Communication A Human Right

Communication is a human right

Rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are the sovereign custodians of Australia. They have cared for the lands and waters for thousands of years, upholding rich cultural traditions and communicating in hundreds of languages.

Colonisation in Australia has had lasting and ongoing impacts on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, disrupting culture, language, health and wellbeing over many generations. Australia has a moral obligation to reconcile the injustices done through colonisation, and must walk this journey in allyship with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

The Communication Hub shares the vision of Reconciliation Australia.

An Australia that recognises and values Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, languages, ways of healing and connection to lands, seas and waters.

Bronte

Wakka Wakka woman and speech pathologist

‘I think First Nations peoples don’t often get heard. We communicate, but we’re not understood.’

The right to culturally safe supports and services

Communication is always more than words. Communication is shaped by culture, language, identity, and shared meaning.

The Communication Hub promotes communication supports and services that are culturally safe and informed by the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Being an ally starts with deep listening and respect for the experiences, cultural wisdom, and perspectives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

There is great diversity within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples' languages, identity and culture across Australia. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have a sovereign right to communicate in ways that reflect their identity, culture and language.

Meaningful action towards reconciliation

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have a right to access culturally safe services that affirm identify, align with preferences, and meet individual needs.

Unfortunately Australia’s mainstream service system still has a long way to go in becoming truly inclusive and one which is culturally responsive and safe.

Advocacy for policy and legislative change must continue at all levels to address this ongoing problem.

Everyone has a responsibility for bringing reconciliation and cultural safety to the forefront of decision making and service delivery.

Services can begin their Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) journey, and take meaningful action towards advancing reconciliation. There are also practical ways that services and individuals can commit to being culturally safe immediately. 

Tania

Mother of Lisa, a young Bunjalung woman who does not use speaking

‘It's important for Lisa to be able to communicate and be understood because it means that it's her voice that gets heard. We need to make sure that Lisa does get a communication system that works.’

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