NATSIEC calls for urgent national action following Racism@Uni Final Report

The release of the Australian Human Rights Commission's Racism@Uni Final Report confirms what First Nations learners, educators and academia have been saying for decades - racism in universities is multi-faceted, it is systemic, and it is pervasive. As the national peak body for First Nations education, NATSIEC is deeply concerned by the study's findings - however, they are not unexpected.   

The report confirms that racism creates a working, teaching and learning environment that causes harm to First Nations people, as well as other racialised communities, and impedes learner and staff success in Higher Education.  

The study found more than 81% of the over 2000 First Nations learners, academic and university staff surveyed had experienced racism.   

The report found that:  

• 70% of First Nations students surveyed said that racism negatively impacted their mental health.  

• 30% of First Nations academic staff said that universities failed to challenge racist stereotypes of First Nations people in teaching and/or research.  

• Racism negatively impacts First Nations learners' ability to succeed at university.  

NATSIEC is currently undertaking national community consultations, in partnership with the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Higher Education Consortium (NATSIHEC), the national network of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people working in higher education, to ensure the forthcoming national First Nations Education Policy reflects the lived experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander learners and university staff. The findings of the Racism@Uni report reinforce the urgency of that work.  

Today's report reiterates the feedback NATSIEC and NATSIHEC have heard from First Nations educators and university staff already during our national consultations.  The study shows racism is not confined to isolated incidents - it is embedded in systems, policies and everyday university life. 

NATSIEC acknowledges the First Nations learners, educators and university staff who bravely shared their experiences of racism in these institutions and will continue to advocate for anti-racism frameworks and policies that centre the experiences of First Nations people as the first people of these lands. 

The Racism@Uni Working Group does not explicitly include us, the national peak body for First Nations education. NATSIEC calls on the Australian Government to ensure First Nations education leadership is formally included in the implementation and oversight of these reforms.  

Universities were established as colonial institutions. Reform cannot occur without centring the voices, authority and leadership of First Nations peoples in reshaping those systems.  

Racism in universities is not a marginal issue. It shapes who belongs, who succeeds and whose knowledge is valued.  

Systemic problems require systemic solutions. 

Quotes attributable NATSIEC Chair, Ray Ingrey

“Universities hold enormous power in shaping public discourse and future leadership in Australia. This report makes it clear that racism is not incidental.” 

“For First Nations peoples, this is not new information. Our communities have long understood that these long-standing institutions cause harm unless they are intentionally redesigned.” 

“We will work with the Australian Government and NATSIHEC to ensure First Nations leadership is at the table. Any national responses aimed at tackling racism in universities needs to have genuine engagement from the start.”  

Quotes attributable to NATSIEC CEO, Sharon Jurud 

“The data is confronting but it is not surprising.” 

“More than 80 percent of First Nations respondents reported experiencing racism in universities. That has real consequences for mental health, academic progression and workforce participation.” 

“Racism is not just interpersonal behaviour. It is embedded in curriculum, governance, complaints systems and leadership structures.”  

“If we want universities to be places of genuine learning and critical thought, then we must address whose knowledge is centred, whose voices are believed and who carries the burden of fixing systems that were never designed for them.” 

“NATSIEC stands ready to work with government and the sector to implement the recommendations. But we will not accept reform that excludes First Nations education leadership.” 

Quotes attributable to NATSIHEC  Immediate Past President, Sadie Heckenberg

“We are not surprised but still alarmed at the results of this survey.”  

“This comprehensive study of the higher education sector shows how much work we have to do to ensure culturally safe education opportunities for the next generations.” 

“As a higher education sector, we often question why we have low enrolment numbers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, why students leave early and why our staff choose other employers. This survey clearly shows us that our students are not feeling safe on campus andour staff are not feeling safe within their workplaces. NATISHEC calls on universities across Australia to take comprehensive and meaningful action to ensure real change. We must work together to improve our environments. Racism on our campuses is just not ok.” 

ENDS 

Bronte Charles
Communications and Engagement Officer 
NATSIEC 
0448 385 984 
bronte.charles@natsiec.edu.au