11 September 2024

 

RELEASED yesterday by the National Suicide Prevention office (NSPO), the National Suicide Prevention draft strategy outlines a coordinated and holistic approach to preventing suicide and ensuring every Australian has access to appropriate supports.

 

The NSPO worked closely with its advisory board, members of the Lived Experience Partnership Group, a jurisdictional forum and working groups. Many Australian and international academics, service providers, people with lived and living experience and members of the public also contributed.

 

The NSPO has released the draft strategy for comment before finalising its advice to the Australian Government.

 

The Government is committed to reforming the suicide prevention system, so every Australian has access to support when and where they need it. The advice from the NSPO will be an important part of this process.

 

The consultation draft of the National Suicide Prevention Strategy is open for comment until 27 October. Feedback can be provided as an individual, organisation or as a collective in the following ways:

 

• Complete the public consultation survey at 'National Suicide Prevention Strategy'.

 

• Email to the NSPO.

 

• Mail to The National Suicide Prevention Office - PO Box R1463, Royal Exchange, NSW 1225

 

Minister for Health, Mark Butler said “Every day in this country nine lives are lost to suicide. Despite increased expenditure and more awareness about mental health, that number has not significantly decreased in decades.

 

“A national strategy, developed by experts and informed by the lived experience of people touched by suicide, will help us make inroads and reduce the profound impact suicide has on families and communities.

 

“I encourage people to provide their feedback on the draft strategy to ensure it captures the greatest range of experiences and knowledge to inform national action.”

 

In parallel with this consultation the Federal Government is supporting Gayaa Dhuwi to develop a First Nations suicide prevention strategy, the suicide rate of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is more than double that of the broader community and is committed to taking focused actions to address this.

 

Assistant Minister, Emma McBride said that World Suicide Prevention Day was an opportunity to have open and honest conversation about suicide to break down barriers and raise awareness.

 

“The Albanese Government is taking a broad and compassionate approach to suicide prevention," she said.

 

“An approach that recognises suicide is complex and that it will take collaboration and cooperation – across governments, communities, mental health organisations and experts – to reduce the loss of lives.”

SUBSCRIBE FOR FREE to the Grapevine News Online and to the monthly e-book edition of the Grapevine Community Weekly. Our online news platform and monthly newspaper is about real local news and events. We will not spam you or share your details with third parties.