The diversity deficiency: examining Indigenous Australian participation in the tech sector
In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, technology careers have become synonymous with high salaries and flexible working. The Australian government recognises the critical role the tech sector plays in improving living standards and economic opportunity for Australians and is committed to increasing the numbers employed in the sector to 1.2 million by 2030. But while an increasing number of the general population are entering the world of tech, Indigenous Australians are being left behind.
The good news is that this challenge isn’t going unnoticed. Several government policies are already at work tackling the underrepresentation of Indigenous Information and Communications Technology (ICT) professionals. One such policy is the National Indigenous Australian Agencies (NIAA) First Nations Digital Inclusion plan which focuses on Indigenous digital inclusion through digital access, affordability, and literacy. However, what this policy doesn’t fully consider, is the economic and commercial opportunities of the digital economy for Australia’s First people.
In contrast, the Indigenous Procurement Policy (IPP) somewhat addresses this through volume and value of contract targets across Commonwealth portfolios. With that said, when it comes to increasing Indigenous representation in the tech sector, Australia still has room for improvement. The reality is that more infrastructure at the foundation level is needed to inspire, support, and adequately train Indigenous people in tech to meet the growing demand for ICT services. Only then will Indigenous Australians truly be in a place to benefit from the opportunities within the sector and shape its future.
How many Indigenous Australians have careers in tech?
The lack of First Nations representation in the technology sector becomes glaringly obvious when we are confronted with the troubling statistic of only 1402 Indigenous Information and Communications Technology workers as revealed in the 2021 Australian census. To offer some perspective, if this statistic still rings true today it means that the nine Traditional Owners on the team at Winyama account for approximately .6% of all Indigenous technology workers in Australia.
The Indigenous Procurement Policy can increase our Indigenous technology workforce
The Commonwealth public sector consists of 16 departments of state across 15 portfolios. Each of these portfolios has a volume and value target specifically for Indigenous spending which is incrementally increasing each year. By 2028, the government’s goal is to have a 3% Indigenous spend across all portfolios.
There is no explicit ICT public sector portfolio. However, that doesn’t mean that ICT spending isn’t happening within the existing portfolios. In order for Australia to grow its Indigenous tech workforce, services need to be procured from Indigenous ICT companies and contractors that are driven to increase First Nations participation in digital.
Indigenous-led companies are far more likely to employ Indigenous staff. An analysis published by the Conversation looked at over 3000 registered Supply Nation businesses and found that of the almost 38,000 people they employed, 36% identified as First Nations Australians. In comparison, First Nations employees only make up 2.2% of staff among Australia’s 42 largest corporations.
The crux of the challenge
Earlier this year CRN reported that our government invested more than $2 billion in digital and ICT in the 2023 - 24 Budget. Of note this includes; $429.5 million over four years for the National Disability Insurance Agency, $429 million to modernise My Health Record, $325.7 million for the Australian Digital Health Agency, and $254.1 million on the Department of Veteran's Affairs ICT systems. If the year was 2028, then ideally $60 million of that $2 billion investment would be budgeted to employ those within the Indigenous technology sector to complete some of that work. But with only 1402 First Nations ICT workers, it begs the question—what is Australia’s plan to empower enough Indigenous persons in technology to service the growing demand for technology jobs?
Developing new digital pathways for First Nations people
Right now, university is a common pipeline to full-time professional work and it is still the most likely educational pathway into tech. But it’s not the only way. In fact, it’s pretty unrealistic to expect all of our First Nations ICT workers to come through university pathways. With an already small pool of talent (Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islanders only make up 3.8% of Australia’s population) and even fewer graduating with a STEM degree, Winyama developed two alternative pathways for Indigenous people to enter the digital workforce; the Winyama Internship Program and Indigenous Mapping Workshop Australia.
The Winyama Internship Program
IMW participants learning how to utilise mapping software for on Country work.
In 2021, Winyama implemented a paid internship program to further the opportunities available to young Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander people in Perth and surrounds. Since its inception, four interns have gone through the program - specialising in either a cloud or geospatial pathway. Three of those interns remain employed at Winyama.
Indigenous Mapping Workshop Australia
Over the last five years, Winyama and partners have been able to provide free technical training to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders through our social initiative, the Indigenous Mapping Workshop Australia. The individuals that have come through the program are part of the growing digital workforce that are based out in regional Australia. They have held positions such as rangers, fire practitioners, and heritage officers. With the right opportunities and the growing economic power of Australia, their positions can grow into geospatial analysts, chief technology officers, drone pilots, or cloud practitioners. And in order for us to meet the demands of Australia’s growing tech future, this needs to be encouraged.
Partnering with Indigenous ICT companies holds the key to growth in the Indigenous tech sector
In government and private sectors alike, the implementation of Reconciliation Action or the pursuit of IPP targets is increasingly common. Despite these supportive policies, the choice to partner with Indigenous technology companies ultimately lies with you. By doing so, you contribute to the growth of the Indigenous tech sector.
Winyama has the ability to deliver location intelligence and geospatial solutions for your company, whilst facilitating the digital engagement of Indigenous people and communities. If you have a contract you would like to discuss, get in touch.
If you would like to get involved in our Indigenous Mapping Workshop initiative, reach out to our Program Manager, Kass Boladeras at kass.boladeras@winyama.com.au.