The Wannon electorate, including Skipton, Avoca and Beaufort, had almost three times as many suicides than road fatalities in a four-year period, new research has revealed. Highest suicide rates in the electorate were in Willaura, Lake Bolac, and Maroona.

A study into 28 federal electorates, led by leadership consultancy ConNectica and University of Sydney’s Brain and Mind Centre, formed the basis for a call for action on all major political parties and candidates to make a stance in the federal election race. 

ConNectica director John Mendoza, former chairman of the National Advisory Council on Mental Health, said it was important all candidates spell out their intentions to address the rising suicide and self-harm toll across Australia.

Mr Mendoza said the key concern across all electorates in focus was the impact of economic change and families under sustained pressure from circumstances beyond their control.

He said communities across Australia were facing greater economic uncertainty since the date was collected four years ago.

“Suicide and self-harm are now major public health problems in Australia that require a public health response,” Mr Mendoza said. “It is absolutely imperative then, that we get serious about tackling the rising toll of suicide and self-harm now.

“Australians have a right to know what our respective political leaders will do about this.”

The call on Parliament is for a stronger national strategy, more timely and consistent data, relevant and coordinated regional responses, improved education and training and mental health systems reform.

The study ranked Wannon as an electorate with a moderate amount of people with high or very high psychological distress in the period. The study also took into consideration that 44.15 per cent of people in the Wannon electorate did not complete an education higher than year 10 compared to the national average (37.40 per cent) for the period.

Ballarat Federal Electorate did not feature in the study.

Australian Bureau of Statistics figures show a statewide rise from 519 suicides in 2013 to 646 suicides in 2014.

Lifeline 13 11 14; Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467; Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800.