New report: Coronial Responses to Suicides of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People

The Centre of Best Practice in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Suicide Prevention (CBPATSISP) has released a new report examining coronial responses to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and communities that have experienced a suicide death.

After a suicide death, the interactions between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and state or territory coroner courts can cause additional distress in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and increase risk factors for self-harm and suicide if the interactions are not culturally safe and considered.

The research report titled Coronial Responses to Suicide of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People examined the current cultural capacity and safety of coroners, court staff and Australian coronial processes to respond to and support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

The research project was funded by the National Suicide Prevention Office, with the research protocol, data collection and analysis, and recommendations led by CBPATSISP.

CBPATSISP used three key methods to collect data on the experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with the coronial system, and researchers conducted an international review of academic and community-based ‘grey’ literature. A national workshop was also conducted to capture the experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who have experienced the loss of a loved one to suicide. Thirdly, researchers completed semi-structured interviews with coroners, coronial staff, government staff, and community stakeholders.

The report includes findings from the research and directions for reform across several key areas, including:

• Improving the knowledge and understanding of coroners and associated staff across jurisdictions to respond to and support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in culturally sensitive ways.
• Provision of culturally sensitive documentation and information to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people explaining the coronial process.
• Accountability to ensure the recommendations of the research are applied to policy, programs and investment.
• Creation of culturally identified roles within coroners’ courts.
• Improved identification of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the coronial system.

These recommendations are expanded into eight key directions for change that could improve the experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in contact with the coronial system and enhance understanding of Indigenous suicide to inform prevention and include:

1. Cultural understanding and respect
2. Recognising kinship structures
3. Communication and information
4. Financial support for Indigenous families through the coronial process
5. Identification of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander status
6. Coronial findings: accountability and suicide prevention opportunities
7. Developing and resourcing improved coronial responses to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander after a passing
8. Truth-telling, restorative justice, reconciliation.

In a statement released by CBPATSISP, Professor Pat Dudgeon AM, Director says, “It is time for all jurisdictions to acknowledge that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander suicide is a crisis and respond accordingly by investing in solutions proposed in our report.”

CBPATSISP hopes that the findings and recommendations featured in the report will guide future change and improve outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and communities.