The latest Closing the Gap report release by the Productivity Commission has revealed suicide rates among First Nations people continue to rise, highlighting the urgent need for culturally appropriate, Aboriginal-led suicide prevention initiatives.
The report shows that instead of progress, we are seeing worsening distress in First Nations communities, with suicide remaining one of the leading causes of death for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The data also reveals troubling increases in incarceration rates (particularly among young people) and rising numbers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children being removed from their families.
These trends are deeply interconnected. Research shows that incarceration, especially juvenile detention, significantly increases the risk of suicide, as does the forced removal of children from their families and communities. The current system is failing to break these cycles, and without urgent action, lives will continue to be lost.
In 2023, the suicide rate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people was 30.8 deaths per 100,000 people across several states and territories (NSW, VIC, QLD, WA, SA, and NT). This is the highest recorded rate since tracking began in 2018, showing the urgent need for stronger action and community-led solutions. Rates of suicide for Aboriginal and Torres Strait men is 2.6 times that of non-Aboriginal men.
Suicide Prevention Australia CEO, Nieves Murray, said governments must shift their approach and invest in First Nations-led solutions to address this crisis.
“The findings of this year’s Closing the Gap report are deeply shocking and heartbreaking. The gap is widening.
“The rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to self-determination, justice and autonomy should underpin everything we do in suicide prevention.
“We cannot apply Western approaches to suicide prevention and expect different results. The evidence is clear — Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities must be empowered and resourced to lead their own programs, using culturally informed models like Social and Emotional Wellbeing (SEWB) frameworks.
“There must be a commitment to genuine partnership — this means governments must not only fund Aboriginal-led organisations adequately but also listen to their expertise.
“Our strategies to tackle Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander suicide should combine whole-of-population approaches with targeted programs and services led by, and tailored to the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, such as those that strengthen cultural identity and belonging.
“The Closing the Gap report shows us where we are failing. Now, we must act,” said Ms Murray.
To get help 24/7, phone Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467. If you or someone you know are in immediate danger, phone 000 for emergency services.
Help to report about suicide safely is available online: Go to https://mindframe.org.au/
Media enquiries:
Amelia Hew 0410 591 134 or ameliah@suicidepreventionaust.org
About Suicide Prevention Australia
Suicide Prevention Australia is the national peak body and we’ve been providing support for Australia’s suicide prevention sector for more than 30 years. We support and advocate for our members to drive continual improvement in suicide prevention policy, programs and services. Our reach is broad, including member organisations, governments, businesses, researchers, practitioners and those with lived experience. We are focused on an integrated approach to suicide prevention encompassing mental health, social, economic and community factors. We believe that through collaborative effort and shared purpose, we can achieve our vision of a world without suicide.
