National Cultural Respect Framework 2016-2026

The National Cultural Respect Framework 2016-2026 for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health was developed for the Australian Health Ministers Advisory Council by the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Standing Committee and should be used in the government health sector, health departments and hospital and primary health care settings to guide strategies to improve culturally respectful services.

Cultural Respect is defined as: “Recognition, protection and continued advancement of the inherent rights, cultures and traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.”

Domains that underpin culturally respectful service delivery

This framework outlines six domains that underpin culturally respectful health service delivery:

  1. Whole-of-organisation approach and commitment
  2. Communication
  3. Workforce development and training
  4. Consumer participation and engagement
  5. Stakeholder partnerships and collaboration
  6. Data, planning, research and evaluation