2016-03-08
Jump in suicide rates demands national priority
With the latest figures showing a dramatic increase of 11.4% in the national suicide rate, the Greens have called on the federal government to urgently implement a suicide prevention program that puts people at the centre of care.
“These distressing figures must be a wakeup call to change the way we approach suicide prevention,” said the Australian Greens mental health spokesperson Senator Janet Rice.
“My heart goes out to everyone who has been touched by suicide, which has such a deep impact on all involved.”
The Australian Bureau of Statistics figures show that suicide is the leading cause of premature deaths in Australia, with 704 women and 2160 men taking their own lives in 2014.
“These are our sons and daughters, our mothers and fathers, our friends and colleagues,” said Senator Rice.
“The federal government must have the courage to implement a community-driven system that puts people at centre of care, supported by proper consultation, a public health approach and sustained funding.”
Crisis support information
- Lifeline 13 11 14 www.lifeline.org.au/gethelp
- Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467 www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au
- Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 www.kidshelp.com.au
- MensLine 1300 78 99 78 www.mensline.org.au
Media contact: Sam Drummond 0400 352 935