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AMA (WA) welcomes new suicide prevention projects but more funding required
Monday July 27, 2020
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander suicide prevention will receive a much-needed boost with $10 million recently announced State Government funding, but more needs to be done, the Australian Medical Association (WA) said.
The AMA (WA) has welcomed the $10 million investment into new Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander suicide prevention programs that include region-specific plans to address Aboriginal deaths by suicide and help communities save lives.
Reverting to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander led and locally endorsed initiatives that are culturally informed is of critical importance, AMA (WA) President Dr Andrew Miller said.
“The State Government’s suicide prevention projects must have community led solutions that focus on healing, restoration of culture and the need for a more collective and inclusive approach towards cultural healing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities,” Dr Miller said.
“We are pleased to see the McGowan Government commit to principles that reflects this.
“Unfortunately, suicide rates among Indigenous Australians are shockingly high and more needs to be done to reverse this terrible trend.
“Indigenous leadership, self-determination and control are some of the keys to reducing unacceptable rates of suicide in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
“We need to listen to those in the communities and be guided by them – black lives matter.”
Media enquiries: 0407 986 308 | media@amawa.com.au
