Empowering self-determination for First Nations peoples

Empowering self-determination for First Nations peoples

Reconciliation should be seen as a journey, not a destination. It involves strengthening relationships between First Nations peoples and non- Aboriginal people for the benefit of all Australians.

Treaty negotiations present significant opportunities for First Nations peoples to advance self-determination to make decisions that affect their communities, culture and Country.

While more First Nations peoples are working, more are unemployed and fewer participate in the workforce compared to non-Aboriginal Victorian workers (9.6% compared to 5% and 58.5% compared to 65.3% respectively) (Australian Bureau of Statistics, Census of Population and Housing(opens in a new window), 2021).

The engagement between Victorian First Nations communities and Victoria’s education systems is long standing.

The Marrung Aboriginal Education Plan 2016 to 2026(opens in a new window) sets the vision and actions for all First Nations peoples to achieve their learning aspirations and to close the gap in education outcomes. This includes actions to support:

• the successful transition of First Nations learners into further education and employment
• the availability of opportunities for First Nations peoples to access education at all stages of life
• 25% more Year 9 students reaching the highest levels of achievement in reading and maths
• and halving the numbers leaving school early.

Marrung has been the springboard for deploying:

• Koorie liaison and student support officers in TAFE to assist in First Nations learners becoming successful
• Wurreker Brokers to facilitate community engagement with training providers and industry and identify employment trends and related opportunities.

The government also provides additional subsidies and concessions to assist providers in delivering VET to First Nations peoples and through the Reconnect Program, First Nations learners are empowered to overcome skilling and employment barriers. Education and training play a pivotal role in supporting the goals and aspirations of Victoria’s Traditional Owner Groups.

Self-determination acknowledges that First Nations peoples hold the knowledge and expertise about what is best for themselves, their families and their communities.

Structural barriers remain, such as lower literacy and numeracy levels and socio-economic status, as well as poorer health and wellbeing. Intergenerational education and economic disadvantage limit success.

Stakeholders say that inclusion and better representation are required to encourage people to take up skilling as a pathway to employment.

More needs to be done to increase the representation of First Nations peoples in tertiary qualification attainment and increase their participation in VET.

Currently, 41.4% have a Certificate III or higher, compared to 53.5% of non-Aboriginal Victorians (Australian Bureau of Statistics, Census of Population and Housing(opens in a new window), 2021).

A stronger education and training system that is open to listening, engaging and adjusting to needs will deliver real benefits to First Nations learners.

Census key statistics

According to the 2021 Australian Bureau of Statistics Census:

• Victoria is home to 65,400 First Nations peoples
• 49% of First Nations peoples reside in regional Victoria, compared to 24% for non-Aboriginal Victorians
• the median age of First Nations peoples is 24, compared to 38 for non-Aboriginal Victorians
• 18% of First Nations peoples are aged between 15 and 24 years, compared to 12% for non-Aboriginal Victorians.

Labour force participation rate for First Nations peoples, 2011 to 2021

The labour force participation rate for First Nations peoples increased from 53.4% to 58.5% between 2011 and 2021.

The participation rate for non-Aboriginal Victorians increased from 64% to 65.3% during the same period.