Aboriginal Suicide Prevention Review Research Project
Funding: NSW Ombudsman
Dates: 2021-24
Background:
Suicide is a leading cause of early death among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia, with young people particularly affected. In New South Wales (NSW), Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people aged 0-17 have consistently experienced disproportionately higher rates of suicide compared to their non-Indigenous peers (NSW Ombudsman, 2023). Despite ongoing efforts, there remains a critical need to better understand the factors contributing to youth suicide and to develop culturally responsive, evidence-based prevention strategies.
This research was undertaken by First Nations researchers and advisors to provide an in-depth analysis of Aboriginal youth suicide in NSW and identify priority areas for action. Given the complexity of the issue, the study aimed to explore suicidality across multiple domains – including individual, family, community, service, and policy levels – to inform systemic reforms and improve suicide prevention efforts.
What we did:
The study examined NSW Child Death Review case data on 43 suicides of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people over a 10-year period (2011-2020). In addition, a comprehensive review of existing literature was conducted alongside qualitative data collection through consultation workshops held in five metropolitan and regional locations across NSW.
Findings confirmed that suicidality occurs along a continuum, ranging from ideation and threats to suicide attempts and deaths. Multiple interconnected factors contribute to the increased risk of suicide among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people, spanning individual, family, community, and systemic levels. A key challenge identified was the inadequacy of existing service models, with issues related to availability, access, referral pathways, and workforce capacity. The research highlighted an urgent need for culturally responsive and safe care, which was consistently identified as lacking across the service continuum.
The study underscores the need for widespread systemic reform, including stronger legislative and policy frameworks specific to Aboriginal youth, increased funding for culturally safe services, workforce development, and targeted action to address the broader social and cultural determinants of health. Addressing these challenges requires long-term, community-led strategies that prioritise cultural expertise and Indigenous self determination in suicide prevention efforts.
Final report: Clapham, K., M. Longbottom, C. Thomas and M. Masso (2025). Aboriginal Youth Suicide: A Report to the NSW Child Death Review Team, Ngarruwan Ngadju First Peoples Health and Wellbeing Research Centre, University of Wollongong.