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House of Assembly - Fifty-Second Parliament, Second Session (52-2)
2012-03-01 Daily Xml
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Ministerial Statement

SUICIDE PREVENTION ADVISORY COMMITTEE

The Hon. J.D. HILL (Kaurna—Minister for Health and Ageing, Minister for Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Minister for the Arts) (14:04): I seek leave to make a ministerial statement.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.D. HILL: I am pleased to announce the formation of a Suicide Prevention Advisory Committee. This expert committee will advise me as Minister for Mental Health and Substance Abuse on strategies to reduce the rate of suicide in our state. Suicide is, of course, heartbreaking, not only for families and friends but for whole communities. The personal circumstances that lead a person to attempt suicide are often complex and varied. Over the past two decades, there has been an overall downward trend in the rate of suicide in our state, and of course we would want that trend to continue.

The new committee brings together 21 expert representatives from across government, non-government, academia, business and consumer and carer groups. These representatives have been chosen for their skills, expertise, their own lived experience of suicide and for their attempt to influence suicide prevention initiatives in the community. Together, they will share knowledge, review current practice and introduce reforms across our community.

South Australia's Chief Psychiatrist, Dr Peter Tyllis, will chair the interim meeting. The committee will oversee the new South Australian Suicide Prevention Strategy 2012-16, which is now being finalised following a period of public consultation. We published this report some months ago and had a lot of positive responses. I draw it to the attention of members of this place. The committee's work will also guide the work of SA Health and provide considered policy advice on issues relating to suicide and suicide prevention in South Australia and the effectiveness of current measures and gaps in service provision.

I think it is also important that they let us know about how we as public figures and how the media should deal with issues around suicide. There has been a view taken that it is best not to talk about suicide because there is a risk that by talking about it you will encourage others to attempt it. That has created a veil of secrecy, to a certain degree, around suicide. I think the more contemporary thinking is that we should talk about it, but we do not want to do it in a way which will make the situation worse for individuals who are at risk and in problematic circumstances.

This is a very sensitive area. I encourage all members to have a look at the report. I know that all members in their own electorates would be aware of people who are suffering from illnesses which might indicate that suicide might be an option that they are maybe considering. The committee will also promote partnerships between everyone involved in suicide prevention, both within government and outside and community sectors, in recognition that suicide prevention is a shared responsibility.

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