In a powerful, collective statement, Suicide Prevention Australia published an Open Letter signed by over 40 organisations – including Lifeline, headspace, Black Dog Institute, Orygen, Gidget Foundation, and RUOK? – calling for the release of the National Suicide Prevention Strategy following numerous promises and budget commitments from the Federal Government.
The letter is addressed to Federal Health Minister Mark Butler and Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, Emma McBride.
Suicide Prevention CEO, Nieves Murray, said further delays to the release of the National Strategy are far-reaching.
“The government has made a commitment to deliver this foundational work – not releasing it for consultation is a breach of trust and risks impacting service delivery at a time when people are struggling and need support.
“The collective voice of over 40 suicide prevention and mental health organisations, representing thousands of dedicated professionals and volunteers across the country, underscores the critical need for action.
“The government is kicking the can down the road. Enough is enough. It’s time to stop the paper shuffling, naval gazing and report writing.
“Not having a strategy means we’re asleep at the wheel at a critical time where Australians are struggling. Our recent Suicide Prevention Australia Community Tracker revealed almost three quarters (73%) of Australians are feeling distress beyond normal levels in the June quarter.
“Without this roadmap, the suicide prevention sector suffers, operating in an ambiguous funding and service delivery vacuum with no strategy guiding the sector. This means that those most vulnerable in our communities are impacted.
“Every day that passes without a clear and actionable strategy has a negative impact on those who are working tirelessly in the suicide prevention and mental health space to provide support to the countless Australians that are in distress,” said Ms Murray.
The International Association for Suicide Prevention states that the adoption of a national suicide prevention strategy indicates government’s clear recognition of suicidal behaviour as a priority public health issue and commitment to its prevention and reduction.
“The United Kingdom and Canada both recently released a National Strategy. We are falling behind as a country.
“The work has been done, the community and sector have worked hard, and now we need to see accountability from the government,” said Ms Murray.
The National Strategy was due to be released for public consultation earlier this year and has been in development since late 2022. It will provide a 10-year roadmap that outlines the government’s plan for preventing suicide in Australia.
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:
Amelia Hew 0410 591 134 or ameliah@suicidepreventionaust.org
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 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.
