Australian Reconciliation Barometer 2010
COMPARING THE ATTITUDES OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLE AND AUSTRALIANS OVERALL
REPORT PREPARED BY:
David Stolper
Jennifer Hammond
General Manager
Auspoll Campaign Intelligently
[email protected]
T/ +61 2 8213 3075
Researcher
Auspoll Campaign Intelligently
[email protected]
T/ +61 2 8213 3081
2010 Reconciliation Barometer
REPORT PREPARED FOR:
Reconciliation Australia
4th June 2010
Contents
1.
Introduction
2.
Key findings
3.
4.
3
1.
The situation today
2.
Changes in our attitudes
Results
1.
The quality of the relationship
2.
How we see each other
3.
How we interact
4.
Cultural awareness and shared pride
5.
Perceived reasons for Indigenous disadvantage
6.
Government action
7.
Personal action
8.
The role of business (new for 2010)
Appendix
Introduction
Background and methodology
4
Background
Reconciliation Australia and Auspoll began collaboration on 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 Indigenous and
non-Indigenous Australians.
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 first understand the underlying values and
perceptions that shape this relationship and influence our society today.
The Australian Reconciliation Barometer delves into the heart of our nation to identify
the attitudes Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians hold about each other, and
about reconciliation in this country. It also attempts to shed some light on why we
hold these attitudes.
This is the first time a study of this nature comparing Indigenous Australians‟
attitudes and values to that of other Australians has been undertaken. It is a window
into how we see ourselves today, and more importantly where we aspire to be as we
begin the 21st century.
The inspiration for the Barometer came from South Africa, where the Institute of
Justice and Reconciliation developed the „South African Reconciliation Barometer‟.
Initially it was conducted bi-annually in 2003 and 2004 and since then annually.
The 2010 edition of the Australian Reconciliation Barometer reveals where we are
today and examines how our attitudes have changed in the last two years.
5
Methodology – Development of the Barometer
To create the Australian Reconciliation Barometer, the first part of the research task
was to identify different factors that contribute 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 a quantitative survey among 1,024 people was conducted 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 a qualitative
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 i.e. actions or conditions that will
advance reconciliation.
These outcomes were used to inform the development of the questionnaire on which
the Barometer is based. The same questionnaire was used in our surveys of
Indigenous Australians as well as the general community to allow a direct
comparison between the attitudes of the two groups.
In May, 2008, and then in May, 2010 we conducted a survey of the two groups. The
results of these surveys comprise the Barometer, and are reported, in full, in this
report.
6
Methodology – Survey approach
General Community Sample
The general community surveys are based upon a sample of
Australians that was selected to be representative in terms of
age, gender and location (state and urban/regional splits)
according to data from the 2006 census. Participants were
recruited from a professional market and social research panel
and they received a small incentive for their participation.
1,007 Australians aged 18+ completed the survey in May 2008
while 1,220 Australians completed the survey in April 12-29
2010. These sample sizes are associated with a margins of error
of +/- 3.1% and +/- 2.8% at the 95% confidence interval. Further
details of the composition of each sample is provided in the
appendix.
Indigenous Sample
The surveys among Indigenous respondents involved
recruitment through Indigenous networks across Australia with
an open invitation distributed by email. 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 June 25 and July 30
2008, while 704 Indigenous Australians completed it in April
12-29 , 2010. These sample sizes are associated with margins
of error of +/- 4% and +/- 3.7% respectively.
Gaining a truly representative sample of Indigenous Australians
is difficult because of a number of geographical and
socioeconomic factors. Accounting for these factors was beyond
the scope of the research. It is acknowledged that the sample of
Indigenous people (recruited via indigenous networks) may not
be truly representative of the overall Indigenous population.
7
Despite this we decided to weight the data to according to
Indigenous demographic data (age/ gender and location) from
the Australian Bureau of Statistics. We also re-weighted the
2008 Indigenous data and as a result there are some small
changes in the 2008 data that is reported here, compared to our
previous reports.
Online approach
Participants from both groups completed the questionnaires
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. On-line 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 may be more highly educated than the general population.
The situation today
8
The quality of the relationship
The relationship between Indigenous people and other
Australians is important to us
The Barometer reveals that the vast majority of Australians
believe the relationship between Indigenous people and other
Australians is important for Australia as a nation, with 87% of
general community respondents, and 99% of Indigenous
respondents believing it is “very important” or “fairly important”.
“fairly high” levels of prejudice towards them).
Indigenous respondents are even more likely to believe that
Australians are prejudiced towards them (93% believe levels of
prejudice are very high or fairly high) but 74% of them also
believe that Indigenous people hold “very high” or “fairly high”
levels of prejudice towards other Australians.
Trust between us is also low
We are most likely to see the relationship as being fairly
poor or fairly good
However, there is clearly more work to be done in improving this
relationship. General community respondents were most likely to
characterise the relationship as being “fairly poor” (46%) while
another 11% believed it is “very poor”. Conversely, 38% believe
it is “fairly good” while only 5% believed it is “very good”. Results
from Indigenous respondents shows that there is broad
agreement about the quality of the relationship amongst the two
groups with 45% believing it is fairly poor and 8% believing it is
very poor.
The problematic nature of the relationship is at least partly
explained by the levels of prejudice and trust that the two groups
have for each other, and the Barometer examines these factors
in greater detail.
We acknowledge that there are high levels of prejudice
between the two groups
Around 7 in 10 general community respondents (71%)
acknowledge that that the level of prejudice Australians hold
towards Indigenous people is “very high” “or “fairly high” but they
also believe that Indigenous people are prejudiced towards other
Australians (72% believe Indigenous people hold “very high” or
9
There is a low level of mutual trust between the two groups. 81%
of general community respondents believe that Indigenous
people have “fairly low” or “very low” levels of trust for other
Australians, while 81% also believe that other Australians have
the same low levels of trust towards Indigenous people.
Perceptions amongst Indigenous respondents are similar with
85% of them believing that Indigenous people have “fairly low
“or “very low” levels of trust towards other Australians, and 91%
believing that other Australians have “very low” or “fairly low”
levels of trust towards Indigenous people.
We are optimistic for the future of the relationship
Despite these difficulties, it is encouraging that respondents from
both groups are somewhat optimistic for the future of the
relationship. Both groups are most likely to agree that “the
relationship between Indigenous people and other Australians is
improving” with 49% of general community respondents, and
52% of Indigenous respondents agreeing with this statement.
Conversely, only 14% of general community respondents and
21% of Indigenous respondents disagreed with it.
How we see each other
The Barometer provides a unique insight into the characteristics
that make up our national self-image and goes further to
examine how the overall national image compares with the
image of Indigenous Australians.
Both groups see themselves positively on a number of
traits such as being good-humoured, good at sport, and
easy going
We asked respondents whether they believe that Australians,
and then Indigenous people, hold a series of positive
characteristics. Responses from general community
respondents show that their opinion of Australians is generally
high and they are particularly likely to see Australians as being
easy going, good at sport, good humoured and friendly.
However, they were less likely to see Australians as being hard
working, respectful or disciplined.
Each group has a less positive opinion of the other but
there are a number of shared positive traits
General community respondents have a less positive opinion of
Indigenous people and this is reflected in lower responses on
each positive characteristic. However, there are a number of
commonalities in how we see the two groups. General
community respondents were most likely to see Indigenous
people as being “family oriented”, “good at sport”, “proud” and
“easy going” while they are least likely to see Indigenous people
as being “co-operative”, hard working” or “disciplined”.
Indigenous respondents have a generally positive view of
Australians, although it is less positive than how Australians see
themselves. Conversely, their opinion of Indigenous people is far
10
more positive than the opinion of general community
respondents .
Indigenous respondents are more likely than other
Australians to believe that Indigenous people are good
humoured, welcoming, hard working and respectful
Comparing the responses from both groups also allows us to
see where the biggest gaps in perception are. For example,
when looking at the attitudes towards Indigenous people, the
biggest gaps are related to being good humoured, welcoming,
respectful and hardworking: Indigenous respondents are 4143% more likely than general community respondents to believe
Indigenous people hold these traits.
General community respondents are more likely than
Indigenous respondents to believe Australians are
welcoming, co-operative or respectful
Comparing attitudes towards Australians in general shows that
the biggest gaps in perception are around the traits of being
welcoming, co-operative and respectful with the general
community being 20-25% more likely than Indigenous
respondents to believe that Australians hold these traits
Results from another direct question about the level of racial
prejudice showed that only 13% of general community
respondents agree that “Non-Indigenous Australians are
superior to Indigenous Australians” suggesting that the overt
level of racism is relatively low.
Attitudes to Indigenous lives and lifestyles
The general community has less appreciation of the
diverse range of Indigenous lifestyles and occupations than
Indigenous respondents
The Barometer reveals that Australians have a somewhat
misplaced level of understanding about the lifestyles and
achievements of Indigenous people, with 50% of general
community respondents agreeing that “Indigenous people have
a diverse range of lifestyles and occupations like other
Australians”, whereas 75% of Indigenous respondents agree
with this statement. Around one in five general community
respondents also believe that Indigenous people live mostly
traditional lives in tribal groups
The general community’s knowledge about the varied
achievements of Indigenous people is limited, and tends to
focus on sport and the arts
Virtually all Australians can think of an Indigenous person who
sets an example for others in sport, and half can think of an
example-setter in the arts, politics and government and
community service. However, less than 1 in 5 (17%) could think
of an Indigenous person who sets an example in business.
Virtually all Indigenous respondents can think of an Indigenous
person who sets an example for others to follow although
awareness of Indigenous business leaders is still the lowest
category (at 73%)
Both groups are aware of Indigenous disadvantage across
a wide range of Indicators
Amongst both groups there is widespread agreement that the
levels of Indigenous people are lower than other Australians on
a range of social indicators such as education, health,
employment, and housing. Self-esteem amongst Indigenous
11
people is also seen to be lower by 88% of Indigenous
respondents and 68% of general community respondents.
