The Department of Health’s National Suicide Prevention Taskforce is seeking a national approach to tackle the problem and promote its Towards Zero approach.
A meeting in Canberra brought together people from community organisations, the health and Government sectors, and people with a lived experience of suicide issues.
Minister for Health, Greg Hunt said more than 3,000 people ended their lives each year in Australia — about eight every day.
“I see this forum as an important step towards zero suicides in Australia,” Mr Hunt said.
“Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy. It creates a ripple effect that flows through families, friendship groups, schools, workplaces and communities.”
He said Towards Zero was a total commitment to the value of each and every life, and recognised the equity of all lives.
“By working together, we can ensure all Australians know they are not alone, that they matter, and that help is available,” Mr Hunt said.
Adviser to the National Suicide Prevention Taskforce, Christine Morgan (pictured) said the forum discussions would help to create a better understanding of where connections could be made in the delivery of suicide prevention services.
“This has added to what I have heard already from communities, service providers, Government Agencies and those impacted by suicide about what is needed to turn our collective concern into action,” Ms Morgan said.
“I appreciate the willingness of everyone to look at the issue of suicide, and work together to consider what a coordinated approach to suicide prevention might look like.”
