Victoria Legal Aid

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Learning Strategy

This strategy is part of our commitment to building a culturally safe, inclusive and responsive organisation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

The strategy is part of our commitment to building a culturally safe, inclusive and responsive organisation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

The strategy lays the foundations to progress the priorities and actions outlined in our Reconciliation Action Plan 2019–21 (RAP2). It operates jointly with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employment Strategy and Aboriginal Services Strategy.

Structured over three tiers, the strategy outlines a clear learning path for staff to continuously build their cultural safety competence. The completion of cultural learning offerings at each tier does not necessarily mean a person is ‘culturally aware’ or ‘culturally competent’. It is based on learning as a lifelong journey.

Tier one – building cultural awareness

Tier one is the first step in the learning journey and provides staff with an introduction to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, culture and community. This tier builds awareness, understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, beliefs and practices and focuses on a shared understanding of Australia’s history.

Tier two – developing cultural sensitivity and competency

Tier two aims to build cultural sensitivity and competency by equipping staff with the skills required to work respectfully with First Nations staff and to deliver culturally responsive services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients.

Tier three – establishing cultural safety

Tier three commits to establishing an ongoing practice that supports the delivery of outcomes where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are treated in a culturally respectful manner. This requires the establishment of policies, processes and practices that are inclusive of the cultural needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and clients.

Read the strategy

The cultural safety reflection tools

These tools have been developed to support the progression of cultural safety competence. They will assist in ongoing reflective practice, and the recognition of where you are at in your cultural safety journey.

Disclaimer: The material in this print-out relates to the law as it applies in the state of Victoria. It is intended as a general guide only. Readers should not act on the basis of any material in this print-out without getting legal advice about their own particular situations. Victoria Legal Aid disclaims any liability howsoever caused to any person in respect of any action taken in reliance on the contents of the publication.

We help Victorians with their legal problems and represent those who need it most. Find legal answers, chat with us online, or call us. You can speak to us in English or ask for an interpreter. You can also find more legal information at www.legalaid.vic.gov.au

Reviewed 18 May 2022

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