National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Suicide Prevention Strategy

By Rachel Fishlock, Chief Executive Officer, Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Australia

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities face unique challenges in the context of mental health and suicide, which are shaped by cultural, historical and systemic factors. These challenges require tailored approaches that are culturally-informed and sensitive.

In 2016, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Suicide Prevention Evaluation Project (ATSIPEP) was undertaken with the aim of providing clear direction on the work required to achieve a meaningful and sustained reduction in the rates of suicide and self-harm amongst Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

ATSISPEP continues to be the foundational evidence base for effective suicide and self-harm prevention strategies that are led by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. The foundational work of the ATSISPEP informed the 2013 National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Suicide Prevention Strategy.

Gayya Dhuwi is leading the redevelopment of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Suicide Prevention Strategy (NATSISPS), which is overseen by an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Governance Committee and Steering Committee. The consultation process for the strategy has included invitations for submissions against a discussion paper, hosting 13 roundtables with over 150 stakeholders, and inviting submissions against a draft strategy.

A thematic analysis was undertaken on the outputs of this consultation process. This analysis informs the development of the renewed NATSISPS, identifying six priorities built on those identified in ATSISPEP, which include:

• Leadership and self-determination
• Thriving communities
• Informed and supportive communities
• Culturally safe, accessible, targeted and coordinated care
• Responsive workforce; and
• Evidence and data.

The renewed NATSISPS is in the process of being finalised, with an implementation plan to be developed. It sets a path for all governments to work in genuine partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, organisations, and communities to reduce the rates of suicide and self-harm amongst Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples by driving culturally safe and responsive solutions.

The NATSISPS and the National Suicide Prevention Strategy share an overarching goal of reducing suicide rates, however their approaches and focuses differ.

The National Suicide Prevention Strategy provides a broad framework for all Australians, whereas the NATSISPS is specifically tailored towards Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, emphasising culturally responsive and community-led initiatives.

Gayaa Dhuwi has been working with the National Suicide Prevention Office to ensure alignment between the NATSISPS and the National Suicide Prevention Strategy, as they will be most effective if implemented alongside each other.

It is great to see the National Suicide Prevention Strategy seeks to emphasise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander concepts of social and emotional wellbeing as a key source of leadership and guidance for more holistic approaches to suicide prevention across the population, and describes approaches to cross-government accountability, lived experience leadership, evidence and evaluation and workforce intended to align with the goals of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Suicide Prevention Strategy. It also aligns with longstanding efforts to increase recognition of the importance of social and emotional wellbeing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, which is included as a target within the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.