First Peoples data report 2023–24 – Nov 2024
Our second edition of our First Peoples data report captures the key themes and information about complaints and enquiries that were received in the 2023-24 financial year, and in previous years, since 2017-18.
The report incorporates valuable feedback we received on the draft version of the inaugural report from First Peoples organisations and stakeholders in 2023.
We acknowledge that this data represents just a fraction of the instances of discrimination experienced by First Peoples. It should not be seen or published as definitive and is not representative of all experiences of discrimination experienced by First Peoples.
Key findings:
The data shows us that racism and disability are key issues for First Nations people. Since 2017-2018 we’ve received:
- 249 enquiries from First Nations people, raising 462 issues of discrimination
- 201 complaints from First Nations people.
We also found:
- Racism and disability discrimination continued to be the most common types of discrimination in the complaints and enquiries we received.
- The most common places where First Nations people experienced discrimination continued to be in provision of goods and services and at work.
- Complaints about discrimination in accommodation rose significantly in 2023–24, with double the number of complaints from the prior year.
- Discrimination against First Nations people often occurred in interactions with retail businesses, health and medical services, state government agencies and First Peoples organisations.
- Over the last 3 years, 60% of First Peoples who made complaints were women and 55% of complaints from First Peoples related to metropolitan areas compared with 41% related to the regions.
The Commission has tailored services for First Nations people. All of our staff are specifically trained to support First Nations people when making an enquiry or complaint. You can ask to speak with a First Nations staff member, if someone is available. We can listen to your story and provide you with information about your rights under our laws. Review our services for First Nations people.
For accessible formats, please email communications@veohrc.vic.gov.au. If you need to print the report, please consider printing only those pages and sections that are of specific interest.