The Albanese Government, alongside the National Suicide Prevention Office, has launched the National Suicide Prevention Strategy 2025-2035 an initiative that claims to set a new direction for preventing suicide in Australia. But the real question is: will this actually change anything, or is it just more political rhetoric?
For years, we’ve heard promises of action, yet suicide rates remain devastatingly high, especially in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. The strategy acknowledges that nine people take their own lives every day in Australia, with more than 150 suicide attempts daily, yet governments continue to approach the crisis with reports, strategies, and media statements instead of tangible, immediate action.
One of the supposed cornerstones of this strategy is the Culture Care Connect program, led by NACCHO Aboriginal Health Australia, which focuses on culturally safe suicide prevention planning. It is also designed to align with the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Suicide Prevention Strategy by Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit). While this recognition is essential, the reality is that Aboriginal suicide rates have continued to rise despite decades of so-called investment in Indigenous-led solutions. If this strategy is just another announcement without real, on-the-ground changes, it won’t mean much to the communities who are losing loved ones at an alarming rate.
The Grim Reality - Words Are Not Enough
Every day in Australia:
Nine lives lost to suicide
More than 150 attempts to take their own life
Over 3,000 lives lost each year
The effects of suicide are catastrophic, and yet successive governments’ both Labor and Liberal, have continued to let down the most vulnerable by failing to fund real, accessible crisis support. This new strategy promises a compassionate, evidence-based suicide prevention system, but without serious structural change, how is this different from all the previous strategies that have failed?
Show Us the Action - Not Just More Announcements
The Albanese Government is throwing $69 million into the National Suicide Prevention Leadership and Support Program (NSPLSP), but how much of this will actually reach the frontlines where it’s needed most? Bureaucratic funding models have historically failed to deliver resources directly to those who need them, with red tape often preventing real progress.
Similarly, the $16.6 million allocated to First Nations suicide prevention programs last year sounds good in a press release, but we have yet to see measurable improvements in outcomes. Where is the accountability for past funding failures? How much of this will go towards actual crisis intervention instead of research reports and administrative costs?
A New Approach Or Just a Rebranding of the Old One?
Minister Butler says:
Over the last two decades, on average, nine lives have been tragically lost to suicide every day. It is clear we need a new approach to how we prevent suicide as a nation.
We’ve heard this before. Every time a new government takes office, they repackage the same promises, launch another “new approach, and make grand statements about working together to prevent suicide. Meanwhile, communities continue to suffer while waiting for real change.
Yes, states and territories have endorsed this strategy but what does that actually mean? Until we see real, measurable improvements, including better access to mental health services, crisis intervention programs, and culturally competent care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, this is just another political announcement.
If You Need Help, Don’t Wait for Government Action
If you or someone you know is struggling, support is available now.
Call 13YARN on 13 92 76 (24/7) to speak with a trained Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporter.
Until governments start delivering real action instead of more reports and strategies, it’s up to communities to support each other. Let’s keep the pressure on to ensure this doesn’t become just another empty promise.
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