in a balanced way

114

The general community is divided over whether the media usually portrays Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in

a negative (42%) or balanced way (47%).

While Indigenous respondents are also divided, they are more likely to believe the media usually portrays Indigenous

Australians negatively (50%), than in a balanced way (40%).

46

42

24

9

11

21

44

47

55

0 25 50 75 100

Usually negative Usually positive Balanced


48 12 39

50

16

9

32

40

52

0 25 50 75 100

Media portrayal of newimmigrants from overseas

Media portrayal ofAboriginal and Torres

Strait Islander Australians

Media portrayal of non-Indigenous Australians



_____________________________

Indigenous people have become less sceptical about media portrayal

115

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 both 2014 and 2016.

However, while Indigenous people are also divided, they are now more likely to believe the media usually portrays them

in a balanced way (40%), than 2016 (33%).

44

45

42

7

10

11

49

45

47

0 25 50 75 100

2014

2016

2018

Usually negative Usually positive Balanced


45

57

50

10

10

9

45

33

40

0 25 50 75 100

Media portrayalof Aboriginal and

Torres StraitIslander

Australians


116

How much do we accept the wrongs of the past?

All Australians understand and accept the wrongs of the past and the impact of these wrongs. Australia makes amends for the wrongs of the past and ensure these wrongs are never repeated.

Key Findings: 86% of the general community agrees it is important for all Australians to learn about past issues, compared to 87% in 2016

80% of the general community and 91% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander respondents believe it is important to undertake a formal truth telling process in Australia

Both the general community and Indigenous respondents largely accept a number of key facts about historical realities and Australia’s past institutional prejudices against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

Both the general community and Indigenous respondents widely agree that past government policies are responsible for many forms of disadvantage experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people today


_____________________________

We mostly accept key facts about past injustices

117

Both the general community and Indigenous respondents largely accept a number of key facts about historical realities

and Australia’s past institutional prejudices against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Interestingly, the

general community accepts a number of key facts at a higher rate than First Peoples’ respondents.

However, there are greatest disagreements between the groups regarding the facts that Australia was inhabited by

Indigenous Nations at the time of British colonisation, and that frontier wars occurred due to Indigenous peoples

defending their lands.

8

4

9

10

7

12

35

32

29

21

21

18

57

64

62

69

71

70

0 25 50 75 100

I do not accept this I am unsure about this I accept this


9

6

18

18

17

20

23

24

21

16

18

14

68

70

62

67

65

66

0 25 50 75 100

Frontier wars occurred across the Australiancontinent as a result of Indigenous people

defending their traditional lands from Europeaninvasion

At the time of British colonisation, there were atleast 250 distinct Indigenous Nations, each with

their own cultural identities and custodialconnections to land

Government policy in the 1900s dictated whereAboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians

could live and be employed

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australianswere subject to mass killings, incarceration,

forced removal from land and restrictedmovement throughout the 1800s

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people didnot have full voting rights throughout Australia

until the 1960s

Government policy enabled Aboriginal children tobe removed from their families without permission

until the 1970s

Do we accept the following as factual?



_____________________________

More of us now accept key facts about past injustices

118

More people in the general community now accept a number of key facts about Australia’s past history and institutional

prejudices against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Since 2016, there has been an increase of between 2-5%

for acceptance of each statement by the general public.

9

11

9

12

33

25

24

21

58

64

67

68

0 25 50 75 100




2018

8

4

9

10

7

12

35

32

29

21

21

18

57

64

62

69

71

70

0 25 50 75 100







Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australianswere subject to mass killings, incarceration, forced

removal from land and restricted movementthroughout the 1800s


until the 1960s


until the 1970s


_____________________________

More of us now accept key facts about past injustices, since 2014

119

More people in the general community now accept a number of key facts about Australia’s past history and institutional

prejudices against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Since 2014, there has been a solid increase of between

7-10% for acceptance of each statement by the general public.

10

14

11

14

35

28

25

21

55

59

64

65

0 25 50 75 100




2018

8

4

9

10

7

12

35

32

29

21

21

18

57

64

62

69

71

70

0 25 50 75 100







Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australianswere subject to mass killings, incarceration, forced

removal from land and restricted movementthroughout the 1800s


until the 1960s


until the 1970s


_____________________________

More people in the Territories accept that pre-colonial Australia was inhabited by Indigenous Nations, than the States

120

The general communities of ACT and NT most widely accept the fact that Australia was inhabited by Indigenous

nations at the time of British colonisation.

