Avoid: Relying on a phone interpreter for a mental health interview

Instead: Book an on-site or video interpreter; Aboriginal Interpreting WA for Aboriginal languages.

Recheck by 27 Sep 2027

Source: Language Services Guidelines · No current cultural review recorded

Avoid: Assuming English is the person's first language

Instead: Ask which language they are most comfortable in.

Recheck by 25 Sep 2027

Source: Mental Health Act 2014 (WA): communication and cultural provisions (ss 6, 9, 50, 80, 81, 189 and Charter Principle 7) · No current cultural review recorded

Avoid: Deciding for the person who counts as family

Instead: Ask the person and family who should be involved.

Recheck by 26 Sep 2027

Source: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Strategy — Statement of intent (definition of cultural safety) · No current cultural review recorded

Avoid: Reading a cultural belief or practice as a sign of illness

Instead: Remember the Act: culture alone does not mean mental illness. Ask the Aboriginal mental health worker for context.

Recheck by 25 Sep 2027

Source: Mental Health Act 2014 (WA): communication and cultural provisions (ss 6, 9, 50, 80, 81, 189 and Charter Principle 7) · No current cultural review recorded

Avoid: Examining without offering an Aboriginal mental health worker

Instead: Offer one and involve them where practicable (s 81).

Recheck by 25 Sep 2027

Source: Mental Health Act 2014 (WA): communication and cultural provisions (ss 6, 9, 50, 80, 81, 189 and Charter Principle 7) · No current cultural review recorded

Avoid: Assuming you know what the person needs culturally

Instead: Ask. Cultural safety is decided by the person, their family and community.

Recheck by 26 Sep 2027

Source: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Strategy — Statement of intent (definition of cultural safety) · No current cultural review recorded