Our ethical practices, principles and implementation framework

Karabena Consulting Trust

At Karabena Consulting Trust (KCT) we recognise that working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities involves addressing ethical dilemmas. Ethical considerations are, therefore, at the core of our business, guiding our decision-making and the ways we engage with our clients and the broader community.

Whilst KCT projects do not always require formal ethics processes (e.g. obtaining institutional Human Research Ethics Committee approvals), we have developed a strong ethical framework underpinned by a set of ethical principles that reflect our values and the ways we aspire to conduct our business.

At the core of our work is the recognition of the inherent rights and connection to land, waters, and communities (UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, 2021) of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Peoples of Australia, whose sovereignty has never been ceded (Anderson et al., 2022). In Victoria, we acknowledge and incorporate the principles, narratives and processes of Treaty (Treaty in Victoria, 2023). Since the Statewide Treaty Act 2025 (Vic), Treaty is settled law rather than an emerging process, and our work is aligned with the obligations and the aspirations it carries, respecting the relationship it establishes between Aboriginal people and the State.

Cultivating an ethical culture and implementing robust internal processes allows KCT to maintain high standards of ethical conduct and positive community impact. The principles underpinning our practice recognise the unique needs and constraints faced by small, community-focused businesses while upholding the core ethical principles that are essential for working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples (Morley, 2015).

Ethical principles

1. Cultural integrity and respect

KCT honours the cultural values, practices, and knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Consultancy work is approached with humility, deep respect, and a commitment to understanding the cultural contexts of each engagement.

2. Community-centred engagement

KCT actively involves Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in the decision-making process, ensuring that their voices guide the objectives, scope, and outcomes of any project. KCT supports the empowerment and self-determination of these communities.

3. Competence and expertise

KCT will only accept assignments for which we have the cultural competency and knowledge to engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. KCT ensures its staff and partners possess relevant expertise for each project with which they’re involved.

4. Trust and relationship building

Establishing trust is paramount. KCT engages in long-term relationship building and avoids transactional approaches to consultancy projects. We communicate openly and honestly with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, setting realistic expectations for the engagement.

5. Fair compensation and value

KCT ensures that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities receive fair compensation for their time, expertise, and cultural knowledge, reflecting the true value of the contribution made by community members.

6. Balancing stakeholder interests

KCT recognises the diverse interests within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and strives to reconcile divergent viewpoints with sensitivity, ensuring that all stakeholders are considered.

7. Independence and courage

KCT provides independent advice that is in the long-term best interests of the community, even if it challenges prevailing norms or government policies. Consultants maintain the courage to advocate for systemic change when necessary.

8. Confidentiality and data sovereignty

KCT respects the confidentiality of sensitive community knowledge and upholds the principle of data sovereignty, ensuring that all data collected or used remains under the control and ownership of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals and communities who are the primary responders to our consultations and work.

9. Avoiding conflicts of interest

KCT consultants disclose any potential conflicts of interest that may affect our ability to provide unbiased services. If our objectivity or integrity is compromised, our consulting staff will withdraw from the project.

10. Continuous cultural learning

KCT is committed to investing in ongoing professional and cultural development to deepen consultants’ understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. This commitment is essential to delivering culturally competent and respectful consultancy services.

These ethical principles ensure that Karabena Consulting maintains the highest ethical standards and that our work has a meaningful and lasting impact on the communities we serve.

While KCT may not undertake formal ethics approval processes, our aim is to remain deeply committed to upholding the highest standards of ethical consulting practices when engaging with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities. ~ Kerry Arabena - Managing Director

KCT has developed a strong ethical culture through empowering the team to take shared responsibility for ethical decision-making and engaging in robust discussions on ethical issues that arise from the projects we work on. This has created an environment where employees feel empowered to make ethical choices and to raise concerns or seek advice when they encounter situations that may be ethically ambiguous.

Indeed, research has shown that efforts to foster ethical behaviour through top-down, compliance-driven approaches often fall short with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people (Afroogh et al., 2021). Ethics through compliance oftentimes fails to address the complex, irregular nature of ethical dilemmas that emerge in some of our projects. Instead, KCT staff adopt a holistic, bottom-up approach that builds a culture of organisational integrity that is reflected in day-to-day practice.