Another area where there are different views is on the issue of
access to opportunities; 83% of Indigenous respondents believe
Indigenous people have lower access to opportunities whereas
only 54% of general community respondents agree.
Indigenous respondents are more likely to believe that
Indigenous people are disadvantaged
Indigenous respondents are significantly more likely than
general community respondents to believe that Indigenous
people are marginalised by society, with 66% believing that
“Indigenous people are mostly disadvantaged and live on the
edge of mainstream society.” This compares to 48% of general
community respondents.
The general community does not see Indigenous people as
being good at working together, and co-operation amongst
Indigenous and non-Indigenous leaders is also seen to be
low
Only a minority of general community respondents(22%) agree
that Indigenous people are good at working together to address
the problems that confront them, whereas 53% of Indigenous
respondents agree with this proposition.
In contrast, only a minority of both groups agree that there is
good co-operation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous
leaders in Australia (27% and 17% of each group agree
respectively).
How we interact and our attitudes to personal involvement
The general community’s attitudes to Indigenous people
comes mostly from secondary sources like the media
The difference in responses between the two groups raises the
question of where people are getting their information from. The
Barometer shows that only 35% of general community
respondents nominate their own personal experiences as their
main source of information about Indigenous people, while 38%
nominate the media as their main source. In contrast, the main
source of information for Indigenous respondents is their own
personal experiences (57%) and their contact with parents and
family (32%).
While this indicates an interest in personally engaging in contact
with Indigenous people, there is a somewhat different level of
desire to take steps to help overcome Indigenous disadvantage.
In fact, the Barometer shows that a third of people agree that
they “would like to do something to help disadvantaged
Indigenous people” but about half the population take a neutral
position.
However, we do not believe the media presents a balanced
view of Indigenous Australia
There is a lack of awareness of what we can do to help
disadvantaged Indigenous people
The importance of the media as a source of information on
Indigenous Australia is concerning given that only 16% of
general community respondents agree that the media presents a
balanced view of Indigenous Australia, with 45% disagreeing.
Perceptions of media bias are far stronger amongst Indigenous
respondents with 79% disagreeing that the media presents a
balanced view.
This lack of engagement is at least partly explained by the
finding that a substantial majority of people simply do not know
what they can do to help disadvantaged Indigenous people.
Nevertheless, when asked to specify the types of things they
had done to advance reconciliation or help disadvantaged
Indigenous people in the last 12 months, around half of general
community respondents (51%) were able to nominate at least
one activity, from simply discussing Indigenous issues to
donating their time and money.
Contact with Indigenous people is limited but we want to
interact more
The Barometer also shows that Australians have limited
personal contact with Indigenous people with around two thirds
of Australians having rare contact (44%) or no contact at all
(21%). Only 9% have frequent contact and 25% have occasional
contact.
12
It is encouraging, however that we want more contact with
Indigenous people than we currently have, with 15% of
respondents wanting frequent contact and 46% wanting
occasional contact with Indigenous people
The Barometer also tested attitudes towards relations with
Indigenous people on a very personal level by showing that the
vast majority of Australians would have no problem with their
child deciding to marry an Indigenous person.
Cultural awareness and shared pride
During the development of the Barometer the notion of “shared
pride” emerged as a key theme, in that reconciliation will be
advanced when Australians feel that they can share in the
history, culture and pride that is part of Indigenous Australia.
We believe that Indigenous culture is important to Australia
The Barometer shows that more than two thirds of general
community respondents believe that Indigenous culture is
important to Australia‟s identity as a nation and that Indigenous
history should be a compulsory part of the history curriculum in
schools.
Despite this, most have a basic level of knowledge about the
facts, with the majority aware of some important details such as
the meaning of the Dreamtime (74% are aware of its meaning)
and the landmark Mabo legislation (80% are aware of its
context) .
However, the general community is less likely to feel
personally proud of Indigenous culture or believe that
Indigenous people are open to sharing their culture.
In contrast, there are clear knowledge gaps around some of the
more controversial or challenging aspects of modern Indigenous
life. For example, 74% of general community respondents
believe that the stolen generation policies either ended long
before they actually did, or have not idea at all.
Only around half of all general community respondents (44%)
believe that Indigenous people are open to sharing their culture
while 50% feel proud of Indigenous culture.
We are open to learning more about Indigenous history and
culture
Not surprisingly, Indigenous respondents are far more likely to
believe in the importance of Indigenous culture to the identity of
Australia, and their own personal sense of pride.
It is encouraging however that around 4 out of 5 Australians
believe it is important to know about Indigenous history and
culture and are therefore open to learning more.
The general community’s knowledge of Indigenous history
and culture is fairly low but we have a basic understanding
of key facts
Another important tenet of the Barometer is the idea that the
foundation for reconciliation is for all Australians to understand
the facts of Indigenous Australia, including the history and
culture of Indigenous people and their place in Australia today.
13
The Barometer measured this level of knowledge in a number of
different ways. At a base level it shows that Australians tend to
be more confident about their knowledge of history than they are
about their knowledge of Indigenous culture. However, most
people (around two-thirds) believe their knowledge is weak in
both areas.
Perceived reasons for Indigenous disadvantage
We agree that a wide range of factors have resulted in
Indigenous disadvantage today but the general community
is more likely to see a lack of personal responsibility
amongst Indigenous people as being a cause of their
problems
The general community is most likely to see alcohol and
substance abuse, a lack of responsibility amongst Indigenous
people, and race-based policies of the past as the most
important factors creating disadvantage suffered by some
Indigenous people today.
Most general community respondents believe a combination of
factors have contributed to the disadvantage suffered by some
Indigenous people today. Some of these factors are clearly
beyond an individual‟s control including poor access to health
and education, race-based policies, discrimination, ineffective
programs and policies and lack of respect. However, the factors
considered most influential - alcohol and substance abuse and
lack of personal responsibility - are more likely to fall on
Indigenous people themselves. This suggests many Australians
continue to see those Indigenous people living in difficult
circumstances as being largely responsible for their own
disadvantage, as does the fact that less than half of general
community respondents agree that being born Indigenous
makes it harder for an individual to achieve in Australia today.
Indigenous respondents are more likely to believe external
factors as being important causes of disadvantage
Compared to the general community, Indigenous respondents
saw all of the specific factors as being more important in
creating disadvantage today. There was general agreement
14
between the two groups on the importance of “personal” factors
such as alcohol and substance abuse and personal
responsibility. However Indigenous respondents were far more
likely to see external factors as being important. These factors
include poor access to health and education services,
discrimination, ineffective government programs and policies,
lack of respect for Indigenous people and inadequate living
conditions
Indigenous respondents are more likely to believe they face
barriers to personal achievement
There are differing views on the effect that “being born
Indigenous” has on the ease at which an individual can achieve.
Nearly half of all Australians (45%) agree than being born
Indigenous makes it harder for an Individual to achieve, while
around a quarter (27%) disagree with this statement. In contrast
around two thirds of Indigenous respondents (61%) agree that
being Indigenous makes it harder for them to achieve.
Both groups agree that previous race-based policies
continue to affect some Indigenous people today
Both groups agree that previous race-based policies continue to
affect some Indigenous people today although the level of
agreement amongst Indigenous respondents (91%) is
considerably higher than that of the general community (64%).
Attitudes to Government action and Indigenous policies
Effective progress towards reconciliation requires action by
government, and the Barometer examines this from a number of
perspectives.
We believe that some Indigenous people need help to
overcome disadvantage and we want the government to act.
At an overall level there is a clear recognition that some
Indigenous Australians need help to overcome disadvantage
(with 90% of Indigenous respondents and 72% of the general
community agreeing).
There is also the belief amongst most respondents that the
government should put in place measures to help Indigenous
people in specific ways (92% of Indigenous respondents and
57% of the general community agree).
Amongst both groups there is clear support for the government
to put in place a range of measures that help Indigenous people
reach equality on a wide range of measures. Health, education,
and equality in life expectancy are seen as the areas where
government should put the highest priority, although there is
also fairly strong support for measures to reach equality in
employment, housing and the development of leadership skills.
However, most of us think that government programs to
address Indigenous disadvantage have been unsuccessful
Despite the emphasis on the government as a key component of
any solution, there is dissatisfaction about the effectiveness of
government action so far. Just one in 50 people (from both
groups of respondents) believe government programs have
been „very successful‟ and only one-quarter believe they have
15
been “fairly successful”.
We believe the apology was important for Indigenous
people and the relationship between us
The 2008 apology to the stolen generation has been one of the
highest profile government actions in our recent history and the
Barometer examines our attitudes to this historic event.
Around 4 in 5 Australians (79%) believe that the apology was
important for Indigenous people while around two thirds (65%)
also believe it was important for the relationship between
Indigenous people and other Australians. Support for the
apology was overwhelming amongst Indigenous respondents
with virtually unanimous agreement that it was important for
Indigenous people as well as the relationship between the two
groups.
Around 3 in 5 Indigenous respondents (58%) and 2 in 5
general population respondents (42%) believe that the apology
has made the relationship between us better, while less than 1
in 10 believe it has made the relationship worse.
The role of business (new for 2010)
In the 2010 Barometer we added additional questions which
examined the role that business should take in promoting
reconciliation and addressing Indigenous disadvantage.
Results show that there is some uncertainty about the role that
business should take, with around 2 in 5 Australians believing
that “businesses should put measures in place to help
Indigenous people in specific ways”.
There is widespread support for a range of business
initiatives that promote reconciliation and address
Indigenous disadvantage
When respondents were presented with specific actions there
was widespread support for many business initiatives. Strongest
support was for actions that were seen as being a core part of
their business activities. These included providing educational
opportunities, through scholarships, traineeships and work
placements, recruiting Indigenous staff, and partnering with
Indigenous organisations to promote reconciliation and address
disadvantage.
