Suicide Prevention

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY (15:29): My question is to the Minister for Health and Wellbeing. Can the minister please update the council on suicide prevention?

The Hon. S.G. WADE (Minister for Health and Wellbeing) (15:29): I thank the honourable member for his question. It's a particularly relevant day to talk about suicide prevention, obviously: it's World Suicide Prevention Day, and of course it's also R U OK? Day. 2020 has seen significant challenges to the global community and here in Australia. Those challenges have been exacerbated by the droughts of recent years, the severe bushfires of the past summer and of course the shock, really, of the health and economic crisis that coronavirus has brought to our world, our nation and our state.

Marking R U OK? Day and World Suicide Prevention Day this year is more important than ever. The Marshall Liberal government is working tirelessly to support the wellbeing of the community in these circumstances, building on our strong commitment to suicide prevention, which started with a $4 million investment in our first budget to support the work of prevention.

In direct response to the wellbeing challenges presented by the pandemic, a COVID-19 mental health support line was established in late March. Since March, we have had additional supports put in place through the Virtual Support Network, supports that involve responses in alcohol and drugs, Aboriginal communities, the youth population, frontline health workers and older South Australians.

Another initiative to support the health and wellbeing of our state during the pandemic and in the recovery is Open Your World, a single source of wellbeing information for South Australians on a groundbreaking new wellbeing strategy. The website shares information to support mental, physical, social and community wellbeing, bringing together government and non-government organisations.

More broadly, the government last year launched the Mental Health Services Plan. This provides a roadmap for mental health services from 2020 to 2025, and aims to improve access and timeliness of mental health care and in particular, in the context of suicide prevention, included a commitment to Towards Zero suicide prevention.

The government also continues to support the establishment of community-based and run suicide prevention networks and other suicide prevention initiatives across South Australia. Today and every day, I encourage everyone in our community to reach out and ask the question: R U OK? of family, friends, workmates and colleagues. It's also important that you take time to check in with yourself. Self-care is important. If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional, social or mental distress, seek help and support. There are services and support lines that are here for you.

I am pleased to again take this opportunity to congratulate the President on the conferral by Suicide Prevention Australia of a Lifetime Achievement Award. The President, of course, is a deserving recipient.