PM’s advisor Christine Morgan on tackling Australia’s rising suicide rates
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On this episode, the PM's national suicide prevention advisor speaks with Michelle Grattan on what we know so far about suicide rates, and what needs more clarity.
Following the deaths of an alarming number Indigenous young people earlier this year, Australian leaders were urged to declare a ‘national crisis’.
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Policies aimed at reducing youth suicide will fail if they don’t acknowledge the cumulative effects of history, associated intergenerational trauma and ongoing violence towards Indigenous Australians.
Over the past five years, one in every four children who died by suicide in Australia was Indigenous.
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Poverty and social exclusion play a big role in Indigenous child suicide. The causes are complex but we know enough to act now to reduce the number of deaths in our communities.
The Minderoo Foundation’s video was a heavy-handed illustration of problems in some WA communities.
Screenshot/Minderoo Foundation
The trial of the cashless welfare card, to control unhealthy spending in Indigenous communities, is being expanded partly due to emotive well-funded campaigns. Meanwhile, evidence is being ignored.
There are many factors contributing to Indigenous suicide, occurring in a wide variety of contexts.
Dean Lewins/AAP
A new report recognises that no two Indigenous suicides are identical, then skilfully identifies common themes for informing responses that have the potential to save lives.
Unfortunately this is a story experienced by many Indigenous populations.
AAP/Mick Tsikas
Professor, The Centre of Best Practice in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Suicide Prevention, the Poche Centre for Indigenous Health, The University of Western Australia
