The Commission contracted research into the impact of stigma and discrimination on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people experiencing problematic alcohol and other drug use, and on the related negative stereotypes that affect the social and emotional wellbeing of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, irrespective of whether they engage in alcohol and/or other drug use.
The project recognises that a larger proportion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people do not drink alcohol. It will also explore the negative stereotypes that affect the social and emotional wellbeing of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
The research project, led by ACIL Allen Consulting in partnership with the Seedling Group, was designed to help guide the development of options for reform involving the ongoing engagement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in Queensland. The long-term aims of these reforms will be to:
- reduce racism
- remove barriers to access to alcohol and other drug supports and services and
- improve the social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Find the full report here.
Approach
The research was designed to follow best practice and was guided by the involvement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations and individuals. The research project was governed by a project steering group with strong representation from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and community consultation was supported by local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander co-facilitators who provided critical liaison with communities.
The communities included:
- Thursday Island
- Cairns and Yarrabah
- Rockhampton and Woorabinda
- Mt Isa
- Inala
The research was designed to give Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people a strong voice in research, rather than to speak on their behalf.
The Commission is grateful to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members and service providers who took part in the research, and thanks them for sharing their insights and experiences. Particular thanks go to community members with lived experience of alcohol and other drug use who shared their stories with us.
Key findings
Key research findings include:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander research participants experienced multiple forms of stigma and discrimination related to race, clan, location, and alcohol and other drug use
- Racism was attached to several stereotypes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, including in relation to alcohol and other drug use
- Participants reported they felt judged by mainstream services and that these services lacked understanding of the experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
- Most participants felt that they could not get support with mental health and problematic alcohol and other drug use where and when they needed it
- Individual resilience stemming from strong kinship support, stable housing and financial security contributed to alleviating the affects of racism
- Elders helped communities overcome trauma/harm associated with racism and problematic alcohol and other drug use
Opportunities for improvement
Research participants highlighted the importance of a multilevel, multifaceted approach to reducing racism and improving social and emotional wellbeing, and provided the following suggestions for improvement:
- Educating staff in mainstream services on racism and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures
- Improving the focus on providing non-emergency services and extending the hours of operations of such services
- Improving the focus on services to individuals with moderate to low needs at the preventative end of the spectrum
- Strengthening the continuity of services and the ‘healing’ journey, and respecting the inclusion of cultural diagnoses and healing in the mainstream service system
- Strengthening access to and outreach of services to the community, and considering combining alcohol and other drugs services with other types of services to minimise stigma
- Strengthening accountability/transparency over allocation and management of government funding for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander services
- Improving workforce participation and supporting career pathways in provision of alcohol and other drugs services and addressing gaps in trauma-informed and mental health related training
The research highlights that it is essential that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals, families and communities are engaged when developing options for reform. The Commission will continue to work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and organisations in developing reform options to reduce racism and strengthen social and emotional wellbeing.
Find the full report here.
Background
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Action Plan to improve the social and emotional wellbeing and was released by the Queensland Government in 2016.
During consultation for the Action Plan, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders raised the profound impact that racism, discrimination and negative stereotypes has on their social and emotional wellbeing, affecting their sense of self-worth and self-esteem.
This research project is an initiative of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Action Plan (Action 6).
What we know
Many studies report a strong association between experiences of discrimination and ill-health and psychological distress, mental health conditions, and risk behaviours, such as substance use.
National data from the AIHW National Drug Strategy Household Survey 2013 shows that of those Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who did drink alcohol, did so at risky levels. Yet, the data also shows that a higher proportion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people do not drink alcohol compared with non-Indigenous people.
We also know from Changing attitudes, changing lives, a report into the experiences of people living with problematic alcohol or other drug use that stigma and discrimination is experienced in many ways. It can act as a barrier to seeking and receiving help and hinder recovery.
Project objectives
The project report will help to inform and develop activities to:
- reduce racism against Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples
- improve access to support services and to support recovery for those who are experiencing problematic alcohol and other drug use
- improve social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders.
Research findings will be considered by the Project Steering Group and further consultation will occur with agencies to confirm options for reform.
The project is due for completion in 2020.
Project governance
Consultants ACIL Allen will be partnering with The Seedling Group to conduct the research on the Commission’s behalf. A representative steering group has also been appointed to oversee the research project and will include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representation.
