Nation’s first legislated Suicide Prevention Plan released to save South Australian lives
South Australia is leading the way in suicide prevention with the launch of the nation’s first legislated Suicide Prevention Plan and a $1.5 million State Government commitment to deliver specialised suicide prevention training.
The South Australian Suicide Prevention Plan 2023-2026 incorporates the voices of more than 3,200 South Australians who have experienced suicide distress, cared for someone through suicidal crisis or have lost someone they care about to suicide.
Suicide is the leading cause of death for people aged 15 to 44 and one in nine South Australian adults experience thoughts of suicide.
The Plan aims to reduce death by suicide and the distress that may contribute to suicide, as well as improve community understanding, compassion and responsiveness to prevent suicide.
It establishes a framework to deliver a more coordinated and targeted suicide prevention response across all levels of government and community.
The Plan has been developed under the nation’s first-ever suicide prevention legislation – which took effect in SA last September – requiring the State Government to develop and implement a Suicide Prevention Plan.
It follows the appointment of a Suicide Prevention Council last September, chaired by the Premier’s Advocate for Suicide Prevention, Nadia Clancy MP.
The Council is working to reduce suicide rates in South Australia and 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.
Another key focus of the Plan is preventing suicide in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities with Indigenous South Australians almost twice as likely to die by suicide.
Specialised suicide prevention training will be rolled out from next year to increase the number of South Australians who have essential practical knowledge and confidence to act in ways that support others.
Training will be targeted to government agencies responsible for implementing the Suicide Prevention Plan and will address key components of suicide prevention including increasing awareness of early warning signs and risk factors for suicide; ensuring better linkages to resources, services and support; and enhancing skills, confidence and strategies for responding to suicide distress.
The South Australian Suicide Prevention Plan 2023-2026 can be accessed here.
Anyone seeking 24/7 support can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 and Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.
Quotes attributable to Nadia Clancy
Today is a milestone for South Australia with the release of the state’s first legislated Suicide Prevention Plan.
Suicide prevention requires an all of government and community response to address risk and build protective factors across South Australia.
We have harnessed the wisdom and insights from people with lived experience of suicide and suicide distress in order to develop this Plan.
Every suicide represents a profound and enduring loss for families, friends and communities. Through the implementation of this Plan over the next four years, we can work together and take action to reduce suicide and suicide-related distress in South Australia.
Quotes attributable to Wellbeing SA Mental Health and Wellbeing Executive Director Nicole Keller
Suicide prevention involves taking action to build wellbeing and address all of life’s difficulties, strengthening the protective factors already in individuals and communities, building community awareness and capacity, and changing the way we think and act.
This Plan recognises that suicide prevention is a shared responsibility requiring a multi-strategy, multi-sectoral and community approach. In addition, it recognises that strategies to reduce distress, build wellbeing and restore hope for every life are key to prevention.
Media Contact
Jemma Chapman 0419 805 163
Jemma.Chapman@sa.gov.au