KCT’s approach to ethical conduct aligns with national ethical guidelines and practices essential for research involving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This approach is heavily informed by the AIATSIS Code of Ethics for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research (Ethical research, 2022) and the NHMRC Ethical Guidelines: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples (Indigenous research - the right way, 2021). While we recognise that there may be certain situations where formal ethics approvals are required, such as when conducting clinical trials or engaging in research that involves

populations experiencing vulnerability, our work is consultative rather than research and so does not, on the whole, require formal ethics approvals.

All engagements by KCT are firmly grounded in our core values, which include respect, integrity, and a strong commitment to social justice. These values are central to every decision we make and act as guiding principles in our daily operations. Our values serve as a constant reference point for all team members, ensuring that our engagements remain aligned with these ethical principles.

At the heart of Karabena Consulting’s engagements is a firm commitment to empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities by upholding their right to self-determination.

Karabena Consulting’s Ethics Framework

Our ethics framework highlights the business's commitment to ensuring that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are not just participants, but active partners in our consultation efforts. This reinforces the importance of Indigenous-led approaches to consultations (Kennedy & Mohamed, 2023). KCT takes a culturally respectful approach that ensures ongoing engagement with and benefits for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Our ethics framework is based on AIATSIS and NHMRC Guidelines, and supports our workforce to:

• Prioritise early and consistent engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, reflecting AIATSIS' principles of building trust and fostering collaboration (Research Ethics Framework, 2021).
• Work in partnership with Indigenous stakeholders to jointly determine consultation agendas, project methodologies, and outcomes that are beneficial to the communities involved (Fournier et al., 2023).
• Commit to building research and evaluation capabilities of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals and organisations, ensuring knowledge and skills are transferred and strengthened within communities (Rogers et al., 2018).
• Ensure that the outcomes and benefits of our work are shared with the participating communities (Jessen et al., 2021).
• Respectfully integrate cultural knowledge and maintain Indigenous leadership throughout the consultation process (Amauchi et al., 2021).
• Collaboratively design processes that engage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders as equal partners (Urquhart et al., 2022).
• Establish processes for feedback, reporting, and reflection to ensure projects remain responsive to community needs and priorities (Wright et al., 2021; Scrine et al., 2020).

KCT’s Ethical Principles in Practice

1. Cultural integrity and respect

We actively seek to understand and honour the cultural values, knowledge, and practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. In every engagement, we approach our work with humility and ensure that our actions reflect deep respect for the communities we serve. This includes:

• actively listening to community members and integrating their cultural contexts into all aspects of a project.
• understanding and respectfully incorporating cultural practices, acknowledgements and welcomes, and our ways of knowing, being and doing into all engagements, including choosing venues that facilitate people’s engagement with the outside environment.
• being open to adjusting project timelines, methodologies, and outputs to ensure they align with community expectations and cultural protocols.
• partnering with individuals and organisations in ways that prioritise meaningful, ongoing engagement with communities.

2. Community-centred engagement

We place Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities at the heart of decision-making processes. From project design to implementation, we ensure community members’ voices shape the direction, objectives, and outcomes. We prioritise self-determination by facilitating pathways for communities to lead and have agency over the work that affects them.

Capacity building within the community is an important priority. Empowering community members through training and involvement as peer researchers, ensures Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people contribute to their community’s long-term wellbeing and self-determination.

Ongoing community engagement, co-design, and shared ownership of outcomes with the people who provide us with their views and share their lived experiences are important in deciding whether the project is truly beneficial and aligned with community priorities. Involving Elders and knowledge holders is vital to ensuring cultural grounding and ethical soundness. Elders, as cultural custodians, provide guidance and legitimacy to projects and training initiatives. Community leaders and peer researchers are involved to ensure our consultancy work reflects lived experience, Indigenous knowledge, and a community-centred approach.

3. Competence and Expertise

We rigorously assess our team’s cultural competency and expertise before accepting projects involving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Consultants are matched to projects based on their relevant experience and knowledge, ensuring that all engagements are conducted with professionalism, understanding, and cultural appropriateness.

