Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Australia congratulates the Australian Labor Party on their success in securing a majority government in the 2025 Federal Election.  

As the national leadership body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander social and emotional wellbeing, mental health, and suicide prevention, Gayaa Dhuwi acknowledges Labor’s increased focus and proposed investments in mental health during the election campaign.  

This includes Labor’s broader package proposing the opening or upgrading of Medicare Mental Health Centres, expanding headspace services, establishing youth specialist care centres, and funding more than 1,200 training places for mental health professionals. 

While this investment is welcome, these mainstream approaches often fail to adequately address the distinct needs, cultural foundations, and self-determination aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.  

“The Albanese government must commit to achieving genuine health equity, honouring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander rights, and building a future where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, families, and communities thrive,” said Gayaa Dhuwi Chief Executive Officer, Ms Rachel Fishlock. 

The ongoing mental health and suicide crisis in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, reflected in the unacceptable reality that Target 14 of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap (reducing suicide towards zero) is worsening and not on track, demands more than incremental adjustments to existing systems.  

It requires systemic transformation grounded in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, knowledge, and leadership. Our concepts of social and emotional wellbeing – encompassing mental, physical, cultural, and spiritual health connected to Country, kinship, and community – must be central, not peripheral.  

Professor Tom Calma AO, who introduced the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, is calling for a change in the strategy. There is a lot more work to be done and Gayaa Dhuwi encourages the Albanese government to maintain its commitment to the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.  

“We can’t keep repeating ourselves – we need the government to fully embrace and implement the Priority Reforms within the National Agreement on Closing the Gap”, said Professor Helen Milroy AM, Chair of Gayaa Dhuwi. 

“More needs to be done if we’re ever going to close the mental health disparity gap”, she continued.

Gayaa Dhuwi is looking forward to working with the Albanese government in a productive manner as we continue our mission to achieve the highest attainable standard of mental health and suicide prevention outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.  

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Gayaa Dhuwi reminds the public and media outlets of the importance of responsible and culturally respectful reporting when it comes to issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. This includes adhering to the Good Yarn Guidelines and ensuring that crisis support services are promoted effectively.

24/7 crisis helpline services available to the community include:

• 13 YARN (139276) – a dedicated support line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
• Brother to Brother crisis line (1800 435 799) – providing support for men
• Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800) – for young people in need of support

For further information, and resources, or to access support services, please visit www.gayaadhuwi.org.au.

About Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Australia

Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Australia is the national peak body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander social and emotional wellbeing, mental health, and suicide prevention. As a community-controlled organisation, it is governed and controlled by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander experts and peak bodies, working to promote collective excellence in mental healthcare.

Media contact: Pamela Hutchinson, Senior Communications Officer, pamela.hutchinson@gayaadhuwi.org.au or 0418 460 642.