54% Experience Racism Yet Funding Misses Aboriginal-Owned Solutions

Despite billions of dollars earmarked for Indigenous support, government funding continues to disproportionately flow into non-Indigenous organisations, sparking frustration from Indigenous communities who say they’re repeatedly overlooked.

New statistics reveal that racism against First Nations Australians continues to rise alarmingly, with 54% reporting incidents of discrimination in the past year – up from 39% a decade ago. Yet, despite these stark figures, government funding continues to disproportionately favour non-Indigenous organisations, overlooking Indigenous-led solutions

In addition, research and statistics underscore a harsh reality: two in five First Nations households experience food insecurity. Therefore, First Nations leaders argue the continuous sidelining of Indigenous organisations exacerbates social and economic gaps, perpetuating cycles of disadvantage.

They also highlight that Indigenous-owned organisations not only offer authentic representation but also significantly boost employment, economic development and social outcomes.

And non-Indigenous groups often don’t have the same insight or lived experience needed to effectively support our communities.

Yet, instead of prioritising Indigenous-own initiatives, substantial government funding is often channelled to mainstream service providers and organisations such as atWork Australia, primarily funded by the Australian government through Workforce Australia and Disability Employment Services (DES) contracts, exemplify this ongoing trend – with AtWork Australia alone allegedly receiving $226.6 million in government-funded contracts.

Thus, experts recommend urgent reassessment of funding models, moving toward transparent and accountable processes that prioritise Indigenous-owned initiatives to close persistent gaps.