Respondents were less supportive of businesses promoting and
celebrating key reconciliation dates, or acknowledging the
traditional owners at official events, although around half of all
respondents do believe that businesses should take these
actions.
Indigenous respondents are particularly supportive of the
role that business can take to improve the situation
In contrast around 90% of Indigenous respondents believe that
businesses have a role to play in helping Indigenous people.
16
There was also virtually universal support for businesses to take
a range of initiatives, including symbolic actions, such as the
acknowledgement of traditional owners, as well as practical
steps such as partnering with Indigenous organisations and
providing education, training and work opportunities.
Changes in our attitudes
17
The social context for changed attitudes
Before interpreting any changes in the survey results between
2008 and 2010 it is worthwhile to examine how the broader
social, political, and economic environment has changed in
Australia during this period. There have been some important
changes in the last two 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 to 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 been less attention
given to Indigenous issues in the media, and there has also
18
been a drop in the political salience of Indigenous issues
compared to other concerns.
The Global Financial Crisis
On a broader level there has also been a major change in the
global financial environment and this has affected the
importance that Australians ascribe to various issues. Concern
over the Global Financial Crisis peaked around 2009 and neatly
divided our two surveys into a “pre-GFC” and “post-GFC”
snapshot on our attitudes to reconciliation and Indigenous
issues. At a broad level the GFC has been associated with a
general shift in the public mood, from one of prosperity to one of
uncertainty and guarded optimism. Other research by Auspoll
has shown (not surprisingly) that over this period Australians
have become relatively more concerned about job security and
their financial stability and relatively less concerned with “nonfinancial issues” such as the environment or Indigenous
reconciliation (as we will see).
The scale of changes
The changes we found between 2008 and 2010 are generally
small (typically less than 10%) and our overall attitudes to
reconciliation and Indigenous issues are broadly similar to what
they were two years ago. However, we have found a series of
interesting changes that reflect a subtle change in the mood of
the nation. As the Barometer continues we will get a better idea
of whether these changes resulted from the “short-term” effects
described above, or whether they represent a long-term shift in
the national psyche as we travel the long path to reconciliation.
Key changes since 2008
The relationship is less important to us
In 2010 we found a decrease in the proportion of general
community respondents who believe the relationship between
Indigenous people and other Australians is “very important” to
Australia (with a drop from 51% to 43%) and a less significant,
but similar trend amongst Indigenous respondents (a 4% drop to
90%). This is likely to have resulted from the changing social
landscape associated with a lowering of the public profile of
Indigenous issues described above.
We are more likely to believe the relationship is poor
Since 2008 the general community is less likely to believe the
relationship is good (51% to 43%) and there is a similar, but
smaller drop amongst Indigenous respondents (50% to 46%).
Indigenous respondents are also less likely to agree that the
relationship is improving than they were in 2008 (52% agree
compared to 60% in 2008). It seems reasonable that this
perceived deterioration of the quality of the relationship may be
due to a “fading” of 2008‟s post-apology “glow”.
19
relationship and Indigenous issues. However, the fact we also
found a hardening of views on a question that was not directly
about Indigenous issues suggests that the changed attitudes to
Indigenous matters may be partly explained by a general shift in
the mood of the nation from broader causes (such as the GFC)
rather than causes that are specific to Indigenous issues or
people.
The attitudes of Indigenous respondents to the two groups was
more consistent in the two surveys although we did find a 6%
drop in the proportion of Indigenous respondents who believe
that Australians are welcoming.
Indigenous respondents are less likely to believe they are
disadvantaged or affected by race-based policies of the
past
However, we are also less likely to see ourselves in a
positive light
General community perceptions of Indigenous lifestyles remain
virtually unchanged ,although there are changes in how
Indigenous respondents see themselves. For example, they are
less likely to agree that Indigenous people are mostly
disadvantaged and living on the edge of mainstream society (the
proportion who strongly agrees with this is down from 35% to
25%).
Interestingly, respondents were also less likely to see
Australians (in general) in a positive way with about a 5% drop in
the proportion of respondents who believe we exhibit positive
traits such as being welcoming, proud, co-operative, family
orientated or hardworking, and there are also similar drops in the
general community‟s opinion of Indigenous people. The fact that
we see ourselves in a more negative way is a consideration in
interpreting our changing attitudes towards Indigenous people
and the relationship between the two groups. On many
questions we saw a slight deterioration of attitudes towards the
There is also a reduction in the proportion of Indigenous
respondents who believe that race-based policies continue to
affect some Indigenous people today ,with the proportion of
Indigenous respondents who strongly agree dropping from 68%
to 56%. Similarly, there was a drop in the proportion of
Indigenous respondents who strongly agree that being born
Indigenous makes it harder to achieve in Australia today (down
from 35% to 21%). These results are encouraging and suggest
that Indigenous people have a greater sense of control over their
own lives.
Key changes since 2008
There is a sight reduction in the importance we place on
Indigenous culture
others about Indigenous issues in the last 12 months (down from
38% to 26%).
Agreement that Indigenous culture is important remains high (70%
of the general community agrees) , but there are small reductions
in the proportion of both groups who agree with its importance on a
range of factors. There is also a 10% reduction in the proportion of
Indigenous people who strongly agree that Indigenous people are
open to sharing their culture with other Australians (down to 37%
from 47%).
Amongst both groups there is also a decrease in the proportion of
people who know what they can do to help Indigenous people.
Indigenous role models have become less visible to the
general community
The profile of Indigenous people in the minds of the general
community has also reduced with a marked decrease (of around
10%) in the proportion who are aware of Indigenous role models in
a range of fields such as sports, the arts and politics.
Indigenous role models are just as visible to Indigenous
respondents as they were in 2008. However, in 2010, Indigenous
respondents were less likely to see Indigenous achievement as
being above average in areas such as sport (down to 64% from
70%), the arts (down to 46% from 57%) and service to the
community (down to 31% from 41%).
Perceived levels of contact and engagement with the issues
has dropped
Perceived levels of contact with Indigenous people has also
dropped amongst general community respondents, with 34%
having frequent or occasional contact – down from 45% in 2008.
The desired level of contact is also down, with 61% wanting
frequent or occasional contact (down from 71%).
Consistent with this reduced engagement is a decrease in the
proportion of general community respondents who have talked to
20
We are less supportive of Government action on Indigenous
issues
In 2010 we also saw a reduction in the proportion of Indigenous
respondents who strongly agree that the government should put
measures in place to help Indigenous people in specific ways
(down to 63% from 73%), although agreement overall remains
fairly consistent.
Amongst the general community there has been a reduction of
around 10% in the proportion who believe that the government
should make Indigenous issues, such as a health, education and
employment, a high priority (although overall levels of support
remains high).
There is also a reduction in the proportion of Indigenous
respondents who believe that some Indigenous people need
specific help to reach equality with other Australians (the
proportion who strongly agree is down to 48% from 57%). This is
consistent with the previous results that suggest Indigenous
respondents may be feeling more empowered on a personal level.
Indigenous respondents have a more positive opinion of
government programs but the general community disagrees
There are differing attitudes to government programs amongst the
two groups. General community respondents have become less
likely to believe that government programs have been successful
(down 5 percentage points to 26%). However, Indigenous
respondents are more likely to believe that the programs have
been successful (up 7 percentage points to 29%).
Key changes since 2008
There has been a drop in the perceived importance of
Indigenous culture, traditional lands and extended family
relationships amongst Indigenous respondents
Since 2008 there has been a 5% drop in the proportion of
Indigenous respondents who believes that connection to
traditional lands is an important part of their identity (the
proportion who strongly agrees is down from 75% to 70%).
There is also a 12% drop in the proportion who believe
Indigenous people tend to have close family relationships and
feel responsible for members of their extended family (strongly
agree down to 56% from 68%) .
Indigenous respondents believe they are better at working
together but they see less co-operation between Indigenous
and non-Indigenous leaders
It is also encouraging that there was an increase in the
proportion of Indigenous respondents who believe that
Indigenous people are good at working together to address the
problems that confront them (up to 53% from 47%). However,
there has also been a decrease in the proportion who believe
there is good cooperation between Indigenous and nonIndigenous leaders (down from 22% to 17% in 2010).
21
The quality of the relationship
Some of the most defining measures of the Barometer examine how well we regard the overall relationship between us, as
well as the fundamental levels of trust and acceptance that underpin a strong relationship.
22
How important do we believe the relationship is to Australia?
General community respondents
2010
43
2008
44
51
0
25
Very important
50
40
75
Indigenous respondents
9 5
2010
8 1
2008
100
Fairly important
90
9 1
94 6
0
25
Fairly unimportant
50
75
100
Not important at all
► The vast majority of respondents believe the relationship between Indigenous people and other Australians is important for Australia as a nation.
► However, amongst the general community respondents (in particular) there has been a decrease in the proportion of people who believe the
relationship is very important.
► Not surprisingly, Indigenous respondents are far more likely to believe the relationship is very important to Australia as a nation.
23
Q13: How important is the relationship between Indigenous people and other Australians for Australia as a nation?
How good do we think the relationship between Indigenous
and non-Indigenous Australians is today?
General community respondents
2010
5
2008
6
0
38
46
45
25
Very good
Indigenous respondents
50
11
43
75
7
100
Fairly good
2010
6
2008
40
12
0
45
38
25
Fairly poor
50
8
44 5
75
100
Very poor
► Indigenous and general community respondents have remarkably similar views on the quality of the relationship between the two groups, with most
people believing the relationship is either fairly good or fairly poor.
► Since 2008 there has been a perceived worsening of the relationship, characterised by an increase in the proportion of respondents who believe the
relationship is poor or very poor.
