2016-05-24
Greens back new approach to suicide prevention
The Greens have backed calls for the development and introduction of a new approach to suicide prevention, supporting the recommendations of the National Mental Health Commission.
“Right now seven Australians die from suicide every day,” said the Australian Greens mental health spokesperson Senator Janet Rice.
“We have targets for reducing road deaths and other preventable health issues. Let’s do the same for reducing suicide.”
The Greens have backed the campaign to roll out of twelve, large regional trials over three years as the first wave of a nationwide introduction of sustainable, comprehensive, whole-of-community approach to suicide prevention.
The Greens commitment to mental health and suicide prevention, announced on Monday, includes an additional $400 million for the Primary Health Networks mental health flexible fund and the establishment of a $38.3 million National Suicide Campaign to engage and educate communities about the complexity of suicide and improve data collection.
“We know that preventative programs work. This commitment should be seen as an investment, not a cost,” said Senator Janet Rice
“This investment into a suicide prevention campaign would address the stigma surrounding suicide.
“The only way to succeed in reducing suicide rates is to work together.”
The Greens Senate candidate for the ACT, Christina Hobbs, is in Parliament House today to sign the “Action Agenda for the 45th Parliament” pledge. Senator Rice has also signed the pledge.
The Greens full mental health policy can be found here.
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