First Peoples data report 2024–25 – Oct 2025

This third edition of our First Peoples data report captures the key themes and information about complaints and enquiries that were received in the 2024-25 financial year, and in previous years, since 2017-18. 

Our data strategy is underpinned by principles of privacy and consent, respecting self determination and data sovereignty, supporting cultural rights, and ensuring transparency and accountability. 

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. 

Since 2017–18, 250 First Peoples have made complaints of discrimination, sexual harassment, victimisation and vilification to the Commission.  As with last year, the data shows us that racism and disability are key issues for First Peoples.   

Our key findings are: 

• Since 2017–18, 250 First Peoples have made complaints to the Commission 
• Since 2017–18, we’ve received 339 enquiries from First Peoples raising 635 issues of discrimination 
• 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 Peoples experienced discrimination continued to be in the provision of goods and services and at work 
• Discrimination against First Peoples often occurred while seeking services from retail businesses and health providers 
• In the last 3 reporting years, just over half of First Peoples who made complaints were women 
• Complaints about discrimination in goods and services rose by 40% in 2024–25 
• First Peoples complaints to the Commission continue to rise each year. There were 49 complaints in 2024–25.

The Commission has tailored services for First Peoples.  Our staff are specifically trained to support First Peoples when making an enquiry or complaint. You can ask to speak with a First Peoples 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 Peoples

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.