Oral Presentation National Suicide Prevention Conference 2026

Embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge at a national level (131213)

Rachel Fishlock 1 , Michael Cook 2
  1. Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Australia, Turner, ACT, Australia
  2. National Suicide Prevention Office, Canberra, ACT, Australia

Background

The development of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Suicide Prevention Strategy (NATSISPS), and the National Suicide Prevention Strategy (NSPS), has been undertaken in partnership between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership in suicide prevention, and the federal government. Walking together, the process undertaken to develop these Strategies demonstrates best practice ways of working in suicide prevention with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

 

The NATSISPS provides the way forward in suicide prevention for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. It embeds our concepts, centres Aboriginal and Torres Strait leadership, and it ensure that suicide prevention responses are grounded in culture, community, and healing.

 

The NSPS provides the broader system architecture, creating a coordinated national approach across all governments, all sectors, and the wider population. It provides the scaffolding for how suicide prevention is organized and funded across the country.

 

Both strategies were designed to be integrated and mutually reinforcing. One without the other cannot succeed. This highlights the ‘best of both worlds’ approach that underpins the attainment of the highest possible standard of suicide prevention care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

 

Objectives

This session aims to:

  • Outline the core components of the NATSISPS and the NSPS and their relationship to each other.
  • Explain how the Outcomes Framework acts as the mechanism to help bring the two Strategies together.
  • Identify key elements of the process undertaken when developing both strategies that have fostered a united and productive partnership between a community controlled peak body, and a government entity.

 

Outcomes

Attendees at this session will leave with a deeper understanding of:

  • the NATSISPS and the NSPS
  • why and how the NATSISPS and the NSPS must be implemented side by side
  • the Outcomes Framework, and how it functions to bind strategy with practice
  • the key enablers to working in united partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, communities, and organisations.

 

This presentation has implications for policy makers, government representatives, community organisations, and practitioners working in suicide prevention. Integrated approaches and united partnerships, grounded in cultural governance, leadership, and genuine partnership, are critical to reducing suicides towards zero for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.