This paper aims to facilitate a re-imagining of how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ cultures, identities and histories are reflected and understood in Australian classrooms. The ultimate goal is to improve how Australian education systems embrace the development of a culturally competent teaching workforce and culturally safe environments for Indigenous learners.

The responses received from the online submission process, combined with national consultation, will inform key findings and recommendations to be presented and discussed at a National Dialogue in 2021.

The paper encourages responses to four broad areas of discussion:

1. What does a culturally competent teaching workforce (including teachers, school leaders and schools) look like?
2. What does a teacher/school leader need to be culturally competent?  What will it take?
3. What does cultural safety look like in schools?
4. What might be some of the challenges or barriers we face in developing a culturally competent teaching workforce?