R U OK? Day

Ms HILDYARD (Reynell) (12:56): I move:

That this house—

(a) recognises that 8 September 2016 was R U OK? Day and 10 September 2016 was World Suicide Prevention Day;

(b) acknowledges the importance that both days have in raising awareness about mental health and that the community as a whole must play a role in ensuring that friends, family and co-workers are okay; and

(c) acknowledges the work of the not-for-profit organisation R U OK? and their contribution towards suicide prevention awareness.

I rise to very briefly speak about R U OK? Day, which was held on 8 September this year. We all know the absolutely tragic statistics on suicide in our South Australian community and the statistics about the number of Australians experiencing mental illness and mental health issues at some point in their life. R U OK? is an organisation and a growing movement that aims to prevent suicide by empowering and encouraging community members to have regular, meaningful conversations with those around them by asking, 'Are you okay?'

R U OK? Day is now a national day of action held in Australia every year to remind us how important it is to support and connect with our friends and family who may be experiencing mental health issues. The R U OK? campaign's work to positively impact on people's willingness to talk with others about their problems and to seek professional help, and to positively reduce the stigma associated with seeking help for mental health issues, is to be commended. The campaign was launched in 2009 as a national day of action, and works to spread the word using both traditional and social media.

I am sure that many of my parliamentary colleagues would have seen some of the work of the organisation, and I know that many participated themselves. As leaders in our community, it is particularly important that we participate and advocate for these actions and events, and that we lead the way towards a closer, more connected community. Importantly, when asking whether friends and family are okay, the campaign advises that we ask, listen without judgement, encourage the person to take action such as seeing a professional, and that we follow up with the person.

The campaign emphasises how important it is to reach out to people who may be struggling, and really connect. These actions are crucial to ensuring that people feel loved, supported and cared for. With the suicide rate in this country tragically increasing—it is now double our devastating road toll—we must do everything we can to ensure that this blight on our society is removed. We need to take care of our communities and ensure that everyone is healthy and well. I know that I and others in this place will take responsibility for doing all that we can to make suicide a thing of the past.

Whilst the day was held on 8 September, I encourage everyone to continue to check in with friends, family and people in our community, and to listen and make sure that everyone is okay. Our community is stronger, healthier and happier when we reach out to others, have meaningful relationships and create deeper connections. I know that we will work together to ensure everyone is understood and listened to.

I leave you with this challenge: on all days, not just on R U OK? Day, will you reconnect with someone you have not spoken to in a long time? Will you reach out to someone who seems to be having a hard time? Will you assure someone that there is no shame in asking for help? I certainly accept this challenge, and I know that many of my fellow parliamentarians will do the same.

Dr McFETRIDGE (Morphett) (12:59): I rise to support the motion. This is a very important motion. Asking people 'Are you okay?' is something that we all should be doing. We should be undertaking mental health first aid courses, if possible.

Two years ago, I was at my old high school, Salisbury High School, for a speech day, and I spoke to the students there about a number of issues. I asked how many of them had done first aid courses and most of their hands went up. I asked how many had given CPR, and I think a couple of hands went up. I asked how many had done a mental first aid course and not one hand went up, which you would expect, unfortunately. I reminded them that depression and anxiety are huge issues in Australia and that they were probably sitting next to or near somebody who had some anxiety or depression problems.

We need to be aware of that. We need to ask our friends, our family and all those near and dear to us, 'Are you okay?' With those few remarks, I support this motion very strongly and hope that the house does.

Debate adjourned on motion of Ms Sanderson.

Sitting suspended from 13.01 to 14.00.