Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employment
Curtin University is committed to being an employer of choice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples by increasing the number of Aboriginal employees.
As one of Western Australia’s largest single site employers, and most successful graduating University for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, Curtin is uniquely positioned to influence and drive positive long term employment outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
At Curtin, we recognise and acknowledge the importance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of being, knowing and doing and the significant contribution these elements bring to any role. We are committed to putting the unique contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees at the forefront of our decision making.
First Nations Perspective and Voices
The University is committed to actively partnering with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and raising their voices and perspectives using a strong relational process of reconciliation.
The University aims to foster strong partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff, to embed new ways of working together, and approaches to decision-making to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff thrive.
The Curtin 2030 Strategy prioritises the development of Indigenous governance and progress opportunities including strengethining Indigenous leadership and cultural capabilities.
You can learn more about our commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples including our employees at curtin.edu.au
Working at Curtin
Fixed term and continuing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees are entitled to paid leave up to a maximum of 5 working
days per calendar year, for the purpose of fulfilling cultural and ceremonial obligations. Additionally, two days of paid leave and three days of workload time release (pro rata) designated for NAIDOC Week activities are available.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees are eligible for language allowance, intended to recognise the importance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of knowing, being and doing in the University, through the use of language.
Fixed term and continuing employees may substitute January 26 for another day, as agreed with their line manager, with this provision intended to acknowledge and be inclusive of diverse perspectives.
It’s important for all staff to develop curiosity, respect, and awareness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of working, learning about the language and culture of the Noongar peoples (the Traditional Owners of the south-west area of Australia), and understanding the boodjar (land) you work on and its context. Curtin offers Cultural immersion experiences to staff, led by the Indigenous Cultural Capability Team.
Research at Curtin
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities continue to face challenges that impact on all facets of life. Our researchers are combining multidisciplinary knowledge — both ancient and new — to develop solutions that will improve the wellbeing and support the aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across Australia.
Across our research, we collaborate with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders and communities to ensure the strategies we develop are culturally appropriate and underpinned by Indigenous knowledge, practice and perspective.
Futures Platform, Indigenous Futures – In 1911, Australian researchers predicted the extinction of Aboriginal people. However, despite the bleak prediction, in 2025 Aboriginal and torres strait Islander peoples continue to survive and thrive. Curtin university through the Indigenous Futures Platform aims to ensure Australia’s Indigenous futures across the nation’s culture and economy remains at the forefront of the faculty’s research, learning and partnership activities.
