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Indigenous research

ORIMA Research is a recognised leader in conducting Indigenous research for government agencies.

We have a keen appreciation of the specific challenges presented by Indigenous research including the logistical difficulties of conducting research in Australia's remote communities, and the cultural issues and protocols involved in conducting research with Indigenous target audiences.

Our consultants are able to reconcile these complexities with the realities of government service and communications delivery. Our expertise means we achieve actionable research outcomes for our clients while ensuring our research is conducted in appropriate and respectful ways.

In approaching Indigenous studies, as with all of our research, we take an apolitical stance. We bring no preconceived views to our assessment of government policy and strategy, instead relying on empirical evidence, particularly evidence based directly on the views, preferences and opinions of Indigenous people themselves.

Case studies

Case study #1 - Australian Government Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA)

FaHCSIA is the Australian Government's principal source of advice on social policy and is responsible for about a quarter of the government's budgetary outlays. FaHCSIA works in partnership with other government and non-government organisations in the management of a diverse range of programs and services designed to support and improve the lives of Australians.

Since November 2008, the Australian Government has implemented a trial of two separate measures of income management (IM) in the Kimberley region and metropolitan area of Perth in Western Australia (WA). The two measures of IM that are being trialled are:

  • Child Protection Scheme of Income Management (CPSIM); and
  • Voluntary Income Management (VIM).

ORIMA Research was commissioned by FaHCSIA to conduct an evaluation of the trials of IM in WA.

The three overarching research objectives of the evaluation were to:

  • assess the impact of income management in improving child wellbeing;
  • assess the impact of income management on financial capability of individuals; and
  • assess the effectiveness of implementation.

ORIMA devised an evaluation strategy based on a multi-modal data collection approach, including:

  • quantitative based client surveys with VIM and CPSIM clients and a comparison group (conducted in Perth and the Kimberley);
  • online surveys of Centrelink staff, DCP staff, financial counsellors and money management advisers, and Western Australian peak welfare sector bodies and community organisations with an interest in IM; and
  • focus groups and interviews conducted with community leaders in the Kimberley area.

Case study #2 - Australian Government Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA)

The Australian Government is committed to addressing the many disadvantages faced by Indigenous Australians. 'Youth in Communities' is one of several measures under the 'Closing the Gap in the Northern Territory' (CtGNT) initiative designed to improve service delivery for Indigenous Youth across 18 remote Indigenous communities in the Northern Territory. FaHCSIA commissioned quantitative research to assist in prioritising funding for youth services in these communities. The research approached a wide range of community stakeholders via online surveys and in-depth telephone interviews, including Government Business Managers (GBMs), intermediaries, youth and health workers, Shire Council Representatives, other government staff, and other stakeholders.

The research approached a wide range of community stakeholders via online surveys and in-depth telephone interviews, including Government Business Managers (GBMs), intermediaries, youth and health workers, Shire Council Representatives, other government staff, and other stakeholders.


Case study #3 - Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing (DoHA)

DoHA seeks to promote, develop, and fund health and aged care services for the Australian public.

In November 2008 the Australian Government agreed to a $1.6 billion National Partnership Agreement (NPA) on Closing the Gap in Indigenous Health Outcomes. A key component of the NPA is Commonwealth funding to support an Indigenous Chronic Diseases Package to increase the capacity of the primary care workforce. As part of this measure, The Department wished to develop a communication campaign to encourage Indigenous secondary school students to pursue a career in health. DoHA commissioned ORIMA Research to conduct qualitative developmental research to inform the design of that communication campaign.

ORIMA designed a robust nation-wide study involving consultations conducted in 19 urban, regional and remote communities across every state of Australia and the Northern Territory. 521 people - including almost 400 Indigenous secondary school students - participated in the study.

The research findings will form the basis for a campaign that effectively engages with young Indigenous Australians to ultimately improve their participation in the health workforce.