► This worsening trend is evident across both groups of respondents.
24
Q12: Overall, would you say that the relationship between Indigenous people and other Australians today is.......?
Do we think the relationship is improving?
General community respondents
2010 3
The
relationship
between
Indigenous
people and
other
Australians is
improving
2008 4
0
46
36
51
25
Strongly agree
25
Indigenous respondents
50
Agree
12 2
33 10 1
75
2010
The
relationship
between
Indigenous
people and
other
Australians is
improving
2008
100
Neither agree nor disagree
5
47
8
0
27
52
25
Disagree
18
27
50
75
3
11 2
100
Strongly disagree
►
Interestingly, respondents from both groups are most likely to agree that the relationship between the groups is improving.
►
This contrasts with the results from the previous slide which suggest that there has been a perceived deterioration of the relationship during the last
2 years.
►
Perhaps this measured short-term deterioration in the relationship since 2008 reflects a “post-apology” let-down, while the more positive results
from this question are a better reflection of respondent‟s long term attitudes.
Q24:Please indicate your level of agreement with the following statements.
Do we see ourselves as prejudiced towards each other?
Indigenous respondents
General community respondents
Level of prejudice
Australians hold towards
Indigenous people
Level of prejudice
Australians hold towards
Indigenous people
2010
20
2008
16
51
20 2 6
2010
55
19 2 8
2008
Level of prejudice
Indigenous people hold
towards other Australians
40 51
50
43 4 1
Level of prejudice
Indigenous people hold
towards other Australians
2010
26
46
17 1 9
2010
19
55
21
32
2008
26
45
15 2 12
2008
18
55
24
22
0
Very high
26
53
25
50
Fairly high
75
100
Fairly low
0
Very low
25
50
75
Don't know
►
Both groups agree that there are relatively high levels of prejudice between Indigenous people and other Australians.
►
General community respondents see roughly equal levels of prejudice between the two groups whereas Indigenous respondents believe that
prejudice towards Indigenous people from other Australians is much higher.
►
Overall, there has been very little change in the levels of perceived prejudice between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians since 2008.
Q23: How would you describe the level of prejudice between the following groups of people?
100
Do we trust each other?
Indigenous respondents
General community respondents
Trust that Indigenous
people have for other
Australians
Trust that Indigenous
people have for other
Australians
2010 2 7
50
2008 2 10
48
2010 1 11
31 10
33
8
2008 1 11
Trust that other
Australians have for
Indigenous people
31 2
58
28 2
Trust that other
Australians have for
Indigenous people
2010 2 11
52
29 6
2010
6
2008 1 11
54
28 6
2008
4
0
Very high
27
54
25
50
Fairly high
75
100
Fairly low
0
Very low
46
45 3
50
25
50
41 5
75
Don't know
►
Perceptions of the level of trust between non-Indigenous and Indigenous Australians remain low amongst both the general community and
Indigenous respondent groups.
►
Indigenous respondents, in particular, believe that other Australians have low levels of trust towards them .
Q14: How would you describe the level of trust between the following groups of people?
100
How do we feel about having a child who decided to marry an
Indigenous person?
Indigenous respondents
General community respondents
2010
17
38
32
8 5
I would feel fine
if I had a child
who decided to
marry an
Indigenous
person
68
23
71
I would feel fine
if I had a child
who decided to
marry an
Indigenous
person
2008
20
0
Strongly agree
28
2010
37
25
50
Agree
31 7 4
75
100
Neither agree nor disagree
2008
79
0
Disagree
25
14
50
75
61
100
Strongly disagree
►
Our willingness to bring an Indigenous person into our families, though marriage, provides a very personal indicator of the quality of the relationship.
It is therefore encouraging that respondents from both groups are most likely to agree that they would feel fine if they had a child who decided to
marry an Indigenous person.
►
The attitudes of general community respondents remain largely consistent with the results from 2008.
►
However, amongst Indigenous respondents, there has been a reduction in their strength of agreement, which is charactersied by a reduction in the
proportion of Indigenous people who strongly agree and an increase in the proportion who agree.
Q24:Please indicate your level of agreement with the following statements.
How we see each other
The Barometer provides a unique insight into the characteristics that make up our self image and goes further to examine
how our overall image of Indigenous Australians compares our overall image of Australians.
29
How do we see “Australians” in general?
Indigenous respondents
General community respondents
92
93
89
95
89
93
89
93
Easy going
Good at sport
Good humoured
Friendly
Proud
Easy going
Good humoured
82
87
79
84
78
84
76
81
Proud
Family-orientated
Welcoming
Cooperative
68
Hard working
Hard working
Friendly
0
25
Cooperative
74
39
35
32
36
Respectful
Disciplined
50
75
100
2010
30
53
59
53
54
Welcoming
41
42
Disciplined
64
64
Family-orientated
59
61
Respectful
85
87
80
81
79
80
78
79
74
73
73
77
Good at sport
0
25
50
75
100
2008
►
There has been a slight decline in positive perceptions of Australians amongst both the general community and Indigenous respondent groups (to a
lesser degree). It is possible to see this as a change in line with the overall shift in mood among people since the global financial crisis (GFC) and
economic downturn of the past 2 years, which marks a significant change in the background of the two surveys.
►
General community and Indigenous respondents continue to hold very similar views of “Australians” in general, and general community
respondents remain somewhat more likely to hold a positive overall view than Indigenous respondents.
Q21: Thinking about your overall impression of Australians, would you say they tend to be....... (yes/no)?
How do we see Indigenous people?
Indigenous respondents
General community respondents
75
79
74
80
70
77
Family-orientated
Good at sport
Proud
Family-orientated
Good humoured
62
65
57
62
Easy going
Friendly
Easy going
Welcoming
50
55
47
50
Good humoured
Welcoming
Friendly
Proud
37
37
33
33
Respectful
Cooperative
0
60
63
Hard working
36
40
Disciplined
25
50
75
0
100
2010
31
66
67
Cooperative
13
14
Disciplined
78
81
Respectful
19
19
Hard working
97
97
96
95
93
94
89
89
88
84
87
88
87
90
Good at sport
25
50
75
2008
►
The disparity in positive perceptions of Indigenous people remains marked between the general community and Indigenous respondent groups,
and appears to have widened in the past 2 years. While Indigenous respondents show a stable widespread positive view of themselves overall,
general community respondents are still significantly less likely to attribute these positive factors to Indigenous people.
►
The most notable difference between the two groups are the perceptions of Indigenous people being good humoured, welcoming, respectful and
hard-working, with Indigenous respondents being 41%-43% more likely to believe that Indigenous people hold these positive traits.
Q22: Now thinking about your overall impression of Indigenous people, would you say they tend to be.....?
100
What are our perceptions of Indigenous lifestyles?
Indigenous respondents
General community respondents
Non indigenous
2010
Australians are superior
to Indigenous
2008
Australians
Indigenous people
live mostly
traditional lives in
tribal groups
3 10
2 9
2010 3
Indigenous people
have a diverse range
of lifestyles and
occupations like other
Australians
26
18
2008 4
Indigenous people are
mostly disadvantaged
and live on the edge
of mainstream society
27
16
2010
8
40
2008
7
41
2010
9
2008
11
0
Strongly agree
32
30
33
30
Non indigenous
2010
Australians are superior
to Indigenous
2008
Australians
33
36
11
36
36
9
33
41
41
25
30
50
Agree
15 3
31
18 3
29
18 4
30
75
16 2
7 5 10
7 7 6
14
64
12
68
Indigenous people
live mostly
traditional lives in
tribal groups
2010 3 9
19
42
26
2008
18
41
27
Indigenous people are
mostly disadvantaged
and live on the edge
of mainstream society
2010
Indigenous people
have a diverse range
of lifestyles and
occupations like other
Australians
2010
100
Neither agree nor disagree
5 10
25
2008
41
35
40
2008
48
0
Disagree
25
19
12 4
39
13 11 3
35
8 10 6
28 11 11 2
50
75
100
Strongly disagree
►
It is encouraging that only a small minority of respondents believe that non-Indigenous Australians are superior to Indigenous Australians.
►
However, there is clearly some misunderstanding of Indigenous lifestyles amongst general community respondents, in that they are more likely than
Indigenous respondents to believe that Indigenous people live in tribal groups, and less likely to believe they have a diverse range of lifestyles and
occupations.
►
Perceptions of Indigenous lifestyles amongst the general community have remained constant over the last 2 years. However, amongst Indigenous
respondents there has been a decrease in the perception of Indigenous people as being disadvantaged.
Q24:Please indicate your level of agreement with the following statements.
Do we believe in the special place of Indigenous people, their
connection to the land, and their family relationships?
Indigenous respondents
General community respondents
Indigenous people
hold a special place
as the first Australians
Connection to their
traditional lands is an
important part of an
Indigenous persons
identity
Indigenous people
tend to have close
family relationships
and feel responsibility
for members of their
extended family
2010
18
41
2008
24
2010
25
2008
28
37
29
25
9 4
Indigenous people
2010
hold a special place
as the first Australians
11 4
2008
45
22 5 3
41
20 7 2
2010
19
49
24 6 2
2008
21
46
26 6 1
0
Strongly agree
25
50
Agree
75
Connection to their
traditional lands is an
important part of an
Indigenous persons
identity
2010
Neither agree nor disagree
21 41
76
19 41
25 311
70
2008
75
Indigenous people
tend to have close
2010
family relationships
and feel responsibility
for members of their 2008
extended family
100
75
56
22 2
35 6 2
28 21
68
0
25
Disagree
50
75
Strongly disagree
► Most of the general community group agree that Indigenous people hold a special place as the first Australians, that connection to their land is
important and that they tend to have close family relationships.