All KCT facilitators:

• Possess a deep understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories, and contemporary realities to facilitate cultural safety in consultations, where people feel respected, valued, and free to express their cultural identity without fear of discrimination.

• Empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples by supporting their right to lead decision-making processes.
• Offer local leadership opportunities and work with communities to access tools and resources needed to guide their initiatives effectively.
• Work alongside community members in partnerships to align project outcomes with local priorities and aspirations.
• Respect and incorporate working with Elders and Traditional Owners throughout the project's implementation.
• Gain informed consent ensuring participants fully understand the scope of the project and actively provide their consent at every stage.
• Maintain transparency, with open and clear communication about the project's intentions, processes, and outcomes.
• Are accountable and responsive and actively seek and incorporate feedback, allowing the project to adapt and improve based on the community's input.

4. Trust and Relationship Building

We invest in building long-term relationships with communities, understanding that trust is foundational. Our consultants engage in open, transparent communication and set clear expectations from the start. We actively avoid short-term, transactional interactions, instead fostering partnerships that are mutually beneficial and respectful over time.

In the ever-changing consultation world, the opportunity to build long-term, sustainable relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities is essential to ensuring meaningful and respectful engagement. - Kerry Arabena, Managing Director

Relational accountability means that KCT consultants maintain respectful and reciprocal relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people throughout each project. Minimising power imbalances is key. Rather than being passive participants, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are positioned as active decision-makers in our consultation processes. Decolonising practices are important for addressing historical power dynamics ensuring Indigenous ways of knowing, being and doing are privileged (Santos et al., 2022).

5. Fair Compensation and Value

We ensure that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities are compensated fairly for their time, expertise, and cultural knowledge. We recognise the significant value they contribute and work to reflect that in the terms of each engagement, ensuring equity in financial arrangements and project outcomes.

Reciprocity recognises that consultations should be mutually beneficial, with all parties gaining value from the process. For the community, this might mean receiving financial compensation, access to new resources, or the opportunity to advance their broader goals, fostering trust and strengthening the partnerships over time. Through this approach, KCT contributes to the ongoing development and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples while ensuring that our engagement is respectful, meaningful, has value and is culturally appropriate.

Our ethical stance is that it’s not enough for consultation processes to gather information or input; they must actively contribute to the community’s ongoing development and wellbeing. This could include providing resources, sharing knowledge, or supporting initiatives that align with community priorities (Cleveland & Cleveland, 2018).

6. Balancing stakeholder interests

We navigate differing views within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities with sensitivity and respect. Our approach is collaborative, striving to reconcile diverse perspectives and achieve outcomes that reflect the needs and interests of all stakeholders, while maintaining cultural and ethical integrity.

At Karabena Consulting (KCT), we recognise that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities are diverse, with varying perspectives, interests, and cultural practices. Within a single project, different individuals or groups may hold differing views on priorities, approaches, or desired outcomes. We approach these differences with sensitivity and respect, understanding that each viewpoint is informed by unique lived experiences, cultural values, and historical contexts.

Our practice is inherently collaborative. We actively facilitate open dialogue between stakeholders, creating spaces where all voices can be heard and considered. This process involves acknowledging and honouring the diversity within communities, rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all approach to consultations. We recognise that effective approaches often emerge from balancing these diverse perspectives, and we are committed to finding pathways that reflect the collective needs and aspirations of the community.

In navigating differing viewpoints, we maintain our commitment to cultural and ethical integrity. We do not prioritise one group’s interest over another, nor do we force consensus. Instead, we work to mediate and harmonise differing positions in a way that respects the cultural protocols and traditions of each community. This includes drawing on the wisdom of Elders, engaging community leaders, and employing culturally appropriate conflict resolution strategies.

Maintaining a balanced approach ensures that the outcomes of our work reflect the rich diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, while promoting unity, cultural respect, and long-term sustainability in the solutions we co-create.

7. Independence and courage

We offer independent, unbiased advice that reflects the long-term wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. We maintain the courage to challenge dominant systems or policies when necessary, advocating for systemic change that supports the communities' aspirations and values.

