Table 1 Policy Framework review

NT Health Aboriginal Cultural Security Framework 2016-2026

[23]

Accessible and effective health care systems for Aboriginal people based on the right of Aboriginal self-determination and access to health care.

Key points: Improve retention, provide support and training to achieve career and life goals. Consider ways to build, strengthen and reward local workforce in remote areas.  Training to increase awareness of Aboriginal cultures. Values skilled and culturally reflective workforce and has a focus to develop the Aboriginal workforce.

NT Aboriginal Health Plan 2021-2031

[44]

Includes goal to strengthen the health workforce

Key points: Action, reflection, action, learning.

Key principles; cultural respect, community control, ethical practice, health equity and accessibility

National Agreement on Closing the Gap

[10]

To overcome inequality faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples so that life outcomes are equal.

Key points: Shared decision making; building community-controlled sector; transforming government organisations, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led data

National Health and Medical Research Council. Ethical conduct in research with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and communities: Guidelines for researchers and stakeholders

[45]

To provide a set of principles to ensure research is safe, respectful, responsible, high quality, and of benefit to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and communities

Key principles: cultural continuity, equity, reciprocity, respect, responsibility and spirit and integrity

National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workforce Strategic Framework and Implementation Plan 2021–2031

[27]

Increase Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workforce. Strengthen the health system including improving the attraction, retention, and career development of Aboriginal health staff

Key points: access to continuity of education, racism causing a crippling impact on education, workforce recruitment and retention. Needs to improve and strengthen cultural safety within education and training and across health workforce. Key principles: centrality of culture, leadership and accountability, partnership, health system effectiveness and evidence of data.

NATSIHWA Cultural Safety Framework National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers Association

[24]

Increase the capacity within the healthcare system to deliver culturally safe and responsive health and well-being services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

Key points: Critical to increase the understanding of the role and value of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers across the health system.

Key principles: Aboriginal self-determination, social and restorative justice, equity, negotiated partnership, transparency, reciprocity, accountability, sustainability, political bipartisanship, cultural contextuality

(AHPRA) National Scheme's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health and Cultural Safety Strategy 2020–2025

[22]

Eliminate racism from the health system and to have a culturally safe health workforce through nationally consistent standards, codes, and guidelines across all practitioner groups.

Key points: To ensure culturally safe and respectful practice one must acknowledge colonisation, systemic racism, social, cultural, behavioural and economic factors which impact health; address individual racism, their own biases, assumptions, stereotypes and prejudices, recognise the importance of self-determined decision-making, partnership and collaboration, foster a safe working environment through leadership to support the rights and dignity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and colleagues

National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Plan 2013-2023

[26]

Aims to have a health system free of racism and inequality and all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples have access to health services that are effective, high quality, appropriate and affordable. Implement cultural safety and quality of care across the entire health system.

Key points: recruitment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples in the health workforce, retention in rural and remote and culturally competent workforce.  Development of health workforce.

Key principles: Health equality and a human rights approach; community control; partnership; accountability.

National Aboriginal Community Control Health Organisation, Creating the NACCHO Cultural Safety Standards and Assessment Process

[28]

Creating an environment of cultural safety in health services to ensure responsive and culturally appropriate care

Key points: Cultural differences are respected. Including the right to achieve equitable health outcomes. The Framework emphasises knowledge and awareness, skilled practice and behaviour, strong relationships between Aboriginal people and communities, and the health agencies providing services to them, including Aboriginal staff.

Cultural safety in health care for Indigenous Australians: monitoring framework

[25]

Health system that respects Indigenous cultural values, strengths, and differences, and addresses racism and inequity

Key point: The Indigenous workforce is integral to ensuring that the health system addresses the health needs of Indigenous Australians in a culturally safe and sensitive way

United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

[46]

The Declaration is a comprehensive statement addressing the human rights of Indigenous Peoples to live in dignity, to maintain and strengthen their own cultures and traditions and to pursue their self-determined development.

Key principles: justice, democracy, respect for human rights, non-discrimination, and good faith.