17 November 2025: Mental Health First Aid International (MHFAI) has welcomed the Productivity Commission’s final report of the National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement (the Agreement), released this week.
The Commission’s report comes as the latest ABS Causes of Death data show suicides are still high and a leading cause of death for First Nation’s communities and Australians under the age of 45.
“The ABS data reminds us that suicides have lasting impact on individuals, families and communities across Australia – our thoughts are with those in grief and with lived experience,” said Angus Clelland, MHFAI CEO.
“To tackle this public health priority, our submission to the review of the national Agreement urged more investment upstream to stem the tide of mental health distress and suicides.
“We cannot treat our way out of this crisis, instead we must take a longer-term view with initiatives that reduce demand on our over-stretched service system. This means preventing mental illness where we can or intervening as early as possible.
“To do this, we need to empower people in communities, educational settings, and workplaces, with the knowledge and tools needed to support family members, peers and colleagues, before they reach crisis point.”
Karen Bates, Executive Director of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Programs, welcomed the Report’s recommendation to grow and support the representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the mental health and suicide prevention workforce, in particular through training.
“There are more than 300 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander MHFA Instructors across Australia, and we want to reach at least 400 to embed more sustainable solutions in communities across Australia. I welcome the Report’s call for self-determined growth in this space – critically with additional support, funding and guidance.
“The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Programs team is looking forward to working with the government on solutions and where we can support the Agreement when finalised next year,” added Ms Bates.
If you or someone you know needs support, Mental Health First Aid encourages you to reach out to Lifeline | 13 11 14, 13Yarn | 13 92 76 or Suicide Callback Service | 1300 659 467.