At Karabena Consulting (KCT), we prioritise the long-term wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities by offering independent, objective advice, free from external pressures or vested interests. We recognise that in our consultancy work, maintaining independence allows us to remain aligned with the values, aspirations, and self-determined goals of the communities we serve.

This principle of independence ensures that our recommendations are not compromised by political, commercial, or institutional agendas.

We believe in using our consultancy role to support long-term, systemic changes that benefit Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. This often means advocating for changes that challenge entrenched systems of governance, healthcare, or education that do not serve Indigenous communities equitably.

Our independence also means that we are vigilant about maintaining ethical boundaries. We carefully assess each project to ensure that our consultancy remains free from conflicts of interest, enabling us to provide unbiased, courageous advice.

Upholding independence and demonstrating courage in our consulting processes ensures that our work not only reflects the aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities but also contributes to meaningful, long-term systemic change.

8. Confidentiality and data sovereignty

We prioritise the protection of sensitive community knowledge and uphold data sovereignty, ensuring that all data remains under the control and ownership of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals and communities who provide us with their views and share their lived experience. Our data management practices are transparent, and we seek permission for any data use or sharing.

Respect for data sovereignty is essential when working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. KCT recognises community members’ right to control the collection, access, and use of data related to their people. This means adhering to the principles of Indigenous Data Sovereignty, ensuring that all data management practices reflect these principles. Prehn and Walter (2023) note that the ownership and control of data by Indigenous people is crucial in maintaining their autonomy and ensuring that the information is used in ways that benefit their communities.

Maintaining strict confidentiality and anonymity for individuals and communities is a core ethical obligation. Data is not shared without explicit consent, and the handling of sensitive information prioritises the protection of individuals' and communities' privacy. Secure data storage and management practices are in place, and are aligned with Indigenous standards and protocols. This not only ensures data security but also respects Indigenous knowledge systems, as highlighted in Indigenous Data Management (2021).

The core principle of free, prior and informed consent guides Karabena Consulting's ethical practices. This ensures Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals and community members are empowered to make decisions about their participation in research and consulting activities, and their rights (including the right to withdraw) and cultural protocols are respected (Ethical Protocol - Evaluation practice in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander settings, 2022).

9. Avoiding conflicts of interest

We disclose potential conflicts of interest at the outset of every project and ensure they do not compromise the integrity or objectivity of our consultancy. If necessary, we withdraw from engagements where our ability to provide unbiased, ethical service is compromised.

Maintaining transparency throughout all stages of a consultation process is essential when working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. This builds trust and ensures that all participants are aware of the process, their role, and the intended outcomes (Vine et al., 2023).

Establishing clear accountability mechanisms is a key component of ensuring the integrity of the consultation process. These mechanisms include regular check-ins or internal audits to ensure that ethical standards and cultural protocols are being followed. Accountability also means providing the community with avenues to raise concerns or questions about the consultation process (Dearden & Kleine, 2020).

10. Continuous cultural learning and capacity building

We commit to ongoing professional development in cultural competency. This includes continuous learning about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, so our consultants can engage with communities in ways that are respectful, informed, and culturally sensitive.

This commitment is demonstrated through the provision of training, resources, and opportunities that allow communities to strengthen their ability to lead and manage their own initiatives. These forms of support ensure communities can grow in capacity, enabling them to drive their own development in areas such as health, education, and community wellbeing.

These practice principles ensure that KCT enacts its ethical principles with integrity, ensuring meaningful and sustainable outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Understanding legislative frameworks

KCT operates with strict adherence to all relevant local, state, and national laws, ensuring that our work complies with legal frameworks that govern our engagements.

In Victoria this now includes the Statewide Treaty Act 2025 (Vic), which gives legal effect to the Statewide Treaty between the State of Victoria and the First Peoples' Assembly of Victoria. The Act received Royal Assent on 13 November 2025 and its remaining provisions commenced on 1 May 2026. It establishes Gellung Warl as a First Peoples' representative and deliberative body, makes the First Peoples' Assembly a permanent institution, requires government to consult the Assembly on laws affecting First Peoples, establishes an accountability mechanism on Closing the Gap, continues the truth-telling work begun by the Yoorrook Justice Commission, and sets the basis for local treaties with Traditional Owners. It amends the Advancing the Treaty Process with Aboriginal Victorians Act 2018 (Vic) and the Treaty Authority and Other Treaty Elements Act 2022 (Vic), along with a number of other Victorian Acts.