Conversely, more people in Qld and also in the Northern Territory do not accept this as factual, compared to other

areas of Australia.

4

5

6

4

4

2

7

1

37

32

30

31

30

31

21

15

59

63

64

64

66

66

72

85

0 25 50 75 100

WA

VIC

QLD

TAS

SA

NSW

NT

ACT



Do we accept there were more than 250 Indigenous Nations at the time of colonisation?


_____________________________

We continue to agree it is important for all Australians to learn more about past issues

121

The general community (45%) remain less likely to feel 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 (65%).

However, the vast majority in both communities has continued to believe that it’s important, since 2014.

General community

4

3

3

11

10

11

46

44

41

39

43

45

0 25 50 75 100

2014

2016

2018


4

2

3

4

2

6

26

24

26

66

72

65

0 25 50 75 100

Important for allAustralians to learn moreabout the past issues of

European settlement andgovernment policy forIndigenous people?



_____________________________

More people from the ACT strongly agree it is important for all Australians to learn more about past issues

122

The general community in ACT mostly believe (53%) 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 areas.

Conversely, only 35% of people in Tasmania feel this way, with 19% saying it’s not important.


4

2

5

4

2

2

3

15

7

7

13

11

11

11

12

45

53

45

40

42

42

40

34

35

38

43

44

44

45

45

53

0 25 50 75 100

TAS

NT

SA

WA

VIC

NSW

QLD

ACT


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


_____________________________

More Indigenous respondents disagree that they are responsible for their own disadvantage

123

While the general community remain divided on Indigenous responsibility for their disadvantages, there has been an

increase in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who strongly agree Indigenous people are responsible for their own

disadvantages today, than in 2016.

This may highlight how some Indigenous respondents believe their own people should take the initiative regarding their

current disadvantages, despite not being responsible for causing them.

10

9

11

24

23

24

36

36

32

20

21

20

10

11

13

0 25 50 75 100

2014

2016

2018

Strongly agree Agree Neither agree or disagree Disagree Strongly disagree

General community

10

7

14

15

17

19

30

25

25

22

22

15

23

29

26

0 25 50 75 100

Aboriginal and TorresStrait IslanderAustralians are

responsible for theirown disadvantages

today?



_____________________________

We widely agree that many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are disadvantaged today because of past race-based policies and colonial legacy

124

While the general community remain divided on Indigenous responsibility for their disadvantages, more people in the

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities strongly disagree Indigenous people are responsible for their own

disadvantages today. However, both groups widely agree that many Indigenous people are disadvantaged today because of

past race-based policies and Australia’s colonial legacy.

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.

11 24 32 20 13

0 25 50 75 100

Strongly agree Agree Neither agree or disagree Disagree Strongly disagree


14 19 25 15Strongly

disagree, 26

0 25 50 75 100

IndigenousAustralians are

responsible for theirown disadvantages

today?


8

6

16

13

28

26

30

36

17

18

0 25 50 75 100

Strongly disagree Disagree Neither agree or disagree Agree Strongly agree

7

6

8

8

25

19

29

32

31

Strongly agree , 35

0 25 50 75 100

Australia's coloniallegacy

Past race-basedpolicies

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


_____________________________

We mostly agree the past is responsible for Indigenous disadvantages today

125

The general community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities widely agree that many Indigenous people

are disadvantaged today because of past race-based policies and Australia’s colonial legacy.

Notably, there has been a steady increase in those who strongly agree among both groups since 2014.


7

7

8

6

5

6

14

17

16

12

14

13

35

30

28

30

27

26

32

33

30

38

38

36

11

14

17

14

16

18

0 25 50 75 100

2014

2016

2018

2014

2016

2018

Strongly disagree Disagree Neither agree or disagree Agree Strongly agree

7

5

7

5

4

6

7

6

8

7

3

8

26

24

25

21

19

19

37

33

29

37

39

32

24

32

31

30

34

35

0 25 50 75 100

Australia's coloniallegacy

Past race-basedpolicies

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


_____________________________

In 2018 we widely agree that past policies have been a cause of many Indigenous disadvantages

126

Both the general community and Indigenous respondents widely agree that past government policies are responsible for

many forms of disadvantage experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people today. However, the general

public are far less likely to strongly agree, than Indigenous people.

It is also notable that the general public more widely disagree past policies have been a cause of alcohol and substance

issues (26%), compared to just 13% of Indigenous respondents.

