Cultural safety

Queensland Health serves diverse communities and employs people from a wide range of cultural backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.

By fostering cultural safety, Queensland Health strengthens trust, supports positive workplace relationships and contributes to better outcomes for employees, patients, consumers and communities.

Select each tab to learn how to support your employees.

Cultural Safety is
Considerations
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Cultural safety

Is about creating environments where people feel respected, valued and safe in relation to their cultural identity. It recognises that culture can influence how people experience healthcare, workplaces and interactions with others.

Key considerations

The First Nations Health Office collaborated with HHSs to influence the delivery of culturally safe services to improve the health of First Nations Queenslanders.

Key strategies and plans:

The Closing the Gap policy agenda is Australia's national approach to improving the economic, social and cultural wellbeing of First Nations people.
The First Nations First Strategy 2032 outlines Queensland Health's priority to achieve excellence in care and health equity for all First Nations people in Queensland, as part of HEALTH32.
Queensland Health Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Capability Framework 2010-2033.
Queensland Health Making Tracks Policy and Accountability Framework.
Queensland Health Statement of Commitment to Reconciliation 2016.

As a leader

You are required to create an environment where people do not experience discrimination, exclusion or disadvantage because of their culture, and where cultural differences are understood and respected.
Access your HHSs commitment and strategies for improved First Nations Health and take steps to create a culturally safe and welcoming environment for First Nations staff, visitors and patients:
- Learn the cultural considerations.
- Know your traditional owners and procedures for acknowledgement.
- Attend mandatory cultural capability training.
- Respect significant dates.
- Seek out local resources to help increase your awareness.

Why it's important

Culturally safe workplaces foster trust, respect and a sense of belonging.
Employees who feel respected and valued are more likely to be engaged, productive and supported.
Diverse perspectives strengthen teamwork, innovation and decision-making.
Cultural safety helps reduce discrimination, bias and barriers to participation.
Inclusive and culturally responsive workplaces improve employee wellbeing and retention.
Respecting cultural differences supports better experiences and outcomes for employees, patients, consumers and communities.

Training

All staff are required to complete the Department of Health mandatory training - First Nations - Cultural Safety and Equity in Healthcare.
First Nations leaders have access to the CLE training - First Nations Leadership (2 day Instructor led training).