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No Room for Racism

First Nations people in Australia continue to experience racism across all domains of life, from daily interactions with people to barriers in the system – be it healthcare, education, employment or others.

Introduction

As a healthcare provider, First Peoples’ Health and Wellbeing sees first-hand the impacts of racism on mob’s physical, mental, spiritual and community health and wellbeing.

We want to shed a light on those impacts to help support our mob. Through education and awareness, we will challenge the people and systems that perpetuate racism in Australia.

A new study shows that more than half of Australians who play community sport report experiencing or witnessing racism.

Thanks to our partners on this campaign:Indigenous Sports Network, Clothing the Gaps and Korin Gomadji Institute.

Check out the Shades of Deadly campaign at Clothing the Gaps.

What do studies show about the impacts of racism on First Nations people?

Socioeconomic Status

Discrimination in employment and education limits economic opportunities. Equally qualified Aboriginal applicants can be less likely to be invited for job interviews, directly impacting income security and health access.
Housing

Aboriginal people report profound experiences of racism in seeking rental housing through private estate agents. Experiences of discrimination can continue once a tenancy is secured. These experiences materially affect people’s ability to secure housing and have cumulative and detrimental impacts on health and wellbeing. Poor housing is a key determinant in the health disparity between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.
Community Safety

Experiences of racism impact feelings of safety and belonging. People alter their daily routines due to anticipated racism, increasing cortisol levels and anxiety by measurable markers.
Cultural Disconnection

Restricted access to cultural sites and practices due to discriminatory policies can result in higher rates of preventable chronic disease.

Social Determinants of Health

"Racism is a key determinant of the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It manifests in many settings, including healthcare, education, employment and housing, and has both direct and indirect impacts on health and wellbeing." — Australian Medical Association Position Statement

Racism can affect health in different ways including through…

Socioeconomic Status

Discrimination in employment and education limits economic opportunities. Equally qualified Aboriginal applicants can be less likely to be invited for job interviews, directly impacting income security and health access.
Housing

Aboriginal people report profound experiences of racism in seeking rental housing through private estate agents. Experiences of discrimination can continue once a tenancy is secured. These experiences materially affect people’s ability to secure housing and have cumulative and detrimental impacts on health and wellbeing. Poor housing is a key determinant in the health disparity between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.
Community Safety

Experiences of racism impact feelings of safety and belonging. People alter their daily routines due to anticipated racism, increasing cortisol levels and anxiety by measurable markers.
Cultural Disconnection

Restricted access to cultural sites and practices due to discriminatory policies can result in higher rates of preventable chronic disease.

Protective Factors

Strategies to prevent all forms and sources of racism are necessary to move bridge the health gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

Many factors can help protect mob against the negative health effects of racism:

Socioeconomic Status

Discrimination in employment and education limits economic opportunities. Equally qualified Aboriginal applicants can be less likely to be invited for job interviews, directly impacting income security and health access.
Housing

Aboriginal people report profound experiences of racism in seeking rental housing through private estate agents. Experiences of discrimination can continue once a tenancy is secured. These experiences materially affect people’s ability to secure housing and have cumulative and detrimental impacts on health and wellbeing. Poor housing is a key determinant in the health disparity between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.
Community Safety

Experiences of racism impact feelings of safety and belonging. People alter their daily routines due to anticipated racism, increasing cortisol levels and anxiety by measurable markers.
Cultural Disconnection

Restricted access to cultural sites and practices due to discriminatory policies can result in higher rates of preventable chronic disease.

Strong Cultural Identity

Possessing a strong cultural identity can protect against mental health symptoms and buffer distress prompted by discrimination. A positive cultural identity can provide an individual with a sense of belonging, purpose, social support and self-worth. The health benefits of a strong cultural identify are well evidenced.
Connections to Community and Country

Participation in cultural activities, access to traditional lands along with connection to family and kinship are recognised protective factors that can influence overall health. Strong social networks provide support systems. People with strong community connections can be more resilient to the psychological impacts of racism.
Self-determination

Aboriginal community-controlled health organisations deliver culturally safe care. Self-determination is strongly identified as having a positive impact on the health and wellbeing outcomes of First Nations people.
Anti-Racism Initiatives

Programs targeting racism help reduce discriminatory incidents. FPHW has launched a major community event and all- abilities Fun Run called ‘Get Your Reconciliation On’. With support we hope to make it an annual event. See below to many anti-racism campaigns and initiatives.

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Quick Facts

First Nations people who experience racism are 2.7 times more likely to report high psychological distress (AIHW, 2023)
In 2020, 22% of Indigenous Australian adults or their families reported being racially discriminated against by doctors, nurses and/or medical staff in the last 12 months.