For our work this is not a background development. Where we are commissioned by Victorian departments and agencies, the consultation obligations owed to the Assembly shape how a project should be designed from the outset. Where we work alongside Traditional Owner groups, the local treaty framework changes what is possible and what should be asked. We design our engagements with these obligations in view, and we raise them with clients who have not yet accounted for them.

We remain updated on legislative changes, particularly those related to the recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander rights, and ensure that our practices are aligned with the legal standards in place. This legal compliance also extends to the ethical standards that guide our work, ensuring that all projects meet the highest standards of accountability, transparency, and respect for the communities we serve. Compliance is not just a requirement; it is a reflection of our respect for the legal and cultural frameworks that govern Indigenous affairs in Australia.

Summary

KCT’s internal ethics framework is designed to be flexible and responsive to the unique cultural contexts of each project we undertake. We recognise that each Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community has distinct values, practices, and needs, and our framework is tailored to reflect these differences. All staff members are cognisant of and compliant with our ethical framework and professional learning opportunities allow us to continuously review our practices, ensuring that we are responsive to community feedback and aligned with best practice standards (Reid et al., 2021). In doing so, we ensure that our work is not only compliant with our internal ethical standards but also relevant and respectful of the cultural context of each project.

Formal Ethics Applications and Indigenous Businesses

While we rely on our robust internal ethical framework to guide our decision-making processes, we acknowledge that there are instances where formal ethics processes are required for the completion of a project.

When undertaking formal research projects, Karabena Consulting adheres to the requirements set by the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (2023) which are administered by Human Research Ethics Committees (HRECs) specialising in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander research. These HRECs ensure that research proposals meet ethical standards, respect Indigenous legal rights, local laws, and cultural protocols (Fournier et al., 2023). These ethical standards are mediated through committees consisting of a range of individuals including academics.

Ethics applications are examined by these individuals and often use consensus-based decision-making in their considerations. Although all members can speak to the importance of building trust, fostering meaningful partnerships, and ensuring that research outcomes are relevant and useful to the communities involved (Amauchi et al., 2021), it is rare that Aboriginal people are members of HRECs. Vacancies for Aboriginal members remains high and in Aboriginal specific HRECs, priority is given to University funded research projects, post-graduate researcher projects and community driven research. Some HRECs are unable to consider Aboriginal-led ethics applications as they do not have the appropriate level of accreditation. An increasing number of Aboriginal researchers are questioning the validity of HRECs and replacing them with community governance arrangements, much like VACCHO’s HREC project.

KCT's formal ethics applications are made when:

• The project is classed as research (rather than as consultation) and requires formal ethics approval from the project sponsors
• The project is more than $180,000 (excluding gst) in value, and has an eight month long implementation period
• Funders cover the costs of ethics approval prior to a project being funded

• We have the opportunity to consult Aboriginal communities and organisations to address matters of self-determination prior to commencing a project, and
• We know the project's impact and value will directly benefit the people involved in the research (Parker et al., 2019).

We also work with organisations who lead ethics processes. In these instances, we are contracted to deliver key tasks that support agencies to deliver the ethical commitments made in their projects (e.g. Centre for Excellence in Research and Evaluation [CERE] and Social Ventures Australia [SVA]). In these instances, there should be no costs to Karabena Consulting, including costs for amending ethics applications, delays to projects start and slippage of timelines and deliverables.