6

7

5

10

12

14

11

16

25

21

23

21

37

37

38

30

20

21

23

23

0 25 50 75 100



6

6

4

8

5

5

6

5

19

20

19

24

30

33

31

28

40

36

40

35

0 25 50 75 100

Lack of respect(for Aboriginal

and Torres StraitIslander people)

Poor education

Discrimination

Alcohol andsubstance abuse

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



_____________________________

In 2018 we widely agree that past policies have been a cause of many Indigenous disadvantages (cont.)

127

Both the general community and Indigenous respondents widely agree that past government policies are responsible for

many forms of disadvantage experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people today. However, the general

public are far less likely to strongly agree, than Indigenous people.

It is also notable that the general public more widely disagree past policies have been a cause of housing issues (24%),

compared to just 11% of Indigenous respondents.

7

7

6

7

6

15

17

13

15

15

28

23

26

25

23

32

35

35

34

36

18

18

18

19

20

0 25 50 75 100



5

6

4

4

5

6

5

6

8

7

27

23

20

23

22

32

33

31

29

31

29

34

39

36

35

0 25 50 75 100

Lack of personal responsibility(among Aboriginal and Torres

Strait Islander people)

Inadequate living conditions

Lack of confidence and low selfesteem of Aboriginal and Torres

Strait Islander people

Poor health

Low employment




_____________________________

7

6

5

6

6

5

6

4

9

15

17

14

14

15

12

15

11

16

28

26

26

25

23

26

22

25

21

35

34

38

36

38

38

37

38

31

16

16

17

19

18

19

21

21

23

0 25 50 75 100


We continue to widely agree that past policies have been a cause of many Indigenous disadvantages

128

Most people in the general community continue to agree that past government policies are responsible for many forms of

disadvantage experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people today, as in 2016.

7

7

6

7

6

6

7

5

10

15

17

13

15

15

12

14

11

16

28

23

26

25

23

25

21

23

21

32

35

35

34

36

37

37

38

30

18

18

18

19

20

20

21

23

23

0 25 50 75 100

Lack of personal responsibility(among Aboriginal and Torres…


Lack of confidence and low selfesteem of Aboriginal and Torres…

Poor health

Low employment

Lack of respect (for Aboriginal andTorres Strait Islander people)

Poor education

Discrimination

Alcohol and substance abuse



2018


_____________________________

6

5

4

5

3

4

5

4

7

15

16

12

14

13

12

12

10

17

30

30

30

27

30

29

25

28

24

35

35

39

38

38

39

41

41

29

14

14

15

16

15

15

17

17

23

0 25 50 75 100


Since 2014 more of us now strongly agree that past policies have been a cause of Indigenous disadvantages

129

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 and

low employment for Indigenous people, than four years ago.



2018

7

7

6

7

6

6

7

5

10

15

17

13

15

15

12

14

11

16

28

23

26

25

23

25

21

23

21

32

35

35

34

36

37

37

38

30

18

18

18

19

20

20

21

23

23

0 25 50 75 100

Lack of personal responsibility(among Aboriginal and Torres…


Lack of confidence and low selfesteem of Aboriginal and Torres…

Poor health

Low employment

Lack of respect (for Aboriginal andTorres Strait Islander people)

Poor education

Discrimination

Alcohol and substance abuse


_____________________________

We mostly believe it is important to undertake a formal truth-telling process

130

The general community (80%) and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples (91%) widely believe it’s important to

undertake a formal truth telling process, in relation to Australia’s shared history.

However, Indigenous respondents are much more likely to feel this is very important, compared to the general public.


6 14 44 36

0 25 50 75 100


3 6 33 58

0 25 50 75 100

Important or not toundertake a formal truth

telling process, toacknowledge the reality ofAustralia's shared history?



_____________________________

More people from the ACT believe it is very important to undertake a formal truth-telling process

131

The general community in ACT mostly believe (45%) that it’s very important to hold a formal truth-telling process

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 areas.

Conversely, more people in Tasmania (23%) and WA (23%) feel it’s not important, than in other areas.


6

5

4

7

7

5

5

7

17

16

17

12

12

18

14

12

44

46

45

47

45

40

43

35

32

33

33

33

36

37

37

45

0 25 50 75 100

WA

SA

NT

QLD

VIC

TAS

NSW

ACT


Important to undertake a formal truth-telling process about our shared history?


_____________________________

We mostly continue to believe that past issues should be forgiven and all of us should move on

132

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 (40%), compared with the general community (28%).

