Australia's interest in Indigenous issues has declined to its lowest level since 2021, according to a survey conducted by Ipsos, which reveals declining interest in matters relating to First Nations people.
The report states that only 16 per cent of Australians said they were "very interested" in Indigenous issues, compared with 22 per cent in 2023 and 19 per cent in 2021.
In 2023, Australia conducted a referendum on the Voice to Parliament which was rejected by the public.
Ipsos Australia public affairs associate research director Nonie Finlayson said: "The Indigenous Issues report comes amid a time of turbulence in Australian Indigenous affairs.
"Many people are feeling significant fatigue post the divisive Voice to Parliament campaign and are also feeling deflated after the vote’s rejection."
Overall decline in interest in Indigenous affairs
Released during National Reconciliation Week (27 May – 3 June), the report is based on surveys of nearly 1,000 non-Indigenous people conducted this year as well as in 2021 and 2023.
The survey was not conducted in 2022.
This year's findings indicate a downward trend in the interest shown by the people of Australia in issues such as the importance of Treaty and Voice to Parliament as a way forward for reconciliation.
The report states: "Non-Indigenous Australians who don't consider Treaty important for reconciliation believe their perspective is widely shared."
NRL and NRLW Indigenous players pose for a photo with junior rugby league players during the NRL Indigenous Round 2024 launch. Source: AAP / DAN HIMBRECHTS/AAPIMAGE
Young Australians in support
However, the report also highlighted that young Australians (ages 18-49) are more supportive of Indigenous issues, support reconciliation activities and show cultural sensitivity.
The report states "young Australians still show a deep empathy for Indigenous issues", with 59 per cent stating that they were interested in Indigenous issues and 64 per cent saying they were confident in their knowledge of local Country.
Nearly 40 per cent want Indigenous place names to be added to the address on letters and parcels.
Mixed views on government role
The report highlights that 31 per cent of Australians think the government needs to do more for Indigenous people.
This number is higher amongst the younger lot and those living in metro areas.
However, 42 per cent think the government is doing the right amount of work for First Nations people.
A declining number of Australians believe in the importance of a Voice to Parliament (32 per cent in 2024 vs 41 per cent in 2023) and Treaty (36 per cent in 2024 as compared to 38 per cent in 2023).
Despite this, most Australians believe First Nations people should have a say in the laws and political decisions that affect them (78 per cent). However, this number has fallen since 2021 (85 per cent).
An overwhelming majority (four in five respondents) said they see Aboriginal deaths in custody as a serious issue that needs the attention of politicians and the criminal justice system.
Changing Australia Day still unpopular
The jury still appears to be out on whether the date for marking Australia Day should be changed from 26 January or not.
As many as six in 10 don't want it to change.
While 50 per cent of the younger cohort are more likely to prefer another date, the attitude amongst older Australians is also shifting towards the same direction.
In 2023, 25 per cent of older Australians wanted the date changed whereas this year, that number has grown to 30 per cent.
Commenting on the need for more action on addressing the attitudes reflected in this report, Finlayson said: "I think it's clear that more needs to be done to eliminate racism and determine what level of government action is appropriate to support Indigenous issues."
"This year's Reconciliation Week theme is 'Now More Than Ever' – a reminder that the quest for justice and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will, and must, continue."
