The federal government is non-committal about a national suicide inquiry call by beyondblue chairman Jeff Kennett.
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It follows the release of ABS cause of death data showing more than 3000 Australians committed suicide last year. Instead, a spokesperson for Health Minister Sussan Ley said a $192 million mental health reform package would include a National Suicide Prevention Strategy.
“The strategy will include funding for national suicide prevention leadership and support activities, including anti-stigma and awareness campaigns,” the spokesperson said.
They said the strategy would reduce suicide rates through regional trials, research and flexible models that would work in local communities.
“Experts have told the government this is the only way we can make an impact. The government not only appreciates the work beyondblue does, but works very closely with them in determining how best to direct resources into arresting the growth of suicide rates.”
But local MP Catherine King said the funding needed to be directly targeted at towns like Ballarat.
Ms King said the government’s package was based on flexible funding, rather than Labor’s promise of a 50 per cent suicide reduction in 10 years and $83.7 million for a national strategy, including 12 regional suicide pilot projects.
“According to the ABS, 3027 Australians died by suicide in 2015 – a 5.4 per cent increase from the previous year,” Ms King said. “The fact that up to 150 members of our own Ballarat community are part of this harrowing statistic is heartbreaking. Given the numbers locally, I would call for Ballarat and our region to be a target area for such funding.”
Ms King, who is also the Opposition health spokesman, said hundreds of Australians were impacted by each suicide death.
“It is clear we need to do something, and do it now. If we don’t take direct steps to address the causes of these tragedies in our cities and our regions, we will lose more friends, more neighbours and more family members. It is only through working together that we will be able to finally reduce the impact of suicide in our society. All levels of government need to partner with our communities and focus on a holistic approach to suicide prevention.”
- Lifeline 13 11 14, Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467, Beyondblue 1300 22 4636