A new statutory body is to be established to reduce the incidence of deaths by suicide in South Australia and to deliver best practice suicide prevention strategies across the State.
Announced by the Minister for Health and Wellbeing, Stephen Wade, the new first-of –their-kind laws were passed by Parliament establishing a Suicide Prevention Council as a statutory body and building on the work of the Premier’s Council on Suicide Prevention.
“Every suicide has a devastating effect on families and communities, and this legislation demonstrates our commitment to reduce the incidence of deaths by suicide in South Australia and to deliver best practice suicide prevention strategies across the State,” Mr Wade said.
“I look forward to seeing this whole-of-Government approach to suicide prevention implemented in 2022,” he said.
The Minister said the Suicide Prevention Council would consist of 13 members with a requirement that at least one have experience of leadership in suicide prevention initiatives, and one with experience in a non-Government organisation and/or a leadership position in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander and the multicultural community.
The members must also include at least one who is a veteran with lived experience of suicide or experience in supporting veterans; a first responder with lived experience of suicide; is a member of the LGBTIQ+ community with lived experience of suicide; and one with lived experience of suicidal behaviour.
Mr Wade said community and stakeholder feedback was incorporated in the Bill, including the addition of a first responder to the Suicide Prevention Council.
Anyone experiencing distress can access support through Mental Health Triage: 131 465; Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467; Lifeline: 13 11 14; or Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800. If in a crisis, contact triple zero (000) immediately.