For small Indigenous businesses like Karabena Consulting Trust, obtaining formal ethics approval can be particularly challenging. Time-constraints, additional costs, and potential for significant project delays (Jongwe et al., 2020) are barriers for Indigenous consulting businesses with limited time and resources (Buck et al., 2020). In KCT-initiated ethics applications, we invest in developing partnerships with individuals and communities to ensure cultural protocols are followed, and community priorities are addressed (AH&MRC Ethical Guidelines: Key Principles (2020) V2.0, 2019). This collaborative approach is essential for conducting ethical and impactful research in Indigenous contexts. The best time to attend to these initiatives is prior to the commencement of a project, so co-design and other ethical principles can be implemented, issues pertaining to Indigenous data sovereignty can be attended to and key stakeholders can influence the development and delivery of projects.

KCT’s Ethical Practices: Implementation Strategies

This section outlines the strategies we use when consulting with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Participant Information Sheets

Participant information sheets are designed to be clear, accessible, and written in plain language. These sheets explain the project's purpose, participant involvement, and any potential risks or benefits (Karbwang et al., 2018). Additionally, the participant's right to withdraw from the project at any time without consequence is clearly stated and highlighted to ensure participants understand their autonomy in the process (Lentz et al., 2016). To ensure cultural relevance and respect, the information sheets are tailored to the community, and where appropriate, translations or verbal explanations in local languages are provided by community members (Jagtap, 2019).

Informed Consent

Before engaging with participants, informed consent is obtained in ways that are consistent with best practice and appropriate to the project and the stakeholder group (Manti & Licari, 2018). Informed consent may be verbal or written. Participation is voluntary, and participants are provided with information about the consultation so that they understand the details and likely consequences of their involvement (Isles, 2013).

Ongoing Consent Process

KCT treats consent as an ongoing process, not a one-time event. KCT revisits consent agreements throughout the project, especially if the scope changes or new activities are introduced (Bromley et al., 2020).

Consent for Photographs and Quotes

KCT uses separate consent forms for the use of photographs, video recordings, and direct quotes as advocated by Alby et al. (2014); Knapik, (2006); Devakumar et al. (2013) and Byrne (2001). Participants are made aware that they can choose to be de-identified if preferred. Explicit consent is necessary before using any identifiable images or quotes.

De-identification of Data

Where possible and appropriate, KCT de-identifies participant data to protect their privacy. This includes anonymising quotes, images, and any other personal information unless explicit consent is given to use identifiable information (Myers et al., 2020; Zook et al., 2017).

Secure Data Storage

KCT stores all data securely in compliance with our Indigenous Data Sovereignty policy which is consistent with contemporary literature on the subject (Mehdi, 2023;Indigenous Data, 2021;Carroll et al., 2020). Secure, password-protected systems are used and access is restricted to authorised personnel only. No raw data is shared with those outside of the Karabena Consulting team.

In instances when contracts require KCT to seek formal Ethics Approvals

Karabena Consulting acknowledges and respects the cultural and intellectual property rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. KCT is committed to acknowledging any use of Indigenous knowledge, and where needed, including this knowledge with permission and in a way that respects the source and context.

If a project results in any form of publication, product, or intellectual property, Karabena Consulting ensures that benefits are shared with the appropriate individuals and communities. This could include co-authorship, financial compensation, or other forms of recognition to be determined by the Managing Director.

KCT maintains open and regular communication with participants throughout the project, provides updates on the progress of the work and ensures that participants are informed about how their contributions are being used. We have established mechanisms for participants to provide feedback at any stage of the project, such as formal feedback sessions, surveys, or informal conversations, ensuring that community voices are heard and respected. Finally, Karabena Consulting shares the results of the project with participants and the wider community in an accessible format, such as written reports, community meetings, or multimedia presentations, ensuring that the community sees the tangible outcomes of their contributions.

Sharing raw data with commissioning agencies

In line with ethical standards in Australia and Victoria, our business maintains strict protocols around data management, including restricting access to raw data. As part of our unwavering commitment to ethical integrity and respect for those providing information, we do not share raw data, even if deidentified, without express, informed consent from participants. This standard is crucial for upholding our dedication to Indigenous data sovereignty. Accordingly, our staff are prohibited from sharing information with any third party, including funders. We do not seek permission from participants in our consulting work to provide raw data to funders, as we cannot provide guarantees to primary data providers that their information is protected against secondary use or future data mining. (Roberts & Montoya, 2023). (Jones et al., 2020)

At the start of a project, consent must be explicitly obtained for the provision of raw data to third parties, including funders. If this consent is not gained upfront, it is not possible to retroactively acquire permission, as this would violate ethical standards, potentially breach trust and is not a funded component of our work and practice. Therefore, we advise that the responsibility to seek and secure consent for data transfer lies with the funding bodies. Should funders successfully gain explicit consent from the original data providers and provide evidence of this, we will then be able to share the deidentified data. Until this consent is obtained and confirmed, raw data will not be provided to any external parties, in accordance with our ethical guidelines and commitment to data sovereignty and participant rights.

