1. Why are Aboriginal people prone to alcohol and substance abuse?
2. Why do Aboriginal people always have a criminal record?
3. Why do Aboriginal people get given everything but us Australians work for everything?
4. Why don’t Aboriginal people take an interest in their own health?
5. Why aren’t Aboriginal people interested in being successful in life?
6. I’m not racist, I treat everyone the same

Cultural safety is about creating an environment that is safe for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. This means there is no assault, challenge or denial of their identity and experience.

Cultural safety is about:

• Shared respect, shared meaning and shared knowledge
• The experience of learning together with dignity and truly listening
• Strategic and institutional reform to remove barriers to the optimal health, wellbeing and safety of Aboriginal people. This includes addressing unconscious bias, racism and discrimination, and supporting Aboriginal self-determination
• Individuals, organisations and systems ensuring their cultural values do not negatively impact on Aboriginal peoples, including addressing the potential for unconscious bias, racism and discrimination
• Individuals, organisations and systems ensuring self-determination for Aboriginal people. This includes sharing power (decision-making and governance) and resources with Aboriginal communities. It’s especially relevant for the design, delivery and evaluation of services for Aboriginal people.