The Federal Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Nigel Scullion has announced $1 million in funding for a critical response project to co-ordinate first-response services and ensure that essential support is provided to individuals, families and local communities dealing with First Nations suicide.
The unacceptably high rate of among Aborigines and the alarming frequency of multiple suicides in the same extended family has prompted the Turnbull government to trial a “critical response” in where there is the greatest need – in Western Australia.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are nearly twice more likely than other Australians to contemplate taking their own lives — with the rate being even higher for young First Nations men.
The program will also develop and trial new models of care to build resilience in communities as well as the rollout of mental health first-aid training says Mr Scullion.
Image: Federal Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Nigel Scullion