A parliamentary inquiry will examine Aboriginal youth suicides in Western Australia after a 10-year-old girl took her own life in the Kimberley region.
There was public outcry earlier this month after the girl, who was understood to have been a victim of domestic violence and was in informal foster care with extended family, died in the remote community of Looma.
It prompted State Coroner Ros Fogliani to announce she would hold an inquest into several suspected suicides in the Pilbara and Kimberley regions, while suicide prevention researcher Gerry Georgatos called for a royal commission.
The Education and Health Standing Committee of the Legislative Assembly has announced it will conduct a parliamentary inquiry following a motion by indigenous Kimberley MP Josie Farrer.
In a statement released late last week, the committee said it would report in November on what could be done to halt the worrying number of suicides among Aboriginal youths, particularly in remote communities.
It will also determine what resources have been set aside to tackle the issue.
The Parliamentary Committee will examine:
- The status of previous inquiry recommendations related to Aboriginal youth suicide in remote areas
- The allocation of resources to current suicide prevention strategies and services
- Ways to address gaps, including broader mental health strategies and services
Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800.
