Aboriginal Cultural Rights and School Bus Travel
The Victorian Charter of Human Rights section 19(2) explains Aboriginal cultural rights here, https://www.humanrights.vic.gov.au/resources/aboriginal-cultural-rights/
This says Aboriginal people hold distinct cultural rights and must not be denied the right to:
- enjoy their identity and culture;
- maintain and use their language;
- maintain their kinship ties; and
- maintain their distinctive spiritual, material and economic relationship with the land and waters and other resources with which they have a connection under traditional laws and customs.
None of this creates any issues with transport on a school bus. Children are welcome to enjoy their identity, culture and language while complying with safe travel requirements.
A Guide on Cultural Safety and Child Safe Standard 1
BusVic's Social Strategies Committee Cultural Awareness Working Group has produced ‘A Guide on Cultural Safety and Child Safe Standard 1’. The Committee presents this ‘for operators by operators’ resource guide to complement BusVic’s existing Child Safe Standard 1 resources in section 2.14 of the MIS.
The purpose of this resource is to provide operators, bus drivers and supervisors a top line overview of Child Safe Standard 1 and information and tools available, and the role and responsibilities of operators in developing cultural awareness and safety.
It has been developed to provide an operator perspective on the Victorian Government’s Child Safe Standard 1 supporting Victorian Aboriginal children and the bigger picture on the purpose and role we all have in creating culturally safe transport for the community.
