Oral Presentation (max 25mins) The National Suicide Prevention Conference 2024

The suicide rate among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults is double that of other Australians, and among children is four times as high.

Indigenous suicides have been linked to lasting impacts of colonisation, intergenerational trauma, grief, loss and social and economic disadvantage at individual, family and community levels. Strong cultural connections promote social and emotional wellbeing and protect against Indigenous suicide. At times of intense distress, culturally responsive services are therefore particularly important.

After a suicide, families must immediately contact State or Territory’s Coroners’ Courts, which determine the cause of death and release the body for a funeral. This may cause distress and increase risk factors for self-harm or suicide if the courts do not provide cultural safety.

A 2023 research project examined coronial processes and services that respond to the sudden passing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to describe best practice for Coroners’ Courts in investigating possible Indigenous suicides and supporting Indigenous families. The research outcomes are intended to contribute to Closing The Gap Target 14: Significant and sustained reduction in suicide of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people towards zero.

The researchers considered:

• How Coroners confirm the cultural background of people who die suddenly, and/or determine whether an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person intended to take their life.
• The information and other practical needs of Indigenous families after a sudden passing, and how Coroners’ Courts can deliver this in a culturally responsive manner.
• Appropriate models for Coroners’ Courts to work with Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander families and communities in a culturally secure manner, including through the creation of Indigenous-identified liaison roles.

The research comprised:

• A review of academic, “grey” and community literature
• Interviews with coroners, their staff, government statistical agencies and others with occupational or community roles in Indigenous suicide prevention.
• A workshop with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who have been bereaved by suicide.

This presentation will outline the research processes, findings and recommendations, with particular emphasis on the approach to lived experience inclusion (“Collective Courage”) and to harnessing the results to promote reform in coronial systems (“Accelerate Impact”).