Gayaa Dhuwi calls for structural and system reform, and genuine partnership following findings of Auditor General’s Report
Recent national findings on mental health and suicide prevention must mark a turning point in the way governments work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
Together, the findings of the Productivity Commission Review of the National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement and the Australian National Audit Office’s Audit of Suicide Prevention Policy Development and Monitoring confirm commitments alone are not enough. Without structural and system reform, and genuine accountability, outcomes will not change.
Rachel Fishlock, Chief Executive Officer of Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Australia, said the findings presents a critical opportunity for governments to reflect, reset and move beyond business as usual.
“We have mechanisms that are intended to support partnership and shared decision-making, but too often the conditions required for those mechanisms to work effectively are not in place.
“If Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are not provided with the right governance architecture, the right processes, the right information, and the time and space to give genuine input, then shared decision-making is not able to occur.
“That creates a situation where commitments exist in principle, but cannot be operationalised in practice.”
The findings of the Auditor General’s Report on the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Suicide Prevention Strategy show a process that was not properly set up to enable Gayaa Dhuwi to perform its role effectively. The Auditor General found the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing (Department) did not establish clear roles for all parties involved in developing and approving the Strategy, which affected its ability to effectively advise government and contributed to delays. The report also found that between 2021 and 2024, Gayaa Dhuwi sought advice from the Department on the process for finalising the Strategy, but either did not receive advice, received inconsistent advice, or received advice that was not aligned with the commitment to work in partnership.
Furthermore, the findings on the Social and Emotional Wellbeing Policy Partnership are similarly significant. The Auditor General found the Department had not put in place governance and funding arrangements consistent with strong partnership and shared decision-making, and had not effectively ensured the Policy Partnership was a genuine partner in suicide prevention policy development. The report also found the Policy Partnership had largely operated as an information-sharing forum, limiting its ability to influence policy and make joint recommendations.
These findings align with Gayaa Dhuwi’s position paper, A System-Wide Approach to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social and Emotional Wellbeing, Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, which makes clear that reform continues to be endorsed in principle, but not delivered in practice.
What is required now is structural reform to change the policy, funding and governance settings that continue to constrain Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership, alongside system reform and accountability across mental health and suicide prevention systems. That includes ensuring systems are culturally safe, responsive, transparent and capable of working in genuine partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
Professor Helen Milroy AM, Chair of Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Australia, said this is a pivotal moment.
“We are at a crossroads of opportunity,” Professor Milroy said.
“The evidence is there and the need for change is clear. What matters now is whether governments are prepared to work differently, centre culture and healing, and create the conditions for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to genuinely shape the reforms that affect our lives.”
Gayaa Dhuwi is calling on governments to use this moment to strengthen shared decision-making, reform partnership processes, implement the Priority Reforms of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap with integrity, to ensure the next phase of national reform delivers lasting change in social and emotional wellbeing, mental health and suicide prevention for our people.
ENDS
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 Contacts:
Ben Signor
Ph. 0448 627 820; communications@gayaadhuwi.org.au
www.gayaadhuwi.org.au