It’s Not Just About the Job: Why Retention Fails Without Cultural Reform. Why First Peoples leave — and what actually keeps them in work.
Governments set employment targets. Companies launch Indigenous recruitment plans. Reports are written. Programs are funded.
But despite all this effort, many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff don’t stay.
The question isn’t just “How do we get more mob into work?” — it’s “Why don’t they stay once they’re there?”
At Buneen Employment, we hear the same story again and again:
“They got me the job, but once I was in there… I was alone.”
“I didn’t feel safe speaking up.”
“No one knew what I needed.”
“The culture was the problem — not me.”
It’s time we stop blaming the person — and start looking at the system.
What the Data Shows
The Indigenous Employment Index (2022), led by Jumbunna Institute, Minderoo Foundation and Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre, found that:
Only 54% of surveyed organisations retained Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff beyond 12 months
Many First Peoples felt culturally unsafe, tokenised, or unsupported
Lack of ongoing development, mentorship, and manager understanding was a major barrier to success
This is backed by other studies from the Diversity Council Australia, Reconciliation Australia, and the Closing the Gap Employment Targets — which all show that cultural safety is a non-negotiable for retention.
Why the Problem Isn’t the Person
Here’s the truth: most Indigenous employment programs focus on getting people into roles — not changing the environment they walk into.
That’s like fixing the front door of a house but ignoring the fact that the roof is leaking.
If workplaces aren’t culturally strong, if managers don’t understand the impact of intergenerational trauma, and if First Peoples are treated like symbolic hires — people will leave.
How Buneen Employment Does It Differently
At Buneen Employment, we don’t just place people — we transform systems.
Our model supports both the employee and the organisation for 12 months — using our SAFE Method to create genuine cultural reform from day one.
We provide:
Strength-focused coaching for employees
Cultural safety and deficit discourse training for managers
Ongoing wraparound support for First Peoples staff
Monthly group check-ins with other mob in the workplace
Leadership and life skills training every two months
It’s not about ticking boxes. It’s about building workplaces where First Peoples don’t just survive — they thrive.
What Works
Retention improves when:
The workplace does the work — not just the employee
Managers understand culture, healing, and identity
First Peoples staff have someone walking beside them, not behind them
Culture isn’t just recognised — it’s respected
Ready to build a workplace where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees stay, grow, and lead?
[→ Partner with Buneen Employment]
[→ Learn about the SAFE Method]
