The case of a 10-year-old boy who took his own life while under state care in Western Australia is tragic, Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles says.

The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, died on Friday night in Perth while under the care of the Department of Communities.

Marles said it was “impossible not to be moved by” his death and it was a “tragic circumstance”.

“It certainly does speak to the fact that we have enormous challenges going forward in relation to closing the gap,” he told ABC TV on Thursday.

“We really need to be looking at ways in which we can do business in a different way, because the gap is stubbornly persistent.

“News of this kind only adds to redoubling our efforts to make sure we do everything we can to make inroads in respect to the gap.”

Indigenous Affairs Minister Linda Burney said the death was “shocking, heartbreaking and demands deep reflection”.

“My heart goes out to the family and community in WA that has lost a son so young,” she posted on X.

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– AAP