While Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Australia welcomes the 2025-2026 Federal Budget, it is disappointed to see that it didn’t include a sustained commitment to social and emotional wellbeing, mental health, and suicide prevention across Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.  

As reflected in the Productivity Commission’s review of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, the Australian Government needs to better engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and ensure adequate resourcing for the implementation of the Agreement and its outcomes. 

Gayaa Dhuwi advocates for every federal budget to have specific funding for social and emotional wellbeing, mental health, and suicide prevention for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.   

“There should never be a budget without consideration of mental health funding,” said Professor Helen Milroy AM, Chair of Gayaa Dhuwi.  

“Consistent and sustainable funding of Australia’s mental health system is vital for achieving the highest attainable standards of social and emotional wellbeing, mental health, and suicide prevention outcomes for our people”, she continued.  

Gayaa Dhuwi calls for the Australian Government to show its commitment to improving access to mental health services for all Australians, something sorely missing from this year’s budget.  

Gayaa Dhuwi stands with members of the mental health and suicide prevention sector in acknowledging that Australians are currently facing enormous pressures on our collective mental health and wellbeing, and the Australian Government is not doing enough to improve access to mental health supports.  

“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples should have every opportunity to live happy and fulfilling lives. Instead, too many of our families are struggling with mental ill health, feeling the continued grief and trauma associated with colonisation,” said Gayaa Dhuwi Chief Executive Officer, Ms Rachel Fishlock.  

“It is a public health crisis that must be addressed by the Australian Government”, she continued.  

---

Gayaa Dhuwi reminds the public and media outlets of the importance of responsible and culturally respectful reporting when it comes to issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. This includes adhering to the Good Yarn Guidelines and ensuring that crisis support services are promoted effectively.

24/7 crisis helpline services available to the community include:

• 13 YARN (139276) – a dedicated support line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
• Brother to Brother crisis line (1800 435 799) – providing support for men
• Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800) – for young people in need of support

For further information, and resources, or to access support services, please visit www.gayaadhuwi.org.au.

About Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Australia

Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Australia is the national peak body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander social and emotional wellbeing, mental health, and suicide prevention. As a community-controlled organisation, it is governed and controlled by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander experts and peak bodies, working to promote collective excellence in mental healthcare.

Media contact: Pamela Hutchinson, Senior Communications Officer, pamela.hutchinson@gayaadhuwi.org.au or 0418 460 642.