Gari Yala: First Nations workers invited to share workplace experiences to expand groundbreaking research

Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander workers across Australia are invited to share their experiences in the second phase of a national study to inform the creation of safer, fairer, and more culturally inclusive workplaces to ensure First Nations people can fully participate in the Australian workforce.

The Gari Yala 2 survey opens today, Monday 14 April, and will close on Friday 9 May 2025. Gari Yala 2 is a national study by UTS Jumbunna Centre for Indigenous Education and Research, UTS Business School, and Diversity Council Australia (DCA), with funding from NAB Foundation.

It is open to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people aged 18 years or over who are currently working or have been employed within the past two years. The survey takes around 20 minutes to complete, and eligible participants who finish the survey will be entered into a draw to win one of ten $100 Jarin Street gift vouchers.

Employers are also encouraged to share this survey with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander team members and networks to help drive meaningful change.

The first phase of Gari Yala – meaning ‘speak the truth’ in the Wiradjuri language – was released in 2020 and exposed significant barriers faced by Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander workers, including racism, exclusion, and inadequate workplace responses when concerns were raised. It provided clear, evidence-based actions for organisations seeking to create safer, fairer, and more culturally inclusive workplaces for First Nations peoples. Gari Yala 2 will build on these findings to track progress and identify ongoing challenges, with results expected in October 2026.

Professor Nareen Young, Associate Dean at UTS Business School and Professor, Indigenous Policy at the Jumbunna Institute, said it was vital that First Nations voices continue to shape the national conversation about workplace safety and inclusion.

“Gari Yala is the only Indigenous-led and overseen employment research in the country that informs the employment community about what Indigenous people experience at work,” Nareen said, “It is self-determination in action. That vital factor means it is trusted by Indigenous people and as a result provides a wealth of information to assist in recruitment, retention, promotion and career development.

“In the past five years, Gari Yala has led the change in narrative around Indigenous people’s employment needs, wants and ambitions. It is Indigenous owned, working with ally organisations and people. We thank the NAB Foundation for their generous partnership, and mob for support.”

Kate Russell, Chair of DCA’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander External Advisory Panel and CEO of Supply Nation, added:

“The Gari Yala survey is an extremely important undertaking to continue to collect information directly from Indigenous employees as to the state of their workplaces, relationships with other employees, pathways to advancement and how their employers prioritise diversity and inclusion.

“I encourage all organisations to be vigilant in developing safe and inclusive workplaces where all employees can feel secure and motivated to bring their best. I look forward to seeing the results of the survey and forthcoming Report.”

This project is run by and for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people and is overseen by an expert panel of distinguished Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander professionals, academics and experts. Survey responses will be securely stored, treated confidentially and all data will remain anonymous.

The Gari Yala survey is also supported by Reconciliation Australia and Supply Nation. Each of these organisations work with networks comprising thousands of diverse organisations.

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Reconciliation Australia CEO, Karen Mundine encouraged employers and workplaces to share the survey with their First Nations employees.

“To improve the experience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the workplace we need to hear directly from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people about their experiences,” said Karen.

NAB Group Executive People and Culture Sarah White said:

“The NAB Foundation is proud to support the next phase of the Gari Yala. Through engagement with First Nations employees around the country, the report will inform better discussions and decision-making around workplace safety and inclusivity.”

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