Aboriginal men & fatherhood

After two centuries of colonisation, race sanctions, federal interventions, dispossession and the Stolen Generation; Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men remain present, remain proud but largely unheard- particularly in healthcare delivery.

A scoping review of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men and parenting noted that a ‘lack of published literature on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parenting programs is reflective of the lack of programs and services delivered’.

It was also noted within this review that; ‘the value and importance male parents can add to the lives of their children should not be underestimated’.

A key aspect of men’s health in Australia is understanding and learning from First Nations fathers on approaches they have used over thousands of years to provide role-modelling to their young men.

Learning often requires listening, and in this article, researchers have asked Indigenous fathers to speak on what supports they require to make child-raising easier.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander males & fatherhood

Knowledge regarding the supports required by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander fathers has been explored in a  research paper from the University of Tasmania.

As explained within the papers abstract, ‘there is insufficient exploration and understanding of how we can strengthen the critical role played by Indigenous fathers.’

By examining data from the Longitudinal Study of Indigenous Children (LSIC), researchers were able to glean insights on the challenges experienced by Indigenous fathers and the supports they require.

The analysis which informs the data in this study was taken from Wave 8 of the LSIC.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander males in fatherhood study participants.

The insights from 149 Indigenous fathers were included in this review for analysis. The demographic breakdown was as follows-

  • The age of the men ranged from 22-73 years (mean: 40.4 years of age)
  • 138 men lived in the same household as the children.
  • Biological father (132)
  • Stepfather (6)
  • Adoptive father or foster parent (3)
  • Grandparent (5)
  • Uncle (1)
  • Other (2)

Study findings.

The participants within the LSIC survey were asked, ‘If you could have something to make it easier to raise <study child>, what would it be?’ Understanding what would make a discernible difference in improving the ability to rear a child was important to understanding possible enablers.

61% of participants provided an answer (which are discussed below), while 28% said didn’t require anything further and the remaining 10% of men reported that they did not know.

Theme 1: Money: 21% of the Indigenous fathers surveyed reported that “more money” was required to “support their child and family”. In addition, gaining employment that improved financial capital and resources was highlighted, as one father explained,

“I would like to have a decent-paying job, I had to stop working to help and care for my partner and children.”

Theme 2: Support and social services: 17% of fathers identified greater support from social services and more support generally was required to assist in child-rearing. One father said,

“I need support in general and more support from services.”

Theme 3: Housing: 14% of Indigenous fathers spoke of the need for adequate housing accommodation.

This included home ownership desirability rather than rental leasing and homes which required minimal maintenance when trying to manage large family groups. One father observed,

“we need to transfer into a four-bedroom house, at the moment, we are five people in a three-bedroom house.”

Theme 4: More time: 12% of Indigenous fathers identified “more time” was desired and required to spend with their children.

Fathers saw that being “present to provide support” was important to help their children grow up strong. As one father shared,

“being able to see my daughter more in the morning before I got to work, she is still asleep when I leave.”

Theme 5: Teach them life skills and education: 8% of fathers reported a desire to provide “greater life skills” to their children and improve overall education, knowledge and learning. As one father communicated,

gaining help for my daughter’s education would make life easier.”

Study conclusions.

The researchers concluded their analysis of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander males in fatherhood study by noting that; ‘over 60 per cent of Indigenous fathers in the sample required further support’.

The researchers go further by reiterating that; ‘the evidence presented in this study suggests that addressing the social and cultural determinants of health and well-being through systemic measures such as policies and initiatives, rather than focussing on individual cases, may benefit these men, their families and their communities’.

Article review: Mr Jason Bonson, Healthy Male National Project Coordinator, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Male Health, Flinders University (GradDipIndigHProm, DipManagement)

Article written and reviewed by...

  • Michael Whitehead is a Registered Nurse with over 25-years’ experience working in men’s health, emergency nursing and remote Indigenous health. Michael holds a Bachelor of Nursing degree, a Master’s Degree of Clinical Nursing, Graduate Certificate in Clinical Redesign and a Certificate in Sexual and Reproductive Health. Michael is a published author and researcher and is the current National Chair for Nursing and Allied Health with Healthy Male Australia.

    Registered Nurse
  • Jason Bonson, of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, is a recognised leader in men’s health in the Northern Territory. With a distinguished 35-year career in the NT public service, he has held key leadership roles, including Director of the Office of Men’s Policy and Men’s Health Program Leader. His expertise spans government, nonprofit, and Aboriginal Community-Controlled Health sectors, with a strong track record in policy development and stakeholder engagement. Since 1999, Jason has been dedicated to improving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander male health. As a founding member and inaugural Chairman of the Darwin Indigenous Men’s Service, he has played a pivotal role in shaping community-led initiatives. He also leads the Darwin Men’s Inter-Agency Network, served on the NT Indigenous Men’s Advisory Council to the Chief Minister (2014), and contributed to the Movember Men’s Health Education project (2022/23). Jason’s work at Flinders University includes research leadership in multiple projects focused on men’s health. His expertise in policy, strategy, and corporate governance continues to drive impactful change in the sector.

    Healthy Male National Project Coordinator, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Male Health Flinders University