► Agreement levels amongst Indigenous respondents is far stronger with most “strongly agreeing” with each statement
► Since 2008 there appears to be some decrease in the proportion of Indigenous respondents who believe connection with the land, and close family
relationships are extremely important.
33
Q24:Please indicate your level of agreement with the following statements.
100
Do we see Indigenous people as being co-operative and good
at working together?
Indigenous respondents
General community respondents
Indigenous
people are
2010
good at working
together to
address the
problems that
2008
confront them
There is good
cooperation
between
Indigenous
and nonIndigenous
leaders in
Australia
3
19
5
16
37
41
2010 3
24
2008 3
24
0
25
Strongly agree
47
Agree
10
30
8
22 5
45
50
32
25 5
75
Indigenous
people are
good at working
together to
address the
problems that
confront them
There is good
cooperation
between
Indigenous
and nonIndigenous
leaders in
Australia
100
Neither agree nor disagree
2010
21
2008
18
29
2010 1 16
32
2008
4
0
Disagree
32
18
26
24
5
23
38
29
25
16
13
38
50
6
11
75
Strongly disagree
► Most general community respondents do not believe that Indigenous people are good at working together, while Indigenous respondents largely
disagree with this view.
► Both groups continue to be largely sceptical about the level of cooperation between their respective leaders.
► The general community's attitudes have remained constant over the last 2 years. However, amongst Indigenous respondents there has been a slight
increase in the proportion who believe Indigenous people are good at working together, and a slight decrease in the proportion who agree there is
good co-operation between the leaders of each group.
34
Q24:Please indicate your level of agreement with the following statements.
100
How we think the lives of Indigenous people compare to the
lives of other Australians
Indigenous respondents
General community respondents
Health
2010
2008
3 6 11
2 4 10
Employment
2010
2008
34
23
Education
2010
2008
25
33
16
17
Self esteem
2010
2008
23
2
19
19
Housing
14
16
6 9
6 11
2010
2008
Access to
opportunities
10
11
2010
2008
0
52 3
55 5
28
24
49 4
51 5
2010 25
Employment 2008
135
21
18
71 1
73
45 3
45 5
Education
2010 1 7
2008 135
20
20
70 1
71
Self esteem
2010 1 7
2008 2 7
Housing
2010 135
2008 15
29
27
35
33
13
14
2010 3 8
Personal pride 2008 4 9
33 7
36 10
26
25
27
25
14
11
Indigenous levels are much higher
Indigenous levels are slightly lower
42 4
40 5
28
26
18
23
25
78 1
84
2010 114
14
2008 2 3 10
26
23
27
28
24
21
50
7
9
30 4
28 5
75
Health
76 2
80 1
14
12
13
11
2010
Personal pride 2008
12
20
Access to
2010 2 6 9
opportunities 2008 2 5 8
100
Indigenous levels are slightly higher
Indigenous levels are much lower
0
60 2
55 2
28
33
20
16
34 2
30 2
19
21
56 1
59
27
27
25
50
75
Indigenous levels are the same as others
Don't know
► Most of the general population believe that Indigenous Australians are disadvantaged on most measures: particularly in terms of health, employment,
education and self esteem
► Indigenous people more likely to believe they are disadvantaged than the general population on all measures (except for personal pride).
► There is little change through time apart from a slight decrease in the proportion of Indigenous people who believe they are more proud than other
Australians
35
100
Q18: Thinking about how the lives of Indigenous Australians compare to the lives of other Australians. How do you think the levels among
Indigenous people compare to the levels among other Australians in the following areas?
Are we aware of Indigenous role models?
Indigenous respondents
General community respondents
85
Sport
100
Sport
99
96
65
The Arts
95
The Arts
97
76
Service to the
community
48
Politics and
government
48
58
Service to the
community
59
Politics and
government
17
Business
95
95
84
83
73
Business
77
24
0
25
50
75
2010
36
100
0
25
50
75
2008
►
Most people can think of an Indigenous role model, but they are most typically in the areas of sport and the arts
►
There has also been a marked decline in the level of recognition of Indigenous role models among general community respondents in all areas in
the past 2 years.
►
The most notable differences in perceptions between the groups relates to the awareness of example-setters in business and service to the
community.
Q25:Can you think of Indigenous people who set an example for others in the following areas?
100
How do we characterise the level of Indigenous achievement?
2010
2008
Sport
32
28
The Arts
2010
2008
Service to the
community
2010 6
2008 6
Politics and
government
2010 3
2008 3
Business
2010 3 13
2008 2 15
46
49
17
19
0
45
46
32
34
60
55
64
61
50
Indigenous achievement is above average
Indigenous achievement is below average
37
25
21
43
42
21
26
25
13
15
75
8
9
Sport
2010
2008
The Arts
19
18
Service to the 2010
community
2008
20
22
100
Politics and
government
2010
2008
Business
2010
2008
22
70
2010
2008
13
14
16
17
64
46
33
57
31
6
8
0
18
13 2
29
37
41
9
14
11 2
23 7
29 4
24 3
33
20
14
67 4
69 3
22
20
67 5
67 5
25
50
75
100
Indigenous achievement is the same as others
Don't know
►
Once again Indigenous respondents are more likely than general community respondents to believe that Indigenous achievement is higher, with
this achievement seen as being strongest in the areas of sport and the arts.
►
Perceptions of Indigenous achievement amongst the general community have changed little during the past 2 years, with business and politics still
seen as the areas of greatest underachievement by Indigenous people.
►
In contrast, there has been a marked decline in the proportion of Indigenous respondents who believe that Indigenous achievement is above
average
Q26:How would you describe the achievements of Indigenous people compared to the rest of the Australian population in the following areas?
How we interact
Understanding where we get our information on Indigenous people allows us to understand the influences on the attitudes
we hold.
38
Where do we learn about Indigenous people?
Indigenous respondents
General community respondents
2010
38
35
2008
37
35
0
25
50
16 3 9
15 3
75
The media
School education or other research
Other people around you
39
9
100
2010 2
57 5
2008 2
0
32 4
62 4
25
50
28 4
75
Your own personal experiences with Indigenous people
Parents and family
►
General community respondents continue to be far more likely to mainly learn about Indigenous people through the media or other secondary
resources (such as school or other research) and this highlights the ongoing significance the media has in shaping the views of the general
community.
►
In contrast, Indigenous respondents remain most likely to learn about Indigenous people from direct cultural engagement with their communities
and families.
Q20: Which of the following is your main source of information about Indigenous people?
100
Do we think the media presents a balanced view of Indigenous
Australia?
Indigenous respondents
General community respondents
2010 2
14
39
36
The media
presents a
balanced view
of Indigenous
Australia
5 4 12
33
46
6 3 10
34
47
The media
presents a
balanced view
of Indigenous
Australia
2008 2 12
0
Strongly agree
40
2010
9
39
25
50
Agree
36
75
12
100
Neither agree nor disagree
2008
0
25
Disagree
50
75
100
Strongly disagree
►
Both general community respondents and Indigenous respondents continue to be sceptical about how the media portrays Indigenous Australia.
►
However, while many general community respondents are still unsure whether media views are balanced or not, Indigenous respondents remain
far more likely to feel strongly that media views of Indigenous Australia are not balanced.
Q24:Please indicate your level of agreement with the following statements.
How much contact do we have with Indigenous people?
Indigenous respondents
General community respondents
2010
9
2008
12
0
25
44
33
25
Frequent contact
41
39
50
75
21
2010
15
2008
100
Occasional contact
91
8 1
94 5
0
25
50
Rare contact
75
No contact
►
The perceived level of contact between general community respondents and Indigenous people has declined in the past 2 years and remains low,
with 2 out of 3 respondents feeling they have only rare or no contact with Indigenous people.
►
Conversely, there continues to be regular interaction between Indigenous respondents and other Indigenous people.
Q10: How would you describe the level of contact you have with Indigenous people?
100
How much contact with Indigenous people do we want to
have?
Indigenous respondents
General community respondents
2010
15
2008
46
19
0
52
25
Frequent contact
42
29
50
75
10
2010
94 5
25 5
2008
94
100
Occasional contact
0
25
Rare contact
50
75
6
100
No contact
►
There has been a slight decline in the level of desire among general community respondents to have frequent or occasional contact with
Indigenous people during the past 2 years, and it is possible to see this as at least partially due to a subsidence in the positive effects of the formal
Apology made by the Rudd Government in 2008.
►
However, nearly twice as many general community respondents would like to have frequent or occasional contact with Indigenous people than
currently do have (see preceding slide).
►
Conversely, Indigenous respondents continue to desire regular contact with other Indigenous people.
Q11: How would you describe the level of contact you would like to have with Indigenous people in the future?
Cultural awareness and shared pride
During the development of the Barometer the notion of “shared pride” emerged as a key theme in that reconciliation will be
advanced when Australians can feel that they can share in the history, culture and pride that is part of Indigenous Australia.
43
What are our attitudes to Indigenous culture?
General community respondents
Indigenous respondents
Indigenous culture is
important to Australia's
identity as a nation
2010
2008
21
25
49
46
20 7 3
20 7 2
Indigenous history should
be a compulsory part of
the history curriculum in
schools
2010
2008
21
26
45
44
20 9 5
17 9 4
Australia is better off
because we have many
different cultures
2010
2008
20
25
Australia has a richer
culture because of our
Indigenous heritage
2010
2008
15
18
As an Australian, I feel
proud of Indigenous
culture
2010
2008
13
17
Indigenous people are
open to sharing their
culture with other
Australians
2010
2008
41
40
37
32
8
8
0
Strongly agree
44
42
43
36
38
25
Agree
2010
2008
87 11 2
92 7
Indigenous history should
be a compulsory part of
the history curriculum in
schools
2010
2008
90 10
92 8
23 10 5
20 9 4
Australia is better off
because we have many
different cultures
2010
2008
29 11 4
31 10
Australia has a richer
culture because of our
Indigenous heritage
2010
2008
37 8 5
41 8 2
As an Australian, I feel
proud of Indigenous
culture
34
36
50
Indigenous culture is
important to Australia's
identity as a nation
75
17 5
15 3
Indigenous people are
open to sharing their
culture with other
Australians
100
Neither agree nor disagree
33
37
19
34
32
9 6
22 7 1
22 6 3
17 6 2
69
75
86 11 2
92 7
2010
2008
37
2010
2008
43
47
0
Disagree
25
50
15 4
42 10 1
75
100
Strongly disagree
►
General community respondents typically agree with the importance and value of Indigenous culture and believe that it should be a compulsory part
of the school curriculum. However there is less agreement that they share a personal sense of pride or that Indigenous people are open to sharing
their culture – both are areas for improvement.