As part of our project initiation strategy, any discussion regarding raw data provision should be raised by the funders. If raw data transfer requirements exist, they must be clearly outlined at the start of the project. This ensures that all parties understand their obligations, and that ethical considerations are respected from the outset, honouring the principles of transparency, respect, and ethical responsibility to the communities we serve.

Our ethics require us to focus on the presentation of insights, trends and recommendations to funders, rather than the sharing of raw data. We maintain the highest standards of data protection and participant privacy, only sharing aggregated findings, visualisations and reports that do not risk the identification of individuals or communities. We are committed to responsible, ethical data use that accelerates insights while strictly upholding the rights and sovereignty of the populations we engage with, and our rights as Indigenous businesses to promote and protect our ethical framework.

Conclusion

Karabena Consulting encourages reflective practice among project staff to ensure continuous learning and improvement. This includes regular debriefs, reflective journals, and team discussions to identify what is working well and what could be improved. This practice framework is designed to operationalise the internal ethics framework, ensuring that all engagements with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities are conducted ethically and respectfully. Karabena Consulting commits to upholding the highest standards of cultural safety, respect, and integrity in all its work through following these principles.

Appendix 1: Our Ethics in Action

The following section illustrates our commitment to ethics in action. The following case studies are based on Karabena Consulting's portfolio, to highlight key aspects of our ethical framework.

Case Study 1: Evaluating a Family Violence Project – The Power of Transparency

KCT evaluated a family violence program aimed at protecting Aboriginal children experiencing vulnerability. All stages of the project were communicated clearly to stakeholders and community members via social media, newsletters, sense making workshops, reports and presentations.

Adhering to Aboriginal-led practices of consultation, data collection was non-intrusive and in alignment with local protocols. Consent was revisited regularly promoting a flexible approach to how the project recorded community needs and expectations.

Outcome: By building trust through transparency and open communication, the project’s implementation was experienced as safe, culturally respectful and the outcomes resonated with community aspirations.

Case Study 2: Homelessness and Free, Prior, and Informed Consent

In a project focused on reducing homelessness within metro Melbourne, Karabena Consulting applied the ethical principle of free, prior, and informed consent for workers, advocates and people with lived experience engaged in the homelessness sector. Codesign participants provided advice and support for the project’s duration, elevating community members as active project decision-makers.

Participatory action research methodologies promote local communities overseeing implementation and testing outcomes. We sought to align the project’s direction with the community’s long-term aspirations, ensuring that cultural practices were honoured throughout.

Outcome: The project’s outcomes directly reflected the priorities identified by the community. Housing services developed strategies that were not only sustainable but culturally safe, thanks to the community’s active involvement in the decision-making process.

Case Study 3: Volunteer Assisted Dying (VAD) – Ethics in Data Sovereignty

In a sensitive project examining the accessibility of Volunteer Assisted Dying (VAD), Karabena Consulting implemented data sovereignty measures to protect the rights of individuals and communities involved. Given the ethical complexity of the subject, data was collected and stored in accordance with KCT’s Indigenous Data Sovereignty policy. No data was shared without explicit consent.

Outcome: The project was successful in contributing to a nuanced understanding of VAD in Indigenous communities while maintaining the highest level of confidentiality and respect for Indigenous data sovereignty.

Case Study 4: Stolen Generations and Cultural Safety When working with Stolen Generations survivors, Karabena Consulting centred the project around cultural safety and responsiveness. We prioritised creating a culturally safe space for participants to share their stories and ensured that their contributions were handled with the utmost respect and confidentiality.

