Suicide Prevention Australia’s latest Community Tracker has revealed a stark gender disparity across a range of risk factors for suicide with women reporting elevated distress beyond normal levels for cost-of-living and personal debt, family and relationship breakdown and housing access and affordability.
The latest findings from the Suicide Prevention Australia Community Tracker further highlight the need for the urgent release of the National Suicide Prevention Strategy, a 10-year roadmap to address this national crisis.
Suicide Prevention Australia is seeking a commitment from the Federal Government to ensure the
imminent finalisation of the consultation and release of the National Strategy, in line with Government statements and Budget commitments.
At a time of continued and prolonged distress in the community, the long-awaited release of the
National Strategy would give the sector and community increased certainty and hope.
Key Community Tracker Insights:
Women are reporting higher levels of distress than men and it’s being driven by:
Cost-of-living distress was also present in over three in five (61%; +12pp) Australians reporting suicidal behaviours and seeking help from suicide prevention services (58%).
When asked about what social and economic circumstances would pose a significant risk to suicide rates in Australia this time next year, respondents stated cost-of-living and personal debt (69%), followed by family and relationship breakdown at 56%.
Suicide Prevention Australia, Acting CEO, Chris Stone said the findings were a “cautionary signal” regarding the risk of distress being felt by Australians and the potential increase in the number of people experiencing suicidal crisis.
“Suicide is complex and often a result of multiple, compounding factors. Reaching out for support early is an important step towards regaining a sense of hope,” said Mr Stone.
Relationships Australia National Executive Officer, Nick Tebbey said, “These findings reveal the critical need to ensure that everyone in Australia is supported to navigate significant life events and respond to external pressures.”
Speaking about the practice and research experience of the Relationships Australia Federation, Tebbey said, “When communities are connected, and adequate supports are in place for individuals and families, there is a significant improvement to resilience and well-being in times of distress.”
About the Tracker
The Suicide Prevention Australia Community Tracker is a quarterly survey that sheds light on the prevalence of suicidal behaviours, what social and economic issues are driving elevated distress, and the impact of suicide in our community. It is designed to provide real-time, community-wide insights to policy makers, practitioners, and the community and to support suicide prevention activities across Australia.
The Suicide Prevention Australia Community Tracker is undertaken in partnership with YouGov Australia. Total sample size was 1040 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 16th – 20th May 2024. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all Australian adults (aged 18+).
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
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.
