Suicide Prevention Strategy

In reply to the Hon. J.S.L. DAWKINS (24 February 2016).

The Hon. P. MALINAUSKAS (Minister for Police, Minister for Correctional Services, Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Road Safety): The Minister for Mental Health and Substance Abuse has provided the following advice:

1. The South Australian Suicide Prevention Strategy 2017-20 (SA SPS) is currently under development. SA Health has prepared a project plan and communication plan for the strategy. The SA SPS will be developed in line with the overarching National Framework for Suicide Prevention known as the Life Framework. The approach for the SA SPS will include a literature review and broad consultation via forums, discussions with the state’s suicide prevention networks and an online questionnaire.

2. Currently this work is being led by the Office of the Chief Psychiatrist.

3. The Office of the Chief Psychiatrist is undertaking a whole-of-government approach to the strategy’s development.

4. South Australian government departments have provided to the Office of the Chief Psychiatrist, an inventory of work against the SA Suicide Prevention Strategy 2012-16: Every life is worth living. This information will inform the strategy development.

5. The SA Government is committed to the current strategy which remains valid until the 2017-20 strategy is released.