Suicide Prevention

The Hon. J.S.L. DAWKINS (15:21): My questions are to the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation. Given that it is well recognised internationally that suicide prevention strategies should be culturally appropriate, what measures does the government have within the draft Suicide Prevention Strategy to prevent suicide within Indigenous communities? Also, has the minister, or his agency, had input into the development of the strategy, which is now scheduled to cover the years 2017-21?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Employment, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation, Minister for Manufacturing and Innovation, Minister for Automotive Transformation, Minister for Science and Information Economy) (15:22): I thank the honourable member for his questions, and recognise his longstanding interest and advocacy in the area of suicide prevention. In relation to specifics of the Suicide Prevention Strategy, I am happy to take parts of that on notice to bring back a more complete reply from the minister responsible for suicide prevention.

However, I do know that earlier this week I had a meeting with an organisation that runs programs throughout Australia for Aboriginal suicide prevention, and there is a trial program out of Pangula Mannamurna Aboriginal Health Service in Mount Gambier. I am happy to get further information about that and about other programs and bring back a much more complete answer for the honourable member.