Cultural awareness and cultural safety training

Page last updated 20 July 2026

Introduction to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Awareness

The Introduction to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural awareness in general practice activity aims to improve the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples by enhancing the cultural awareness of GPs. This online module was developed as an alternative pathway to increase access to cultural awareness training.

This 6.5-hour CPD Activity aims to help participants to: extend their knowledge about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history and culture, explore how attitudes and values can influence perceptions, assumptions and behaviours in a clinical setting, and discuss key ways the practice team can be more culturally aware. Upon completion of the course, RACGP Members will be automatically allocated the following CPD Hours:

You can also gain 0.5 hours for reviewing performance for completing an optional reflective activity that follows the core modules. 

RACGP Member Access here

Frequently asked questions

I'm not a GP, is this course suitable for me?

This course was designed to improve the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples by enhancing the cultural awareness of GPs.

The RACGP are looking to develop a tailored version of this course to cater to general practice staff, medical students, primary health care professionals, and other healthcare providers however, we welcome you to enrol in the current course as it continues to offer valuable insights and knowledge.

Why can Practice staff no longer access this for free?

The RACGP was pleased to be able to offer the module at no charge for non-members for four years as a CPD activity (non-accredited). The module has been upgraded, and now offers an improved learning experience and greater interactivity for users. The activity is a CPD Approved Activity for our GP members.

Why are you now charging a fee for non-members to access this module?

The upgrading of the module has cost the RACGP a significant amount of money and the price point is indicative of the quality of the activity. Most cultural awareness training costs upwards of $350, so we believe we are offering a competitive product in the market – a six hour module at $179. As this module is a CPD Approved Activity, it can be undertaken by a GP and other practice staff in order to qualify for the Federal Government’s Practice Incentive Payment Indigenous Health Incentive (PIP IHI). More information about the PIP IHI.

I have always encouraged my medical students to undertake this module – can they still participate?

Medical students can join the RACGP for free and access activities on gplearning at no cost.

Cultural awareness and cultural safety training criteria

For more information on how the culturally safe practice program-level requirement (CSP-PLR) differs from cultural awareness training (CAT) and cultural safety education/training (CET/CST), refer to Differences across culturally safe practice program-level requirement (CSP-PLR) and its differences with cultural awareness training (CAT) and cultural safety education/training (CET/CST).