Suicide Prevention Australia has released a report today detailing the progress in delivering on recommendations of the Prime Minister’s National Suicide Prevention Adviser’s Final Advice.
The Final Advice, which was handed down 12 months ago, was the culmination of 18 months of engagement across government, the suicide prevention sector, researchers and communities. Its findings were strongly supported across the suicide prevention sector.
The report, Unfinished Business: Implementation of National Suicide Prevention Advisor’s Final Advice, found that while some progress has been made, there is much more to be done to deliver a connected and compassionate approach to suicide prevention.
The report is released alongside a joint statement from over 40 suicide prevention organisations and suicide prevention leaders including Black Dog Institute, headspace, Batyr, Orygen, R U OK? ReachOut, and Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Australia, calling for all parties to commit to full and accelerated implementation of all recommendations in the Final Advice.
Suicide Prevention Australia CEO, Nieves Murray said, “There has been some positive progress in the last year. Few of these recommendations can be achieved in one year, they are long-term shifts and several are underway.
“Yet, there’s much more to be done in the months and years to come. We can’t take our foot off the pedal and now is the time to double-down on early progress.
“Over 40 members of Suicide Prevention Australia have united to join the call for more progress, representing over 60,000 staff and volunteers working in suicide prevention across Australia.
“If you add up all the suicide prevention and mental health inquiries over the past three years you quickly get to 21. That’s more than one every two months, the equivalent of an inquiry every 52 days.
“Implementation matters and it’s time to get on with it. All recommendations from the Final Advice must be implemented.
“Whoever forms government after this federal election will take the reins of power at a critical time for suicide prevention.
“We know the risk of suicide rates are often highest two to three years after a crisis, pandemic or natural disaster. We know there’s record levels of distress across our community.
“This report makes clear to all parties that sustained and systemic change is required. There is progress being made, but there’s ‘unfinished business’ when it comes to suicide prevention and the national reform agenda.
“It’s important to remember help is always available no matter who you are or what situation you are in. You do not have to go this alone. If you are feeling distress, please reach out and access the various support services that are available,” said Ms Murray.
Ends
To get help 24/7, phone Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467. If you or someone you know are in immediate danger, phone 000 for emergency services.
Help to report about suicide safely is available online: Go to https://mindframe.org.au/
Media enquiries:
Clare Kinsella 0427 689 689 or clarek@suicidepreventionaust.org
Amelia Banks 0410 591 134 or ameliab@suicidepreventionaust.org
About Suicide Prevention Australia
Suicide Prevention Australia is the national peak body and we’ve been providing support for Australia’s suicide prevention sector for more than 25 years. We support and advocate for our members to drive continual improvement in suicide prevention policy, programs and services. Our reach is broad, including member organisations, governments, businesses, researchers, practitioners and those with lived experience. We are focused on an integrated approach to suicide prevention encompassing mental health, social, economic and community factors. We believe that through collaborative effort and shared purpose, we can achieve our vision of a world without suicide.