General community

5

6

5

6

5

4

23

28

28

66

61

63

0 25 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

14

14

16

4

4

4

37

44

40

45

39

41

0 25 50 75 100

2014

2016

2018



_____________________________

Tasmanians are most likely to feel past issues must be rectified

133

Tasmania has the largest percentage of people who feel “past wrongs must be rectified” (32%), while the NT has the largest

percentage of people who believe “the wrongs of the past can never be forgiven” (13%). The general community in WA more

widely believe “there should be forgiveness so we can now move on” (72%), compared to other States and Territories.


13

4

3

5

7

4

5

2

6

5

6

4

3

3

5

2

19

20

23

24

29

31

31

32

63

72

68

66

61

63

58

63

0 25 50 75 100

NT

WA

SA

QLD

NSW

ACT

VIC

TAS

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

Australian Reconciliation Barometer 2008-2018

134

Trends Analysis


_____________________________

135

3033

37

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

2014 2016 2018

General community

Tracking social contact between the general community and First Peoples:

While a relatively small proportion of people in the general community regularly socialise with Indigenous peoples, there has

been an encouraging increase since 2014.

General Community - % Occasionally/frequently socialise with people of Indigenous heritage


_____________________________

98

9697

94

87 86

89

90

50

60

70

80

90

100

Early '12 Late '12 Early '13 Late '13 Early '14 Late '14 Early '15 Late '15 Early '16 Late '16 Early '17 Late '17 Early '18 Late '18

Indigenous respondents who feel the relationship is fairly/very important

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

4th Barometer

Sept 2014

3rd Barometer

July 2012

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

136

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 2012, though have converged more between the groups.

6th Barometer

Aug 2018

Constitutional change

panel reports/ Aus day

incident

Turnbull Govt puts

Constitutional

Recognition on hold

Abbott Govt focuses

on ‘austerity’ and

border protection

5th Barometer

Aug 2016

Referendum

Council report

released

Four Corners’

story on Don Dale

Detention Centre


_____________________________

10099

98

91

87

87

50

60

70

80

90

100

Late '07 Early '08 Late '08 Early '09 Late '09 Early '10 Late '10 Early '11 Late '11 Early '12 Late '12

Indigenous respondents who feel the relationship is fairly/very important

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

3rd Barometer

July 2012

2nd Barometer

May 2010

Barometer 2008-2012:

137

Between 2008-12, the vast majority of both the general community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities

continued to feel that the relationship between them was an important one.

However, Indigenous respondents were much more likely than the general community to feel this way.

1st Barometer

May 2008

NT

intervention

Stolen

Generation

Apology

GFC peak/

Decline in community

confidence



incident

Gillard replaces

Rudd as PM


_____________________________

Indigenous Australians are more likely to feel other Australians trust them, than the general public do

138

A gap remains in the level of trust seen to be held by other Australians for Indigenous Australians. While only one in four (27%)

of the general community see fairly high/very high trust for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, 40% of Indigenous

respondents feel other Australians hold that level of trust for them.

This highlights how more work is needed with non-Indigenous Australians in particular, to build levels of shared trust.

5

34 34

40

13

2625

27

0

10

20

30

40


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

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

3rd Barometer

July 2012

5th Barometer

Aug 2016

4th Barometer

Sept 2014



incident

Turnbull Govt puts

Constitutional

Recognition on hold

Abbott Govt focuses


border protection

Referendum

Council report

released

Four Corners’

story on Don Dale

Detention Centre

6th Barometer

Aug 2018


_____________________________


139

Between 2008-12, perceptions of high trust held by other Australians for Indigenous Australians were low but stable.

However, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander respondents were much less likely to feel other Australians had that level of trust

for them.

4

65

1213 13

0

10

20

30

40




2nd Barometer

May 2010

3rd Barometer

July 2012

1st Barometer

May 2008

NT

intervention

Stolen

Generation

Apology

GFC peak/


confidence



incident

Gillard replaces

Rudd as PM


_____________________________

Indigenous trust towards other Australians has remained steady

140

There has been another solid result in the numbers of Indigenous Australians who hold fairly high/very high trust for other

Australians, now nearly half (46%). However, a considerable gap remains evident between communities, with only 21% 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.

15

39

46

46

11

2019

21

0

10

20

30

40

50


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

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

3rd Barometer

July 2012

4th Barometer

Sept 2014



incident

Turnbull Govt puts

Constitutional

Recognition on hold

Abbott Govt focuses


border protection

Referendum

Council report

released

Four Corners’

story on Don Dale

Detention Centre

5th Barometer

Aug 20166th Barometer

Aug 2018


_____________________________


141

Between 2008-12, perceptions of high trust held by Indigenous peoples for other Australians were low but stable among both

the general community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander respondents.

