The Federal Government, in partnership with Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Australia, has launched the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Suicide Prevention Strategy 2025-2035.

The strategy aims to address the disproportionately high suicide rates among First Nations people through culturally informed, locally driven solutions.

Kungarakan man and Patron of Gayaa Dhuwi, Professor Tom Calma AO, emphasised the need for tailored approaches that reflect the specific challenges faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

"Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities face unique challenges in the context of mental health and suicide, shaped by cultural, historical, and systemic factors," he said.

"These challenges require tailored approaches that are culturally informed and sensitive."

Professor Calma also called for coordinated efforts from all levels of government to address the broader social and cultural determinants of health.

Gayaa Dhuwi chair, Professor Helen Milroy AM, highlighted the importance of ensuring culturally safe and accessible care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

"Our people deserve to live happy and long lives, enjoying high levels of social and emotional wellbeing and mental health," Professor Milroy said.

"The new strategy provides positive ways for government and community to work together, ensuring our people can get the support they need, where they need it."

The strategy will focus on addressing the staggering suicide statistics among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, whose suicide rate is more than double that of the broader community.

Almost 80 per cent of suicide deaths among First Nations peoples occur in individuals aged between 15 and 44, and tragically, 81 children aged between 5 and 17 years died by suicide last year.

Minister for Health and Aged Care, Mark Butler, described the situation as unacceptable, underscoring the importance of the strategy in reversing these trends.

"Tragically, suicide deaths amongst Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are worsening and lives continue to be cut short. This is unacceptable," Mr Butler said.

"There is no easy fix, but now thanks to the leadership of the First Nations community-controlled sector there is a 10-year roadmap to reverse this trend."

The government will invest $1.9 million for Gayaa Dhuwi to develop implementation plans, $20 million to NACCHO's Culture Care Connect program, and $9.2 million to establish the Kadadjiny Centre.

Additional funding includes $3.9 million for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Lived Experience Centre, $1.1 million to the NPY Women's Council, and $2.4 million to NACCHO for the Suicide Story program.

Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy, highlighted the need for partnership and community engagement to address these challenges.

"First Nations people are twice as likely to die by suicide than non-Indigenous Australians, and the devastating impact on their loved ones and communities is enormous and ongoing," Senator McCarthy said.

"This Strategy provides a clear framework to work in partnership through the National Agreement on Closing the Gap to reduce suicide rates."

Assistant Minister Ged Kearney reinforced the critical importance of collaboration and culturally informed care.

"There is no single straw that causes someone to commit suicide, it's a web of painful events," Assistant Minister Kearney said.

"Cutting rates of suicide means coordination across the many government, legal and community sectors that interact with people's lives."

Assistant Minister Emma McBride acknowledged the profound loss experienced by communities and families, stressing the role of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership in shaping effective solutions.

The strategy will provide a foundation for reducing suicide rates and delivering culturally appropriate mental health care across Australia.