Our approach involved extensive consultation with Aboriginal stakeholders, including Elders, who provided guidance on culturally appropriate methods for engaging with this sensitive subject. The team tailored participant information sheets to be accessible and culturally relevant, ensuring that every individual felt empowered to participate on their own terms.

Additionally, we ensured that care and support workers were available at every consultation, and we ensured there was a ‘break out space’ where people could sit if they were triggered into trauma. We also gave people access to telephone counselling services and paid for these services to be available so no one in attendance was ‘out of pocket’.

Outcome: The respectful and culturally safe engagement process resulted in a project that not only honoured the experiences of Stolen Generations survivors but also contributed to meaningful strategies for healing and reconciliation within the community.

Case Study 5: Employee Well-being and Trauma-Informed Practice In a project addressing employee well-being at a large Aboriginal organisation, Karabena Consulting implemented a trauma-informed approach, recognising the impact of both historical and recent traumas. The ethical principle of cultural safety and responsiveness was central to this work, ensuring that employees felt respected and supported throughout the process.

We engaged staff using a culturally safe framework, which included the option for participants to remain anonymous, ensuring that they felt secure in sharing their experiences. This approach aligned with the ethical principle of transparency, where staff were regularly informed about the process, their rights, and how their feedback would contribute to workplace reforms.

Outcome: The consultation process led to the development of a staff well-being strategy that was culturally safe, trauma-informed, and aligned with the unique needs of the workforce. This approach ensured long-term improvements in staff support systems and mental health services.

Case Study 6: First Nations Suicide Prevention Strategy – Data Sovereignty in Action In the co-design of the First Nations Suicide Prevention Strategy, Karabena Consulting applied the ethical principle of Data Sovereignty to ensure the community retained full control over how their information was collected, stored, and used.

We worked closely with mental health advocates, workers in ACCHOs and professionals engaged in supporting families in communities. Prior to facilitating consultations, the team reached out to Suicide Prevention leaders to ensure that all data collection methods adhered to cultural protocols appropriate for the topic and the outcomes. Data was stored securely, and explicit consent was obtained for any identifiable information. This was in line with our ethical standards for secure data management and ensuring ongoing consent throughout the life of the project.

Outcome: Participants in the Suicide Prevention workshops had full control over the data, ensuring that the strategy reflected the cultural and social realities of those most affected by suicide. This

process demonstrated how Data Sovereignty can empower communities to drive their own solutions to pressing health challenges.

Case Study 7: Child and Maternal Health Programs – Capacity Building and Empowerment Karabena Consulting partnered with a regional Aboriginal community to co-design child and maternal health programs, with a focus on capacity building and empowerment. Following the principle of community-led approaches, the project was co-designed with local health workers, who were given the tools and resources to lead the initiative.

Training workshops were provided for local staff, equipping them with the skills necessary to manage the program long-term. We ensured that cultural knowledge and practices were integrated into the program design, aligning with the community’s vision for improved health outcomes for mothers and children.

Outcome: The community was empowered to take ownership of the child and maternal health programs, which strengthened local capacity and promoted long-term sustainability. The process demonstrated that investing in community leadership fosters self-determination and resilience.

Case Study 8: Cancer Care Pathways – Respect for Cultural and Intellectual Property In the development of cancer care pathways for Aboriginal patients, Karabena Consulting prioritised the ethical principle of respecting cultural and intellectual property. This was particularly important as Traditional Knowledge was shared during the development of culturally appropriate care models.

We worked closely with Elders and Traditional Owners to ensure that all cultural knowledge shared was used with permission and in the appropriate context. Additionally, co-authorship and financial compensation were provided to ensure that the community’s contributions were recognised and valued.

Outcome: The culturally tailored cancer care pathways developed through this project ensured that Traditional Knowledge was respected and incorporated into the care process. This model was not only culturally appropriate but also led to improved health outcomes for Aboriginal patients.

Conclusion

These case studies demonstrate the efficacy of Karabena Consulting’s commitment to applying ethical principles such as cultural safety, Data Sovereignty, capacity building, and respect for cultural and intellectual property. Our approach ensures that all projects align with our internal practice standards.

References