►
Not surprisingly Indigenous respondents are far more likely to consider their culture as an important and valuable part of Australia than the general
community.
►
Amongst both groups there has been a slight decline in the perceived importance of Indigenous culture and a decline amongst Indigenous
respondents in the belief that they are willing to share their culture with other Australians.
Q17: Please indicate your level of agreement with the following statements.
How much do we know about Indigenous history and culture?
General community respondents
Indigenous respondents
Knowledge about the history of
Indigenous people in Australia
Knowledge about the history of
Indigenous people in Australia
2010 4
35
2008 4
41
38
16 5
2010
43 12 3
2008
Knowledge about Indigenous
culture
45
48 8 2
46
42 9 4
Knowledge about Indigenous
culture
2010 3
Very high
41
25
2008 3
28
0
25
Fairly high
19 5
2010
52 14 3
2008
48
50
75
Very low
48 11 4
40
0
100
Fairly low
37
25
44 13 3
50
75
100
No knowledge at all
►
There is still a widespread lack of knowledge about Indigenous history and culture amongst general community respondents with more than half
claiming to have a fairly low, or very low level of knowledge.
►
General community respondents are also more likely to believe they know about Indigenous history rather than culture
►
Perceived knowledge amongst Indigenous respondents is far higher and this difference is likely to be at least partially responsible for the difference
in appreciation for Indigenous culture between the groups (see preceding slide).
Q15: How would you describe your level of knowledge about the following topics?
How important do we think it is to know about Indigenous
history and culture?
Indigenous respondents
General community respondents
The history of Indigenous
people in Australia
The history of Indigenous
people in Australia
2010
31
2008
53 12 4
2010
92 8
53 11 2
2008
94 6
34
Indigenous culture
Indigenous culture
2010
25
2008
28
0
Very important
46
55
25
15 5
2010
13 2
2008
57
50
75
100
Fairly important
80
84
0
Fairly unimportant
25
50
75
Not at all important
►
There is widespread agreement amongst both groups that it is important for all Australians to know about Indigenous history and culture.
►
The fact that the importance that respondents place on history and culture is higher than their knowledge (see previous slide) is positive and
suggests that people are open to learning more.
►
Indigenous respondents continue to believe that it is very important for other Australians to know about Indigenous history and culture.
Q16: How important is it that all Australians know about the following topics?
19
15 1
100
How much do we really know? – The Dreamtime
General community respondents
74
History or creation
according to Indigenous
spiritual beliefs
Bedtime stories told to
Indigenous children
The period of time when
Indigenous people lived
in Australia before
Europeans arrived
14
15
Indigenous
interpretations of dreams
and natural symbols
8
7
4
25
50
75
3
5
2
4
0
100
2010
47
91
Bedtime stories told to
Indigenous children
1
0
94
History or creation
according to Indigenous
spiritual beliefs
77
Indigenous
interpretations of
dreams and natural
symbols
The period of time
when Indigenous
people lived in Australia
before Europeans
arrived
Indigenous respondents
25
50
75
2008
►
There continues to be widespread understanding of the meaning of the Dreamtime amongst both the general community and Indigenous
respondent groups, although the former are noticeably more likely to hold a misconception than the latter.
►
This suggests that there is at least a basic understanding of this key part of Indigenous culture.
Q36: Which statement best describes the meaning of the Dreamtime?
100
How much do we really know? - What proportion of Australia‟s
population is Indigenous?
Indigenous respondents
General community respondents
8
20% (or about 4,000,000)
6
6
6
6
15% (or about 3,000,000)
12% (or about 2,400,000)
12% (or about 2,400,000)
10% (or about 2,000,000)
11
23
22
5% (or about 1,000,000)
2% (or about 400,000)
7
7
1% (or about 200,000)
Less than 1% (or less 2
2
than 200,000)
6
4
25
50
2010
48
30
30
33
35
2% (or about 400,000)
9
0
8
3% (or about 600,000)
7
Less than 1% (or less
than 200,000)
13
5% (or about 1,000,000)
16
17
14
14
3% (or about 600,000)
1% (or about 200,000)
8
5
3
3
3
3
4
15% (or about 3,000,000)
15
10% (or about 2,000,000)
5
20% (or about 4,000,000)
12
0
25
2008
►
Indigenous respondents are still more aware of the actual Indigenous percentage of Australia‟s population (around 2%), than the general
community.
►
Interesting, the general community are more likely to overestimate the size of the Indigenous population.
Q38: What proportion of Australia‟s population is Indigenous?
50
Perceived reasons for Indigenous
disadvantage
The Barometer examines our understanding and awareness of the facts and issues that have contributed to Indigenous
disadvantage today. A foundation for reconciliation is an understanding of the external factors that have resulted in
Indigenous disadvantage and an appreciation that they continue to affect some Indigenous people today
49
What factors do we think are important in creating
disadvantage amongst some Indigenous people?
Indigenous respondents
General community respondents
Alcohol and
substance
abuse
2010
2008
Lack of personal
responsibility
(among
Indigenous
people)
Race-based
policies of the
past
70
20 42 5
65
2010
25 415
45
37
9 27
2008
39
37
11 3 10
2010
39
36
11 6 8
2008
31
Poor access to
2010
health and
education services 2008
41
34
40
34
0
Very important
25
15 4 10
13 5 7
42
50
Fairly important
75
12 5 8
Alcohol and
substance
abuse
Lack of personal
responsibility
(among
Indigenous
people)
Race-based
policies of the
past
Poor access to
health and
education services
100
Fairly unimportant
2010
79
16 311
2008
78
16 4
2010
48
2008
48
35
12 33
38 10 22
2010
77
17 321
2008
79
18 111
2010
81
2008
75
0
25
Not important at all
50
14 311
22 12
75
100
Don't know
►
Most respondents believe that alcohol and substance abuse, lack of personal responsibility, race-based policies of the past and poor access to health and
education services are important contributing factors in creating the disadvantage suffered by some Indigenous people.
►
Indigenous respondents feel more strongly than the general community respondents about the impact that these factors have had on creating Indigenous
disadvantage, with more saying that they believe these factors are very important.
►
Since 2008, there has been a slight increase in the number of general community respondents who feel that alcohol and substance abuse, lack of personal
responsibility, and race-based policies of the past are very important factors.
50
Q19: How important do you think the following factors have been in creating the disadvantage suffered by some Indigenous people today?
What factors do we think are important in creating
disadvantage amongst some Indigenous people?
Indigenous respondents
General community respondents
Discrimination
2010
2008
33
31
41 15 5 7
46 13 3 7
Ineffective government
programs and policies
2010
2008
33
30
37 14 7 9
43 14 5 10
Lack of respect (for
Indigenous people)
2010
2008
29
28
Inadequate
living conditions
2010
2008
29
27
43
44
Lack of confidence
and self esteem of
Indigenous people
2010
2008
28
27
46 14 3 9
45 13 3 11
0
Very important
51
25
45 13 5 7
45 13 6 9
50
Fairly important
16 5 8
15 5 8
75
Discrimination
2010
2008
81
80
14 31
18 11
Ineffective government
programs and policies 2008
2010
77
72
18 22
25 21
Lack of respect (for
Indigenous people)
2010
2008
76
77
20 11
20 11
Inadequate
living conditions
2010
2008
76
71
20 22
25 31
Lack of confidence
and self esteem of
Indigenous people
2010
2008
100
Fairly unimportant
30 5 2
34 5
61
60
0
Not important at all
25
50
75
Don't know
►
Once again, Indigenous respondents are more likely to believe that a range of factors are important in creating Indigenous disadvantage.
►
Since 2008, there has been minimal changes in the feelings amongst the general community or Indigenous respondents, although there is a slight
increase in the proportion of Indigenous people who believe that ineffective government programs, and inadequate living conditions, have been
important.
Q19: How important do you think the following factors have been in creating the disadvantage suffered by some Indigenous people today?
100
Do we believe that the policies of the past still affect
Indigenous people today?
Indigenous respondents
General community respondents
2010
15
49
25
Previous race
based policies
continue to
affect some
Indigenous
people today
35 6 21
56
Previous race
based policies
continue to
affect some
Indigenous
people today
2008
17
0
Strongly agree
52
2010
9 3
49
25
50
Agree
24
75
8 2
100
Neither agree nor disagree
2008
28 211
68
0
25
Disagree
50
75
100
Strongly disagree
►
Most respondents agree that previous race based policies continue to have an impact on some Indigenous people today, with Indigenous
respondents more likely to strongly agree that this is the case.
►
There has been little change in the attitudes of the general community since 2008, but amongst Indigenous respondents, there has been a drop in
the number who say that they strongly agree.
►
This diminished sense of importance of past policies on Indigenous people today may reflect a reduction in the media attention given to the issue in
the two years since the apology.
Q24:Please indicate your level of agreement with the following statements.
Do we think that being born Indigenous makes it harder to
achieve?
