Vital work around suicide prevention must not be delayed

Today Labor has welcomed the opportunity to meet with services providers as Tasmania prepares to participate in a suicide prevention trial site.

Representatives of Tasmania’s mental health sector gave their perspectives on suicide prevention policy.

Labor’s roundtable discussion emphasised the need for continued reform to help reduce the rate of suicide across the state.

It is extremely encouraging Tasmania has been identified as a trial site given the state has the second highest rate of suicide in Australia.

We are pleased the Turnbull Government adopted Labor’s 2016 election commitment to roll out a total of 12 suicide prevention trial sites.

Labor committed to 12 suicide prevention trial sites because this was a recommendation put forward by the National Mental Health Commission.

Although Labor is supportive of the 12 suicide prevention trial sites, we are concerned there are delays across a number of the locations.

Almost 14 months on from the election, it appears the Turnbull Government is way behind on much of the preparatory work that is required as the 12 suicide prevention trial sites are set to roll out over three years.

Given the urgency across Tasmania, what we don’t want to see are any delays with the roll out of this most important work.

We call on the Turnbull Government to get on with the job and give suicide prevention the attention it deserves.

Labor’s Suicide Prevention Roundtable was attended by a range of organisations including Lifeline, Cornerstone Youth Services, headspace Launceston, Relationships Australia, Working It Out, Baptcare, CatholicCare, Oz Help Tasmania, Rural Alive and Well and Anglicare Tasmania.

**For 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention services call Lifeline on 13 11 14. Other services include Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467, Beyondblue: 1300 22 4636, Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800, MensLine Australia: 1300 789 978 **
THE HON JULIE COLLINS MP SHADOW MINISTER FOR AGEING AND MENTAL HEALTH MEMBER FOR FRANKLIN SARAH LOVELL MLC SHADOW MINISTER FOR MENTAL HEALTH MEMBER FOR RUMNEY ROSS HART MP MEMBER FOR BASS