An Aboriginal person working in the public sector may need to balance their work duties and responsibilities with additional pressures arising from their kinship and community obligations. This is the notion of ‘walking in two worlds’. Many Aboriginal employees may also feel that they have additional expectations to educate others in the workplace, and extra work demands due to their background. Combined, these expectations are described as the ‘cultural load’. It is important to understand the weight of these expectations and provide a supportive environment for Aboriginal employees.
Many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people join the public service to bring positive change for their community. Walking in two worlds can be challenging because of the legacy of government practices and interactions, such as the forced removal of Aboriginal children and the treatment of Aboriginal people. Improving support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees – and awareness of their culture and ongoing issues – can help address this.