Indigenous respondents
General community respondents
2010
Being born
Indigenous
makes it harder
for an individual
to achieve in
Australia today
8
2008
7
0
Strongly agree
53
37
28
34
25
18
28
50
Agree
9
2010
Being born
Indigenous
makes it harder
for an individual
to achieve in
Australia today
25 6
75
100
Neither agree nor disagree
21
2008
40
35
0
Disagree
25
19
32
50
17
13
12 5
75
Strongly disagree
►
General community respondents are more likely to agree than disagree that being born Indigenous makes it harder for an individual to achieve in
Australia today, although views are divided.
►
Indigenous respondents are far more likely to believe that being born Indigenous makes it harder to achieve with around two thirds agreeing with
this proposition.
►
Attitudes amongst general community respondents show little change, however, there is a significant drop in the proportion of Indigenous people
who believe being born Indigenous makes it harder to achieve. This is a positive result which suggest a greater level of personal empowerment
amongst Indigenous respondents.
Q24:Please indicate your level of agreement with the following statements.
7
100
Do we know key facts about previous discriminatory policies?
– the stolen generation
General community respondents
Indigenous respondents
27
25
Don't know
4
4
1980s
21
18
1970s
1960s
18
20
1960s
14
16
1950s
4
5
1940s
1940s
11
10
Between 1840's
and 1930's
0
46
51
22
19
4
3
2
1
8
7
Between 1840's and
1930's
25
50
75
100
2010
54
13
13
1980s
1970s
1950s
6
6
Don't know
0
25
50
75
2008
►
General community respondents are most likely to believe that the stolen generation policies ended before the 1970‟s, or have no idea at all.
►
Although most of the general community is aware of discriminatory policies, they are unaware of just how recent they were, and therefore what
impact they continue to have on Indigenous people today.
►
Indigenous respondents are far more likely to be aware when the stolen generation policies ended.
Q34: As mentioned, in February 2008, the Australian parliament apologised to members of the stolen generations for past policies that separated
many Indigenous people from their families and homelands. In which decade did these policies end?
100
Do we know key facts about Indigenous life expectancy?
Indigenous respondents
General community respondents
11
23 yrs less
21
19
20 yrs less
19
20
3 yrs less 1
1
No less
0
5 yrs less
7
8
1
2
3 yrs less
6
No less
5
25
1
0
50
2010
55
9
4
10 yrs less
6
5
5 yrs less
16
12
12 yrs less
12
10 yrs less
31
15 yrs less
10
12 yrs less
27
27
17 yrs less
19
20
15 yrs less
24
20 yrs less
8
10
17 yrs less
15
16
23 yrs less
8
25
2008
►
Indigenous respondents were more likely to know that the life expectancy gap is 17 years, although fewer gave this answer than in 2008.
►
Indigenous respondents were also more likely to overestimate the life expectancy gap compared to general community respondents.
►
Most general community respondents are unaware of the age gap and they are more likely to underestimate the scale of the disparity.
Q37: The average life expectancy of males in Australia today is around 72 years old. How much less is the life expectancy of Indigenous males?
50
Attitudes to government action
Effective progress towards reconciliation requires action by government and the Barometer examines this from a number of
perspectives.
56
Do we agree that some Indigenous people need help to reach
equality with other Australians?
Indigenous respondents
General community respondents
2010
Some
Indigenous
people need
specific help to
reach equality
with other
Australians
17
55
21 5 2
2010
Some
Indigenous
people need
specific help to
reach equality
with other
Australians
2008
18
55
21 6 1
2008
0
Strongly agree
57
25
50
Agree
75
100
Neither agree nor disagree
48
57
0
25
Disagree
7 21
42
35
50
62
75
Strongly disagree
►
Most respondents agree that some Indigenous people need specific help to reach equality with other Australians.
►
General community respondents are more likely to agree rather than strongly agree, and there is minimal change in attitudes since 2008.
►
Indigenous respondents are more likely to strongly agree, although there has been a decrease since 2008. The net agree level remains consistent,
but the strength of feeling appears to be slightly diminished.
Q24:Please indicate your level of agreement with the following statements.
100
Do we think the government should provide specific help for
Indigenous people?
Indigenous respondents
General community respondents
2010
13
44
27
The government
should put
measures in place
to help Indigenous
people in specific
ways
63
29 7 11
The government
should put
measures in place
to help Indigenous
people in specific
ways
2008
20
0
Strongly agree
58
2010
11 6
45
25
50
Agree
23
75
9 3
100
Neither agree nor disagree
2008
73
0
Disagree
25
50
20 6 1
75
Strongly disagree
►
Most believe that the government should put in place measures to help Indigenous people in specific ways, although Indigenous respondents were
more likely to strongly agree.
►
General community respondents were less likely to strongly agree with this statement now than in 2008.
►
Indigenous respondents were slightly less likely to strongly agree now than in 2008, but the net number who agree has largely remained constant,
(and with the majority still strongly agreeing). This suggests that a desire for government support remains strong within the community.
Q30: Please indicate your level of agreement with the following statements.
100
Where do we think the government should be putting its effort?
Indigenous respondents
General community respondents
Measures to
reach equality in
health
2010
2008
Measures to
reach equality in
education
2010
2008
Measures to
2010
reach equality in
2008
health
92 7 1
95 5
46 7 1
39 31
Measures to
2010
reach equality in
2008
education
93 6 1
93 6
91
81
Measures to help 2010
reach equality in 2008
life expectancy
87 11 2
92 8
61
46
58
Measures to help 2010
reach equality in 2008
life expectancy
39
51
42
49
Measures to
reach equality
in employment
2010
2008
31
Measures to
help develop
leadership skills
2010
2008
28
33
Measures to
reach equality
in housing
2010
2008
56 12 1
53 7 1
40
55
56
34
High priority
25
16 1
10 1
56
16 2
52 13 2
26
0
59
43 5
35 31
52
50
75
Fairly high priority
100
Measures to
reach equality
in employment
2010
2008
Measures to
help develop
leadership skills
2010
2008
Measures to
reach equality
in housing
2010
2008
81
89
71
79
17 1
11
25
18
4
3
81
16 3
85 14 1
0
Fairly low priority
25
50
75
Low priority
►
Most respondents see all the above areas as a government priority on some level. General community respondents see health as the highest
priority, followed by education. However, since 2008, there has been a consistent decline in the number of general community respondents who
see each issue as a high priority.
►
Most Indigenous respondents believe all issues should be a very high priority for government, with health and education attracting the strongest
support. Once again there is a slight decrease in support – particularly for measures related to employment and leadership, although overall
support remains very high.
Q31: Thinking about ways the government can help Indigenous people, what level of priority do you believe the government should give to each of
the following specific measures?
100
Do we think government programs have worked?
General community respondents
2010 2
24
42
2008 1
30
0
25
Very successful
60
Indigenous respondents
15
41
50
14
75
Fairly successful
16
2010 2
2008 2
13
100
0
Fairly unsuccessful
27
20
25
50
Very unsuccessful
43
24 4
50
26 3
75
100
Don't know
►
Government programs designed to address Indigenous disadvantage are largely seen as having limited success.
►
General community respondents are now less likely than in 2008 to think that programs designed to address Indigenous disadvantage have been
successful. However, more Indigenous respondents feel that these programs have had a measure of success compared to 2008.
►
It is somewhat encouraging the respondents who are more likely to have had contact with the programs (i.e. Indigenous people) are now more
likely to believe they have been successful.
Q27: Overall, would you say that programs designed to address Indigenous disadvantage have been.....?
How important was the apology to us?
General community respondents
It was important
for Indigenous
people
54
It was important
for the
relationship
between
Indigenous
people and other
Australians
37
0
Very important
61
25
Indigenous respondents
24 6
28
13
50
Fairly important
75
10 6
It was important
for Indigenous
people
17 6
It was important
for the
relationship
between
Indigenous
people and other
Australians
100
Fairly unimportant
92 5 12
78
0
25
Not important at all
50
13
75
62
100
Don't know
►
In the 2008 survey, respondents were asked what they thought of the apology to the stolen generations – whether it was important for Indigenous
people and whether it was important for the relationship between Indigenous and other Australians.
►
The majority of respondents thought the apology was important, both in terms of what it meant to Indigenous people and for the relationship,
although there was a stronger response in terms of how important it was for Indigenous people.
►
Indigenous respondents were more likely than the general community respondents to agree the apology was very important, both for Indigenous
people themselves, and for the relationship.
2008: In February 2008, the Australian Parliament apologised to members of the stolen generations for the past government policies that separated many Indigenous people
from their families and homelands. How important was this apology to indigenous people? How important was it for relations between Indigenous people and other Australians?
Do we think the apology has improved the relationship?
General community respondents
2010
7
0
62
35
25
Indigenous respondents
50 5 4
50
75
100
2010
11
0
It has made the relationship a lot better
It has made the relationship a little better
It has made the relationship a little worse
It has made the relationship a lot worse
47
25
50
37 23
75
100
It has made no difference to the relationship
►
In 2010, respondents were also asked whether they believed the apology had improved the relationship between Indigenous people and other
Australians.
►
General community respondents were more likely to view the apology as having a positive impact on the relationship rather than a negative one –
although around half believed it has made no difference.
►
Indigenous respondents were more likely to have a positive view, with the majority believing the apology has helped to improve the relationship.
2010 Q28: In February 2008, the Australian Parliament apologised to members of the stolen generations for past government policies that separated many Indigenous
people from their families and homelands. What effect, if any, do you think this apology has had on the relationship between Indigenous people and other Australians?
Are we aware of the Mabo decision?
