Better health and ageing for all Australians

Mental Health

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Suicide Prevention Advisory Group

Information about the new Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Suicide Prevention Advisory Group.

On 10 September 2011, Ministers Butler, Macklin and Snowdon announced the establishment of an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Suicide Prevention Advisory Group - see World suicide prevention day - bringing experts together to tackle suicide

The group is chaired by Tom Calma, former Social Justice Commissioner. Members of the group provide guidance in consultation with the Australian Suicide Prevention Advisory Council (ASPAC), on the development of the first national Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander specific suicide prevention strategy. Additionally, the group will provide strategic advice on priorities on the quarantined investment of $6m funding to be provided through the Taking Action to Tackle Suicide package. This will be targeted at Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander specific suicide prevention activity to ensure the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their communities are met.

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Suicide Prevention Advisory Group has had two meetings, in October and November 2011. The current membership of the group comprises:

  • Dr Tom Calma, Northern Territory (Chair)
  • Ms Adele Cox, Western Australia
  • Professor Ernest Hunter, Queensland
  • Mr Tom Brideson, New South Wales
  • Dr Noritta Morseu-Diop, Thursday Island
  • Dr Pat Dudgeon, Western Australia
  • Ms Mary Victor O'Reeri, Western Australia and
  • Mr Ashley Couzens, South Australia.