Why Cultural Safety Works: What the Research Says. It’s more than a buzzword — it’s a foundation for change.
Across workplaces, schools, health services and government departments, “cultural safety” is often mentioned in policies and strategies. But what does it actually mean? And more importantly — does it work?
At Buneen Group, we don’t just talk about cultural safety. We build it — through consulting, employment programs, and on-Country care for kids. And we’re not alone in recognising its power. Decades of research show that cultural safety is critical to improving outcomes for First Peoples.
Here’s what the evidence says — and why we use it at the heart of everything we do.
What Is Cultural Safety?
The concept was first introduced by Māori nurse and educator Irihapeti Ramsden in Aotearoa (New Zealand). Ramsden argued that true safety isn’t about ticking off a training session — it’s about how people feel when they’re receiving care, working in a team, or engaging with a service.
Cultural safety is defined by the person receiving the experience, not the person delivering it.
In Australia, cultural safety has been taken up by First Peoples educators and leaders like Professor Bronwyn Fredericks, Professor Juanita Sherwood, and Professor MaryAnn Bin-Sallik — all of whom argue that safety requires:
Cultural knowledge and respect
Power-sharing
Reflexivity (ongoing self-awareness of bias and privilege)
Systemic accountability
What the Research Says
Research from Australia and internationally shows cultural safety has real impact:
Improved health outcomes
Studies show culturally safe health services increase access, trust, and continuity of care — leading to earlier intervention and better outcomes. (Freeman et al., 2014; Durey & Thompson, 2012)
Increased workplace retention
The Diversity Council of Australia and Indigenous Employment Index both highlight that a lack of cultural safety is one of the top reasons Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff leave organisations.
Stronger relationships between systems and community
When cultural safety is embedded, communities report higher satisfaction, stronger relationships, and more willingness to engage with services, governments, and institutions.
Decreased racism and better leadership
Culturally safe organisations have clearer pathways to address interpersonal and systemic racism — leading to more confident leadership and inclusive practices across the board.
Why Cultural Awareness Training Isn’t Enough
Many workplaces start with cultural awareness training — and while that’s a useful first step, it doesn’t change systems.
Cultural safety is about creating structures, policies, leadership and everyday practices that support long-term change. It requires:
Ongoing reflection and learning
Empowering First Peoples voices at every level
Clear commitments from executive leadership
Accountability measures built into the system
What We Do at Buneen
At Buneen Group, we use the SAFE Method to embed cultural safety at every level of the system — from individual healing to organisational reform.
We:
Audit systems and structures using culturally grounded frameworks
Walk alongside boards, CEOs, and community to design sustainable change
Build long-term cultural safety into employment pathways, leadership development, and care services
Because when people feel culturally safe, they engage. They lead. They thrive.
Final Word
Cultural safety isn’t a box to tick — it’s a practice of respect, equity, and accountability. It works because it centres the experience of the people most impacted by systems — and gives them the power to help change those systems for good.
Want to learn how cultural safety could reshape your organisation or community?