12 12

15

12

9

11

0

10

20

30

40

50




2nd Barometer

May 2010

3rd Barometer

July 20121st Barometer

May 2008

NT

intervention

Stolen

Generation

Apology

GFC peak/


confidence



incident

Gillard replaces

Rudd as PM


_____________________________

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

142

Throughout the eight years since the first Barometer, both non-Indigenous Australians and Aboriginal and Torres Strait

Islander Australians have widely felt that they trust the other group, than the other group trusts them.

These ‘gaps’ in the perceptions of shared trust continue to highlight a key ongoing misunderstanding between the

communities.

40

46

21

27

0

10

20

30

40

50






3rd Barometer

July 2012

4th Barometer

Sept 2014

‘Gap’ in trust

perception

‘Gap’ in trust

perception



incident

Turnbull Govt puts

Constitutional

Recognition on hold

Abbott Govt focuses


border protection

Referendum

Council report

released

Four Corners’

story on Don Dale

Detention Centre

5th Barometer

Aug 2016

6th Barometer

Aug 2018


_____________________________


143

Between 2008-12, both non-Indigenous Australians and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians more widely felt that

they trusted the other group, than the other group trusted them. This was particularly evident with the Indigenous respondents.

0

10

20

30

40

50






2nd Barometer

May 2010

3rd Barometer

July 2012

1st Barometer

May 2008

‘Gap’ in trust

perception

‘Gap’ in trust

perception

NT

intervention

Stolen

Generation

Apology

GFC peak/


confidence



incident

Gillard replaces

Rudd as PM

Australian Reconciliation Barometer 2008-18

144

Key trends across 10 years tracking reconciliation


_____________________________

145

94

9087

7376

73

51

4346

43

4850

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

2008 2010 2012 2014 2016 2018

Indigenous Peoples

General Community

Linear (Indigenous Peoples)

Linear (General Community)

ARB 10 year tracking:

For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians, the importance of their relationship with other Australians has remained

consistently high since 2008 (long term average of 82% very important). This compares with a long term average of 47% very

important among the general community.

However, most notably, there has been a solid increase in both groups since 2014.

% The relationship between Indigenous people and other Australians is very

important, for Australia as a nation:

Av 82%

Av 47%

NOTE: the linear average indicates the tracking trend, while the long term average indicates the tracking median


_____________________________

146

37

33

30

2223

35

25

2019

2425

28

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

2008 2010 2012 2014 2016 2018

Indigenous Peoples

General Community




Since 2008, more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians have consistently agreed strongly that Australia is better

of with many races/cultures (long term average of 28%), compared to the general public (long term average of 23%).

However, encouragingly there have been solid increases since 2014, particularly among Indigenous respondents, and the

linear averages of each community have been converging across the 10 years.

% Strongly agree Australia is better off with many races and cultures:

Av 28%

Av 23%



_____________________________

147

62

57 57

49 50

54

35 35 36 3638 39

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

2008 2010 2012 2014 2016 2018

Indigenous Peoples

General Community




Since 2008, the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians citing personal experience as their main source

of information about their people has declined slightly (long term average of 54%). This compares to a steady increase within

the general public (long term average of 37%).

However, most notably, there has been a slight increase in both groups since 2014

% Personal experience with Indigenous Australians is their main

source of information about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples:

Av 54%

Av 37%



_____________________________

148

8789

87

7376

73

4239

4239

42 43

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

2008 2010 2012 2014 2016 2018

Indigenous Peoples

General Community




Since 2008, the prevalence of high knowledge about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories has remained steady,

both within the Indigenous community (long term average of 81%) and within the general public (long term average of 41%).

However, it is notable that general community knowledge has increased since 2014.

% Fairly/Very high knowledge about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories:

Av 81%

Av 41%



_____________________________

149

84 85 84

66

7472

3128

31 3033

37

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

2008 2010 2012 2014 2016 2018

Indigenous Peoples

General Community




Since 2008, the prevalence of high knowledge about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures has remained steady

within the Indigenous community (long term average of 77%), while increasing slightly within the general public (long term

average of 32%).

However, notably, both communities have seen increased knowledge levels since 2014.