Indigenous respondents
General community respondents
80
Indigenous land rights and
native title
92
83
Recognition of Indigenous
people as the first Australians
in the Constitution
The forced removal of children 9
from their parents, or the 'stolen
5
generations'
Indigenous deaths in custody
6
1
The forced removal of children
from their parents, or the stolen
generations
1
4
Indigenous deaths in custody
4
0
9
1
7
Recognition of Indigenous
people as the first Australians in
the Constitution
8
25
50
75
0
100
2010
63
90
Indigenous land rights and
native title
25
50
75
2008
►
The Mabo decisions is another key institutional change to Indigenous rights in Australia and it is encouraging that most respondents are aware of
context of this decision.
►
Awareness levels were higher amongst Indigenous respondents, although there was a high level of awareness amongst general community
respondents as well.
►
There were minimal changes in knowledge levels between 2008 and 2010.
Q35: In 1992, the High Court of Australia passed a decision known as „Mabo‟. Do you think that this decision relates to.....?
100
Attitudes to personal action
Our desire for personal engagement points to the potential for engagement with reconciliation on a personal level.
64
Do we want to be personally involved in helping Indigenous
people? Do we know what we can do?
Indigenous respondents
General community respondents
I would like to
do something
to help
disadvantaged
Indigenous
people
I know what I
can do to help
disadvantaged
Indigenous
people
2010
4
2008
8
2010 2
2008
29
5
29
48
14
45
14
0
Strongly agree
65
49
50
Agree
11 4
31
51
25
12 6
8
25 5
75
I would like to
do something
to help
disadvantaged
Indigenous
people
I know what I
can do to help
disadvantaged
Indigenous
people
100
Neither agree nor disagree
2010
65
2008
28 6
62
2010
39
2008
32 6
36
46
0
Disagree
25
17 6 2
33
50
75
16 31
100
Strongly disagree
►
General community respondents are more likely to want to do something to help disadvantaged Indigenous people rather than not, but are less likely to
know what it is they can do to help. Since 2008, the number of respondents who want to help and who know what they can do has also dropped.
►
The majority of Indigenous respondents strongly agree that they would like to help disadvantaged Indigenous people, and most either agree or strongly
agree that they know what they can do to help. Since 2008, there has been an increase in the number of Indigenous respondents who strongly agree that
they would like to help, but a decrease in the number who strongly agree that they know what they can do.
Q30: Please indicate your level of agreement with the following statements.
What have we actually done to advance reconciliation or help
disadvantaged Indigenous people?
Indigenous respondents
General community respondents
None of the above in the last 12 months
39
26
Talked to others about Indigenous issues
Educated yourself about Indigenous
history, culture and people
Reconsidered your views about
Indigenous Australia
Built personal relationships with
Indigenous people
Supported Indigenous arts and music
Supported Indigenous children
Donated money
Spoken out or advocated in the
community or workplace
Donated time
Implemented Indigenous employment
strategies in your workplace
49
Built personal relationships with Indigenous
people
38
21
25
18
21
15
20
13
17
7
11
7
10
5
9
5
8
3
4
0
Educated yourself about Indigenous history,
culture and people
Spoken out or advocated in the community
or workplace
Supported Indigenous children
65
72
65
70
Donated time
Supported Indigenous arts and music
55
56
Implemented Indigenous employment
strategies in your workplace
41
38
35
37
Reconsidered your views about Indigenous
Australia
Donated money
None of the above in the last 12 months
25
50
75
2010
66
93
94
86
85
80
75
77
78
77
82
Talked to others about Indigenous issues
1
0
100
25
50
75
100
2008
►
In the last 12 months, Indigenous respondents are much more likely to have participated in actions to help advance reconciliation or help
disadvantaged Indigenous people, compared with general community respondents.
►
General community respondents are less likely to have taken action that can help advance reconciliation or help disadvantaged Indigenous people
than they were in 2008.
►
There has been a notable reduction in the number of general community respondents who have talked to others about Indigenous issues and this
reflects a general lowering of the priority of Indigenous issues in the media.
Q29: Below is a list of things that some people can do to advance reconciliation or help disadvantaged Indigenous people. Please indicate whether
you have done any of these things in the past 12 months.
The role of business (new for 2010)
In the 2010 Barometer we added additional questions which examined the role that business could take in promoting
reconciliation and addressing Indigenous disadvantage.
67
Are we aware of programs that businesses have put in place
to address Indigenous disadvantage?
Indigenous respondents
General community respondents
2010
18
0
82
25
50
75
100
2010
74
0
25
50
26
75
Yes, I am aware of programs that businesses have put in place to address Indigenous disadvantage
No, I am not aware of any programs that businesses have put in place to address Indigenous disadvantage
►
68
General community respondents are mostly unaware of programs put in place by business to address Indigenous disadvantage or promote
reconciliation although Indigenous respondents are much more familiar with them.
Q32: Are you aware of any programs that businesses have put in place to address Indigenous disadvantage, or promote reconciliation between
Indigenous people and other Australians?
100
Do we agree that businesses should put measures in place to
help Indigenous people?
Indigenous respondents
General community respondents
Businesses
should put
measures in
place to help
Indigenous
people in
specific ways
2010
8
0
Strongly agree
69
33
25
37
50
Agree
17 6
75
Businesses
should put
measures in
place to help
Indigenous
people in
specific ways
100
Neither agree nor disagree
2010
57
0
Disagree
25
50
32
9 11
75
Strongly disagree
►
Most Indigenous respondents strongly agree that businesses should put in place measures to help Indigenous people in specific ways.
►
General community respondents are more likely to agree than disagree that business should do its part, but there remains a level of indifference or
uncertainty about their role. This suggests that the general community is likely to be somewhat more cautious about business programs and would
want to be aware of more specific details before giving their support .
Q30: Please indicate your level of agreement with the following statements.
100
What actions do we want businesses to take?
Indigenous respondents
General community respondents
Provide opportunities for Indigenous people to
extend their education through scholarships,
traineeships and work placements
81
19
Partner with Indigenous organisations to
deliver programs that promote reconciliation
or address Indigenous disadvantage
98 2
Recruit more Indigenous people as staff into
their businesses
67
33
Provide opportunities for Indigenous people to
extend their education through scholarships,
traineeships and work placements
98 2
Partner with Indigenous organisations to deliver
programs that promote reconciliation or
address Indigenous disadvantage
67
33
Recruit more Indigenous people as staff into
their businesses
97 3
40
Promote and celebrate key reconciliation
dates such as National Reconciliation Week
within the workplace
97 3
44
Provide opportunities for their employees to
learn more about Indigenous culture
96 4
50
Commit to contracting Indigenous
businesses, when all other tender conditions
are equal, as part of a supplier diversity…
93 7
57
Acknowledge the traditional owners of the
land at the start of official company events
92 8
Commit to contracting Indigenous businesses,
when all other tender conditions are equal, as
part of a supplier diversity strategy
60
Provide opportunities for their employees to
learn more about Indigenous culture
56
Promote and celebrate key reconciliation dates
such as National Reconciliation Week within
the workplace
50
Acknowledge the traditional owners of the land
at the start of official company events
43
0
25
50
75
100
0
25
50
75
Yes, I think that businesses in Australia should take this action
No, I do not think that businesses in Australia should take this action
70
►
Once specific details were provided there was a far higher level of support for a variety of actions that business could take.
►
Strongest support was for actions that were seen as being a core part of their business activities such as education, training and hiring, although
there was also strong support for partnerships with Indigenous organisations.
►
There was less support for symbolic activities, such as the celebration of key reconciliation dates or the acknowledgement of traditional owners of
the land at official events.
►
Almost all Indigenous respondents agree that businesses should be taking these specific actions.
Q33: Do you think that Businesses in Australia should take the following actions?
100
Appendix
Respondent profiles
71
Sample Characteristics (2010 survey)
Sample sub-segment
General community
weighted %
General community
(raw numbers)
Indigenous community
weighted %
Indigenous community
(raw numbers)
Male
49
542
48
214
Female
51
678
52
490
18 to 29 years
21
212
34
126
30 to 39 years
19
186
25
169
40 to 49 years
19
195
20
224
50 to 59 years
17
213
12
140
60 to 69 years
17
288
9
44
70 plus years
7
126
0
1
Sample sub-segment
General community
weighted %
General community
(raw numbers)
Indigenous community
weighted %
Indigenous community
(raw numbers)
NSW
33
395
29
194
VIC
25
321
9
69
QLD
19
211
28
179
SA
8
115
5
42
WA
10
115
15
141
Other
5
63
14
79
Total sample = 1,220 general community, 704 Indigenous community. Please note that
percentages have been rounded, and therefore may not equal 100%
72
Sample Characteristics (2010 survey)
Sample sub-segment
General community
weighted %
General community
(raw numbers)
Indigenous community
weighted %
Indigenous community
(raw numbers)
Capital city
56
709
31
302
Major regional city
16
170
21
107
Regional town
14
153
24
137
Rural town
10
135
17
110
Remote town or community
4
53
7
48
Sample sub-segment
General community
weighted %
General community
(raw numbers)
Indigenous community
weighted %
Indigenous community
(raw numbers)
Postgraduate degree
9
98
12
87
University degree
25
281
24
195
TAFE/apprenticeship
31
381
34
198
Secondary school
25
336
22
152
Part of secondary school
10
124
9
72
Total sample = 1,220 general community, 704 Indigenous community. Please note that
percentages have been rounded, and therefore may not equal 100%
73
Sample Characteristics (2010 survey)
Sample sub-segment
General community
weighted %
General community
(raw numbers)
Indigenous community
weighted %
Indigenous community
(raw numbers)
Less than $30,000
17
237
9
56
$30,000 - $49,999
17
210
20
114
$50,000 - $69,999
17
202
28
199
$70,000 - $89,999
13
145
18
120
$90,000 - $119,999
13
136
12
97
$120,000 - $149,999
6
66
6
56
$150,000 or more
5
59
4
44
I don't want to say
12
165
2
18
Total sample = 1,220 general community, 704 Indigenous community. Please note that
percentages have been rounded, and therefore may not equal 100%
74
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