The Indigenous Voice to Parliament - Your right to be culturally safe and treated fairly and respectfully in the workplace

On Friday, 3 March 2023, the Public Service Association (PSA) held the first quarterly Aboriginal Member Network Forum for the year.

At the forum, members expressed personal views on the Indigenous Voice to the Australian Parliament, and raised concerns in relation to being at an increased risk of racism and discrimination within the workplace in the lead up to national referendum. 

Network members suggested that the PSA provide links to information, services and resources that can be accessed if you experience racism and discrimination in the workplace:

•    The PSA Members’ Rights Hotline can be contacted on 8205 3227.    The PSA hotline can provide information, advice and representation to our members on these matters.

•    The PSA can support our members to access the Office of the Equal    Opportunity Commissioner. The Equal Opportunity Commissioner has legislative responsibility under the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (SA) to help resolve discrimination complaints. 

•    The Law Handbook is a reputable source. For information on racial discrimination, you can can access the handbook here

•    Culturally unsafe practices and behaviours may be a Work Health and Safety    hazard. The Office of the Commissioner for Public Sector Employment has a Work Health and Safety Framework for Cultural Safety, which provides information about cultural safety as an important element    of psychological health. The document is available here.

The PSA is mindful there may be varying views among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members on the Indigenous Voice to the Australian Parliament. The PSA would like to hear from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members in relation to your views. If you are opposed, or have any concerns about the Indigenous Voice to the Australian Parliament, please contact the PSA Aboriginal Member Network Coordinator.