Nation’s first-ever legislated Suicide Prevention Council appointed
Australia’s first legislated Suicide Prevention Council has been appointed, meeting for the first time to start their vital work to reduce suicide rates in South Australia.
The Council of 15 members includes a diverse mix of those with lived experience of suicide, clinicians, researchers, regional and community groups, as well as Indigenous, multicultural, veteran, first responder and LGBTIQ+ representatives.
The Premier’s Advocate for Suicide Prevention, Nadia Clancy MP, is the Council’s chair and joined by Mental Health Commissioner John Mannion.
The Council - which also comprises six ex officio members, including the Chief Public Health Officer - met yesterday to outline its vision to better support South Australians affected by suicide.
A top priority is launching the state’s first Suicide Prevention Plan, which will establish a framework to deliver a more coordinated and targeted suicide prevention response across all levels of government and community.
Other key objectives include:
Improve engagement and early intervention for individuals and families
More training and education available to the public and workers
Increase access to suicide prevention, treatment and crisis intervention
Support collaboration between suicide prevention networks and councils
Engage people with lived experience of suicide to hear their concerns
Make recommendations on current policies and programs
The Council is an integral part of the nation-leading Suicide Prevention Act 2021, which took effect in September this year - with South Australia the first state to introduce the milestone legislation for suicide prevention.
Anyone seeking 24/7 support can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 and Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.
Quotes attributable to Chris Picton
Tragically, many South Australians have been affected by suicide in some way which is devastating for families, friends and the wider community.
The members we have appointed to the Suicide Prevention Council are from a wide range of backgrounds, each with the knowledge and experience required to deliver meaningful change.
I want to thank the Hon John Dawkins and Dan Cregan MP for their continued advocacy and work in this vital space, and in their roles as former Advocates for Suicide Prevention in South Australia.
Quotes attributable to Premier’s Advocate for Suicide Prevention Nadia Clancy
It is a privilege to chair this Council and work to find more ways to prevent suicide and support families affected by it.
Our first meeting outlined the important task ahead of us and we are determined to start implementing change as quickly as possible.
This is a real opportunity to ensure South Australia continues to lead the way in reducing rates of suicide and the devastating toll it has on the community.
Quotes attributable to Wellbeing SA Chief Executive Lyn Dean
We’re proud to be the first state in any jurisdiction in Australia to implement legislation for suicide prevention which will ensure a coordinated and targeted response is a priority across all levels of government and community.
Many people have contributed to establishing the Suicide Prevention Act 2021, and ensuring the Council has a pivotal role in enacting real change in suicide prevention.
Appointed Suicide Prevention Council members include:
Ms Nadia Clancy MP (Chair)
Mr John Mannion, Mental Health Commissioner
Mr Simon Schrapel AM
Ms Ebony Gill
Ms Ellie Hodges
Ms Chez Curnow
Mr Wathnak Vy
Mr Benjamin Flink
Mr Matthew Newlands
Mr David Boots
Dr Monika Ferguson
Ms Sally Underdown
Ms Amanda Braddock
Dr Michelle Atchison
Ms Tanya McGregor
These 15 members will join six ex officio members:
Chief Public Health Officer
Chief Psychiatrist
Chief Executive of Wellbeing SA
Commissioner for Aboriginal Engagement
Commissioner for Children and Young People
Commissioner for Aboriginal Children and Young People
Media Contact
Tom Angley 0431 704 801
tom.angley@sa.gov.au
