The Tribunal is undertaking a three-year program to strengthen cultural safety for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in hearings, with support from the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS) and the Independent Mental Health Advocacy (IMHA) First Nations team.
The program supports implementation of key elements of Recommendation 78 of the Yoorrook Justice Commission. Its focus includes improving access to First Peoples-led support, strengthening the Tribunal's ability to receive and consider cultural information, and developing hearing processes that better meet the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
In 2026, the Tribunal is focusing on strengthening case management processes to build organisational capability to support more culturally safe hearings. Two key initiatives commenced in May 2026:
- early identification of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to support enhanced case management processes, and
- proactive notification to health services to help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people access support from VALS, IMHA and Aboriginal Liaison Officers.
In the second half of 2026, the Tribunal will work with VALS and other stakeholders to design a pilot specialised hearing approach for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The pilot will explore case management, hearing processes and evaluation methods. Findings from the pilot, to be undertaken in 2027, will inform future improvements to Tribunal processes.
These initiatives reflect the Tribunal’s commitment to providing culturally safe, accessible and responsive services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.