Balancing cultural and workplace responsibilities can be uniquely stressful for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people working in non-First Nations organisations. To address this pressure in Australia’s emergency management, land management and disaster resilience sectors, Monash University’s National Indigenous Disaster Resilience (NIDR) program has launched a national survey to better understand the experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and volunteers in this workforce.
Developed in partnership with Natural Hazards Research Australia and the Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council (AFAC), the survey looks at colonial load – the extra workload placed on First Nations people to educate, guide or support their workplace on First Nations history, culture and reconciliation – as well as cultural conflict – instances where First Nations ethics, morals and values misalign, are not known or respected, or are disregarded in non-First Nations workplaces.
Lead researcher and NIDR Program Lead, Associate Professor Bhiamie Williamson, said the findings will help inform recommendations to strengthen First Nations leadership, representation and wellbeing in this workforce.
“Supporting communities and caring for Country is something that comes naturally to our people. One way we see this is through working or volunteering with emergency management, or working in land and management agencies, or as rangers.
“But doing this work can sometimes be hard, especially when working between non-Indigenous agencies’ expectations, and community and cultural obligations. This is why we need to hear from people who have experienced this firsthand, so we know these issues better, and support future generations of mob working in these sectors.”
Natural Hazards Research Australia (the Centre) New South Wales and ACT Node Research Manager, Dr Rowena Morris, said she is honoured to manage a project that will help amplify the voices of many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and volunteers working with partner organisations.
“The Centre is so proud to support and be a part of this First Nations-led project, which will help us to learn more about the challenges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples experience in their roles within the sector,” Dr Morris said.
"Importantly, the project is also guided by a project management committee that includes First Nations agency representatives. This survey will deliver valuable insights grounded in real experiences, and by taking part, you will help move us closer to creating safer, more inclusive workplaces – building a better, stronger sector for everyone."
AFAC CEO Rob Webb highlighted the benefits of research to support sector change.
“AFAC is committed to supporting a more inclusive and culturally safe emergency management sector,” he said. “This research will help deepen understanding and inform meaningful change across our member organisations.”
The survey is open to all current and former Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and volunteers aged over 18 across frontline, advisory and policy roles in emergency management, land management or disaster resilience. This includes rangers, biosecurity officers, policy and project officers, and first responders such as police, firefighters and ambulance staff.
It also seeks to capture responses from those working in specialised community and cultural roles, including Aboriginal Advisers, Cultural Safety Officers and Community Engagement Officers. Responses are confidential and anonymous and the survey takes approximately 15 minutes to complete.
Employers across the sector are also encouraged to share this survey with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander team members and networks to help create more inclusive, safe and welcoming workplaces in Australia.
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