National Suicide Prevention Advisor, Christine Morgan has presented her first report to Government, advocating for a major shift in Australia’s approach to suicide prevention.
Minister for Health, Greg Hunt announced the receipt of the report, the first since Ms Morgan’s appointment last year.
“Christine’s initial advice will be made available shortly to canvass early findings with the sector and all interested stakeholders,” Mr Hunt said.
“I encourage all Australians interested in suicide prevention to engage with Christine and contribute to the interim report handed down in July,” he said.
“This will help guide the Government’s longer-term response to suicide prevention.”
Mr Hunt said Ms Morgan had consulted widely with individuals, families, communities, organisations and Governments across Australia in preparing her report.
“She has advocated for a fundamental shift in the approach to the prevention of suicide and self-harm,” he said.
“Her initial advice outlines the need to use the knowledge of lived experience, to intervene early, focus on specific at-risk groups, strengthen families and communities, and ensure that all government services – not just health services – are working to reduce suicide.”
He said 3,046 Australians lost their lives to suicide in 2018.
Ms Morgan said she was pleased to provide her initial advice to the Government.
“In talking to individuals and communities over the past six months, it has been clear to me that we need to co-design our suicide prevention approach in a way that is led by those with lived and living experience of suicide,” Ms Morgan said.
“We often think about services and systems and what is available, rather than truly understand what people need and what has worked, and not worked, for them in the past,” she said.
A three-page summary of the Advisor’s comments can be accessed at this PS News link.