% Fairly/Very high knowledge about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures:

Av 77%

Av 32%



_____________________________

150

92

8783

59

66 64

2521

2326

31 32

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

2008 2010 2012 2014 2016 2018

Indigenous Peoples

General Community




Since 2008, strong agreement that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures are important to Australia’s national identity

has remained considerably higher within the Indigenous community (long term average of 75%).

However, this sentiment has increased within the general public over the past 10 years (long term average of 26%) and, most

notably, in both communities since 2014.

% Strongly agree Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures important to Australia’s national identity:

Av 75%

Av 26%



_____________________________

151

92

8689

51

62 62

1713

16 1721 22

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

2008 2010 2012 2014 2016 2018

Indigenous Peoples

General Community




Since 2008, strong pride about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures has remained considerably higher within

Indigenous communities (long term average of 74%).

However, this sentiment has increased slightly within the general public over the past 10 years (long term average of 17%)

and, most notably, has grown among both communities since 2014.

% Strongly agree they feel proud of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures:

Av 74%

Av 17%


Appendix

152

Respondent profiles


_______________________________

Sample characteristics:

153

Gender and ageGeneral community

weighted %

General community

(raw numbers)

Indigenous community

weighted %


(raw numbers)

Male 49% 997 50% 157

Female 51% 998 50% 340

Non-binary/other gender 0% 5 0% 3

18-24 years old 12% 244 21% 76

25-34 19% 266 23% 121

35-44 17% 343 19% 112

45-54 17% 335 17% 83

55-64 15% 406 12% 65

65+ 20% 401 8% 40

Education levelGeneral community

weighted %

General community

(raw numbers)


weighted %


(raw numbers)

Working full-time 34% 640 29% 123

Working part-time 20% 397 20% 106

Unemployed/not working 4% 94 13% 62

Student 12% 225 5% 24

Retired 19% 429 13% 58

Manage household/ family 8% 158 16% 93

Other 3% 52 5% 31

General community total sample size = 2000. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander total sample size = 500

Please note, percentages have been rounded and may not equal 100%. Other gender respondents do not figure in the

weighted samples, due to the ABS census not yet including this data.


_______________________________


154

State General community

weighted %

General community

(raw numbers)


weighted %


(raw numbers)

NSW 32% 400 33% 208

VIC 26% 398 7% 67

QLD 20% 399 29% 107

WA 11% 200 12% 40

SA 7% 199 5% 29

TAS 2% 200 4% 31

ACT 2% 99 1% 9

NT 1% 100 9% 6

Metro/RegionalGeneral community

weighted %

General community

(raw numbers)


weighted %


(raw numbers)

Capital city 64% 1245 42% 212

Major regional city 15% 290 15% 77

Regional town 9% 177 13% 72

Rural town 8% 169 17% 89

Remote town or community 4% 114 12% 47





_______________________________


155

Household income

(gross)

General community

weighted %

General community

(raw numbers)


weighted %


(raw numbers)

Less than $30,000 14% 298 28% 138

$30,000 - $49,999 16% 348 19% 96

$50,000 - $69,999 13% 256 11% 58

$70,000 - $89,999 10% 196 10% 57

$90,000 - $119,999 14% 274 10% 45

$120,000 - $149,999 8% 154 7% 26

$150,000 - $249,999 8% 164 5% 20

$250,000 or more 2% 35 1% 4

Don’t know/prefer not to say 14% 270 10% 53

Education levelGeneral community

weighted %

General community

(raw numbers)


weighted %


(raw numbers)

Part of secondary school 6% 113 15% 62

Secondary school 22% 468 29% 134

TAFE / Apprenticeship 27% 575 40% 197

University degree 31% 592 13% 85

Postgraduate university degree 13% 247 4% 19





_______________________________


156

Birth/LanguageGeneral community

weighted %

General community

(raw numbers)


weighted %


(raw numbers)

Born in Australia 70% 1415 99% 493

Not born in Australia 30% 580 1% 4

English-speaking at home 91% 1842 96% 490

Non-English speaking at home 9% 153 4% 7




Cultural HeritageIndigenous community

weighted %


(raw numbers)

Australian Aboriginal 88% 443

Torres Strait Islander 3% 15

Aboriginal AND Torres Strait Islander 9% 39


________________________________________________________________________


Darryl NelsonManaging DirectorPolity Pty. [email protected]

September 2018

mailto:[email protected]

POLITY PTY. LTD.RESEARCH & CONSULTING

______________________________________________________________________

Polityresearch.com.au Sydney; NSW 2010 ABN: 93 169 495 130

research & consulting - reconciliation australia...this is the only study of this nature...

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