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House of Assembly - Fifty-Fourth Parliament, Second Session (54-2)
2020-07-22 Daily Xml
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Motions

World Suicide Prevention Day

The Hon. G.G. BROCK (Frome) (12:15): I move:

That this house—

(a) acknowledges that 9 September 2020 is World Suicide Prevention Day;

(b) acknowledges that world prevention day started in 2003;

(c) acknowledges that in excess of 3,000 people die from suicide every year;

(d) acknowledges that suicide is one of the largest causes of death each year;

(e) encourages people of all ages to openly discuss and acknowledge deaths by suicide;

(f) encourages people of all ages to openly discuss their mental health and wellbeing issues with family and friends;

(g) acknowledges the everlasting impact and effect of any death on family members and others; and

(h) encourages the state government to provide sufficient support, both financial and other support, as necessary.

The member for Heysen has just seen me, and he has a couple of small adjustments in the dates and there a couple of words missing. He is going to put through an amendment, which I do not have a problem with; however, what I would have done is spoken to the member and had the member adjust it himself.

Suicide is a matter that the general public does not talk openly about even though there are more than 3,000 Australians each year who end their life. This equates to about eight per day. That may not sound like a lot when mentioned in that manner; however, we lose more people to suicide than we do to road deaths. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have higher suicide rates compared with the general population; in fact, they are twice as high.

Suicide is also the leading cause of death among young people. In 2017, suicide accounted for more than one-third—in actual fact, 36 per cent of young people aged 15 to 24. To prevent suicide and reduce these numbers, it is important to make sure all Australians get the support they need. It is very important that we discuss this issue openly without fear of feeling weak or not macho.

In 2018, as I said earlier, in excess of 3,000 Australian people took their own life and these figures are identified by the relevant authorities. These do not include motor vehicle accidents, where comments have been made to me by members of SAPOL across all regions that over 30 per cent of road deaths could be attributed to suicide. For each life lost to suicide, the impact is felt by up to 135 people, including family members, work colleagues, friends, and first responders at the time of death.

Australia is a unique, rich and diverse society that is made up of a range of cultures, backgrounds, religions and different nationalities, and it is these experiences that make our society what it is today. I am a strong believer that every person deserves to live in an inclusive, just and equal society that respects and promotes individuality, dignity and diversity and supports people to live a meaningful, rich and fulfilling life.

For many Australians, however, experiences of discrimination, isolation or additional challenges due to their cultural background, religion or beliefs are prevalent, and these experiences may have an impact on an individual, a family or a community's mental health and wellbeing. Today, with the current challenge of COVID-19, with our health issues and the economic employment future, we need to be very mindful of the concerns and feelings of our multicultural communities. In my own community at Port Pirie, we have several different nationalities and what I consider is a blueprint for other locations with multicultural populations to look at. In Port Pirie and our surrounds, we are very concerned with everyone and make no differentiation to any of the cultures.

As a male, when I was brought up I was encouraged not to speak about any issues such as mental health or anxiety concerns for fear of being targeted physically or subconsciously feeling that I was a failure. From my own personal experiences, I have always talked about taking the first step. That is probably the hardest thing a male person—or anyone for that matter—can do; that is, to realise and accept that you actually may have something wrong with you or acknowledge the fact that you need an out, you need a spell to gather your feelings or emotions.

However, once you have taken the first step, things get a hell of a lot easier. This was the case with my late brother, who resided in Melbourne during a period of time when he appeared to be withdrawing from his normal jovial self. As a family, we live in different locations in South Australia. We knew there appeared to be something disturbing him.

We asked what we could do to cheer him up and tried to ascertain what was disturbing him. His comments were that there was nothing wrong, only that he was tired. To our regret to this day, we did not push the issue further, as he allowed his feelings of fear to overcome his ability to control his emotions and he eventually took his own life.

To this day, I cannot completely read the note that he was writing to his family as it expressed his fear, his feelings of failure, his thoughts about his remaining family members and the tears that he was crying while he was doing this on his computer. It brings to those remaining the understanding the trauma these people must be going through whilst contemplating their next move.

Daily challenges, emotional distress and suicide can affect anyone regardless of their race, religion or gender. The challenges, the pressures and stresses that we face can impact on our physical, emotional and mental health and also our wellbeing and it can be helpful to receive support. For some men, accessing services and seeking support can be a challenge and it is a very difficult first step to take. There are many signs that can be identified:

physical symptoms such as headaches, muscle aches, tension, weight loss or gain;

feeling angry or aggressive;

increased nervousness, agitation, or restlessness;

increased use of alcohol or drugs, or increased gambling;

feeling helpless or out of control;

losing interest in activities that you usually enjoy;

thoughts of harming yourself or others; and

feeling helpless, guilty or like a failure or a burden to others.

