‘Enough is enough’: 121 Indigenous Victorians have died by suicide in the past five years
Summary
In Victoria, Australia, 121 Indigenous people died by suicide in the past five years, highlighting ongoing mental health challenges despite government recommendations focused on Aboriginal wellbeing and healing. Indigenous leaders say culturally appropriate healing centers have not yet been funded or established, and they call for more support tailored to their communities.Key Facts
- 121 Indigenous Victorians have died by suicide in the last five years.
- These deaths happened after a 2021 royal commission report on mental health, which recommended culturally focused solutions.
- The Victorian government accepted all 65 recommendations from the report but has not fully implemented those related to Indigenous people.
- Indigenous suicide rates are three times higher than the general population in Victoria.
- The Victorian Aboriginal Health Organisation (VACCHO) asked twice to fund cultural healing centers costing $36.2 million over four years, but these centers are not yet funded.
- Indigenous leaders say mainstream mental health services do not address the cultural trauma and needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
- The state’s treaty process for Indigenous rights is linked to efforts to reduce suicide, but political parties differ on treaty laws and Indigenous representation structures.
- The mental health minister supports treaty and Indigenous-led solutions, promising to advocate for healing center funding.
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