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Tips for Careworkers:
First Australians – Communication
What it is: Appropriate care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples includes talking with them in a culturally sensitive way. It also includes cultural safety. This is about recognising, respecting, and nurturing their cultural identity.
Culturally appropriate care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples:
- has people and their needs at the centre
- includes the context of their family, community, and culture.
Why it matters: Life-limiting conditions such as advanced heart, kidney, and lung disease, and dementia are more common among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, often reflecting broader health inequities. Meaningful conversation with the person and their family is central to culturally responsive care.
What I need to know: For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, ‘family’ members may not be related by blood but through traditional kinship or cultural groupings.
To build good relationships, introduce yourself and begin with a relaxed conversation. This is sometimes known as ‘having a yarn’.
Acceptable terms to describe Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are Aboriginal person, Torres Strait Islander person, and First Australian.
Note
Post-death practices or requirements will differ across communities. Only certain people can touch or move a dead body.
Do
Ask the person if they want to hear information about their care; or whether they prefer you to talk to family members instead.
Do
Ask who has the right to make decisions on behalf of the person; this may not be the ‘next-of-kin’.
Do
You might like to ask:
- ‘Are there cultural or spiritual practices that affect the way you wish to be cared for?’
- ‘Are there other people we should include in talks about your care?’
Do
Tips for talking together:
- don’t talk too fast or be too direct
- some people avoid eye contact; this doesn’t mean they aren’t listening
- listen, ask questions rather than giving answers
- avoid questions requiring a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer.
My reflections:
When I first meet with an older Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person, what might I want to understand from them to deliver culturally safe care?
Do we have an Aboriginal Health Worker that can support staff and clients in delivering culturally safe care? How do I contact them?
See related palliAGED Practice Tip Sheets:
For references and the latest version of all the Tip Sheets visit
Practice Tip sheets for careworkers
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Updated April 2026
Page updated 22 July 2026
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