Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Australia welcomes the release of the first Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led Review of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.  

Prepared by the Jumbunna Institute for Indigenous Education and Research and informed by considerable community consultation, this Review marks the first time Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples have led a national assessment on how the National Agreement of Closing the Gap is being implemented.  

By putting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives, experiences, and solutions front and centre, the Review aims to drive more effective and culturally relevant outcomes under the National Agreement. 

“A significant gap remains between the commitments made in the National Agreement and the outcomes our communities face today,” said Ms Rachel Fishlock, Gayaa Dhuwi Chief Executive Officer. 

“This Review serves as a call to action, making it clear that for the National Agreement to succeed self-determination and shared decision-making must be the foundation of how the National Agreement is implemented and racism must be addressed.” 

“The ongoing experience of loss and grief, as well as ongoing racism experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples have a significant impact on the social and emotional wellbeing and mental health of our mob,” said Professor Helen Milroy AM, Chair of Gayaa Dhuwi.  

“We need to address this head on if we’re going to make progress on the targets within the National Agreement – particularly target 14, seeing a significant and sustained reduction in suicide of our people towards zero.”  

The Review affirms that the National Agreement and its four Priority Reforms remain the right roadmap to change the way governments work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and organisations. This requires sustained cultural and structural change across all levels of government. It also echoes the findings of the Productivity Commission’s review of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, released in early 2024.  

“When governments show up, change happens,” said Mr Scott Wilson, Acting Lead Convenor of the Coalition of Peaks.  

“This Review shows that our communities are leading the way – but we can’t do it alone. Governments – Commonwealth, state, territory and local government – need to step up, honour the partnership, and share power if they are serious about closing the gap.” 

Gayaa Dhuwi joins the Coalition of Peaks in calling for action, as we continue working towards our goal of achieving the highest attainable standard of social and emotional wellbeing, mental health, and suicide prevention outcomes for our people. 

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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 health care.  

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