The recent Federal Budget will not make a “big difference” to the vast majority (80%) of Australians experiencing elevated distress due to cost-of-living and personal debt, while almost half (49%) believe it will not deliver any relief (26%) – or even make things worse (23%) – for them in the next 12 months.
Confidence is even lower amongst those adding housing or unemployment distress on top of cost-of-living, despite reporting rates of suicidal behaviours and mental illness up to 1.5 times the national average, a special post-Budget analysis of Suicide Prevention Australia’s latest Community Tracker reveals for the first time.
The analysis – currently being undertaken by Provocate® Electionomics™ and YouGov – will be presented to key Federal Ministers and the Reserve Bank of Australia as per prior Community Trackers.
It has prompted an urgent reminder from Suicide Prevention Australia CEO, Nieves Murray, for Australians experiencing elevated cost-of-living distress that there is hope, and not to wait any longer to seek support.
“Upwards of half the Australian population have been reporting elevated levels of distress due to cost-of-living and personal debt the past 12 months and it seems unlikely the Federal Budget alleviated their concerns. Particularly with further increases in interest, inflation and suicide rates announced since,” Ms Murray said.
“It therefore raises serious questions about what policy levers the Federal Government can now pull to prevent cost-of-living pressures fueling further growth in rates of community distress.
“Lifeline recently confirmed that they’re receiving 500 more calls each day than during the same period four years ago – and many of these are due to financial stress.
“Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said reducing suicide rates would be a personal priority of his government at a Suicide Prevention Australia event in September 2022.
Respondents to the June 2023 Quarterly Community Tracker survey – taken in the fortnight post the May Federal Budget – were asked an additional question to help understand how the Federal Government’s proposed cost-of-living measures would impact them – and allow stronger policy planning in the next 12 months.
Interim results show just 9% percent of Australians experiencing elevated distress due to cost-of-living and personal debt believed the Federal Budget’s cost-of-living measures would make a ‘big difference’ to easing pressures on their household budget the next 12 months. Less-than-a-third (31%) thought it would make a ‘small difference’.
Budget confidence declined even further for those Australians experiencing combinations of cost-of-living and housing (9%; 27%) and unemployment distresses (6%; 24%) – or all three (5%; 22%).
At the same time, the national rate of suicidal behaviours (21%) the past 12 months was lower than Australians experiencing cost-of-living distress (23%), and when combined with housing (30%) and employment distress (25%) – or all three (31%).
“I remind Australians experiencing cost-of-living distress that there is hope – and help available right now.
“Please don’t wait another 12 months for another Federal Budget to seek help. If you’re struggling to make repayments, reach out to your bank and let them know as soon as possible. The earlier you reach out for help, the more options you’ll have. Lenders have hardship teams that are ready to assist when things are tight.
“We can never underestimate the impact that every life lost to suicide has on family, friends, workplaces and the broader community,” said Ms Murray.
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.
The Suicide Prevention Australia Community Tracker is undertaken in partnership with YouGov Australia. Total sample size was 1038 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 14th – 17th May 2023. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all Australian adults (aged 18+).
Help to report about suicide safely is available online: Go to https://mindframe.org.au/
Media enquiries:
Amelia Hew 0410 591 134 or ameliah@suicidepreventionaust.org
Tom Anderson 0409 718 271 toma@suicideprevetionaust.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 30 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.
