Talks launched on disturbing report
The Federal Government will hold high-level roundtable discussions on Indigenous suicide in the Kimberley region.
The Kimberly region of Western Australia carries the dark mantle of having the world’s highest Indigenous suicide rates.
The Federal Government recently received a final report from the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Suicide Prevention Project, co-chaired by Indigenous leaders Pat Dudgeon and Tom Calma, which calls for a national suicide prevention policy drafted by the previous Labor government to be implemented as soon as possible.
Dr Calma wants the report released so that forward-looking discussions can start, telling reporters; “We need to look at this issue, we can't just drag the chain.”
The Kimberley Aboriginal Law and Culture Centre (KALACC) says it has received a letter from Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull promising to hold the roundtable talks, but no date has been set yet.
The issue was gained a renewed sense of urgency after the suicide of a 10-year-old Aboriginal girl in the remote community of Looma earlier this year.
If you or anyone you know needs help:
- Lifeline on 13 11 14
- Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800
- MensLine Australia on 1300 789 978
- Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467
- Beyond Blue on 1300 22 46 36
- Headspace on 1800 650 890