With suicide rates and distress levels remaining high, young Australians are calling for urgent political action to address suicide prevention ahead of the Federal Election.
New data has revealed that over eight in ten (83%)*Australians support increased action from politicians to address suicide prevention in the upcoming election, with young Australians (18-24) leading the call at 87%*.
Suicide Prevention Australia’s latest Community Tracker, released today, also revealed that nearly one in five (19%) young Australians (18-34) have experienced suicidal distress in the last 12 months, including having serious thoughts of suicide, making a suicide plan, or attempting to take their life.
More broadly, 73% of Australians say they’re feeling more distress than this time last year due to factors such as cost-of-living, social isolation and loneliness, housing affordability and relationship breakdown.
Suicide Prevention Australia CEO Nieves Murray welcomed the recent release of the National Suicide Prevention Strategy but cautioned that it must be adequately funded and diligently implemented to drive down suicide rates.
“It’s clear from this data that Australians, particularly young people, are struggling and there is a clear call to action here for our political leaders ahead of the election.
“Each year, more than 3,000 Australians die by suicide. That’s nine lives every day. The leading cause of death for our children and young people is now suicide.
“Behind every statistic is a real person, a grieving family, a community in pain. Young Australians are crying out for help, and they want more than words — they want action.
“Suicide is a complex issue, but we have the strategies to address it ready to go. We just need commitment and funding from the government to follow through with the National Suicide Prevention Strategy.
“The Strategy is the result of extensive efforts by the Government, working in close coordination with suicide prevention services, and people with lied experience of suicide. It is an excellent guiding framework.
“But a strategy alone won’t save lives — what happens next will determine its success. We need clear investment and action to bring this Strategy to life and ensure the people and communities most at risk get the support they need, when and where they need it.
“The nation is watching. This election is an opportunity for leaders to prove they are serious about suicide prevention — not just with promises, but with action,” said Ms Murray.
ENDS
ABOUT THE COMMUNITY 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.
All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Australia. Total sample size was 1024 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 6th – 10th February 2025. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all Australian adults (aged 18+).
*Nationally representative sample of 1,516 Australian Citizens/ Voters aged 18 years and older undertaken by YouGov Australia between the 3rd – 10th February 2025.
Following the completion of interviewing, the data was weighted and are representative of all Australian voters 18+ by age, gender, location, education, income and past Federal election vote.
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
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.