Sometimes we, myself included, may overlook our younger generations, whom many of us consider do not have any problems that may lead to them contemplating suicide. Let me reassure members here that this could not be further from the truth. I came across some secondary school students a couple years ago and inquired how they were going and their comments were, 'Stressed out of my mind.'

This really threw me back after having discussions with them, not mentioning the word 'suicide' but just in general conversation. It was a mixture of several issues: their upcoming school examinations, as well as issues at home with their parents having financial issues. Also, in a couple of cases, it was because of bullying, both physical, mental and also bullying on social media. In this case, it was on Facebook.

To be honest, I did not know how to bring the word 'suicide' into the conversation; however, they did as part of the ensuing discussion. During the conversation, I allowed them to discuss how they felt without making any suggestions myself. I will state here that I have gone through some of these very traumatic incidents myself throughout my own life, but I have also been able to openly discuss them with people who actually were prepared to listen to my concerns without giving their advice.

Challenges, difficulties and mental health concerns affect us all and do not discriminate based on age. For younger people, there can often be barriers to seeking support due to feelings of isolation, not feeling understood or the gravity of their concerns being dismissed, and not knowing where or how to seek support or who to speak to. Having a safe space to express worries, feelings and concerns can be beneficial in working through these difficulties and also increase connectedness and confidence and the ability to be heard freely without discrimination.

Those in police and emergency services roles—which includes police, paramedics, fire and rescue and state emergency personnel—are working on the front line to protect us and to ensure our safety. As such, they can be frequently exposed to highly stressful and traumatic situations. Each person will experience these situations differently, and how they respond will differ from person to person. For some, this may impact on their mental health and wellbeing. There was a period of time when we thought it was only Vietnam veterans who suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder, which I have spoken to previously in this house—not the younger ones coming through today.

Veterans and those currently serving, and their families, face unique experiences during their military career. Transitioning to civilian life is sometimes very hard and traumatic. Service and transition can impact many different parts of a person's life: mental health, wellbeing, physical health, family relationships, social connection, sense of self-worth and belonging, employment prospects, finances and housing.

People who reside in regional areas often say, 'I don't know what to say, so I don't say anything at all.' But those of us living in these communities know each other quite well. We are in the best position to notice when the stress is getting too much. We just need to be ready to look out for each other, stay connected, ask if we are okay. If the answer is no, then do not take that for an answer. Just keep talking to these people to ensure they know that you are there to help them out.

Living in a rural community can be a life-enriching experience that many urbanites do not understand. Dealing with the impacts of the unpredictable and dramatic Australian weather and elements builds an amazing resilience in rural communities, but it often comes at a cost. We only have to look at the drought and the recent fires across all of regional South Australia and Kangaroo Island. This will have a great impact on the mental health, wellbeing and physical feelings of these people. Social and geographical isolation can cause disadvantages in accessing health and wellbeing services. When support services are needed they are sometimes too few and too far away. Quite often governments say there are plenty of funds, but sometimes there are no bums on seats.

That last comment is one of the reasons that I am undertaking to challenge the stigma of men's mental health because too often the stigma is there and people do not want to take that extra step and say, 'I have an issue. I have an anxiety issue. I have a mental health issue.' So I am undertaking a challenge to challenge the stigma of men's mental health. It will hopefully raise sufficient funds to establish a connect centre in Port Pirie to allow for counsellors to be located in the building and for personal, confidential face-to-face contact to be made by those who are suffering these feelings and anxieties, not via telecommunication.

In closing, I know that there are lots of issues across all of regional South Australia and all of Australia, but there are certain things that we as a society, and men in particular, do not talk about. There are lots of issues out there. If we talk about these things we feel we are a failure or not part of the macho image of Australian men. Also, the fact is there are a lot of people out there with these issues who try to get that message across. The visual and the personal contact will be there, but when people try to broach the subject, 'I have an issue,' a lot of people are too scared to listen to them. They are not too sure what to say, so they avoid them.

If any of us here see someone—friends, family, anyone—and know they have a problem and know their behaviour is a bit different, then persevere with them; look after them. Do not tell them that they need assistance. Get them to work through their issues. As I said, I have been through all these issues because I have had lots of personal tragedies throughout my life. I have been able to go through those tragedies—those challenges—with people around me. Those people have listened to what I fear, and I think everybody else has to be able to do this: talk freely with those friends, associates or family. Just be there and make certain we are all there to help each other out.

I commend this to the house. I am looking forward to my challenge for mental health, and will always continue to try to challenge the stigma attached to it. A lot of people out there think that if you have a mental health issue, you have an anxiety issue, that can lead to suicidal issues. We have to get rid of that stigma and encourage people to be open and transparent, and all of us have to help them out through their very difficult journey. I commend this motion to the house.

Mr TEAGUE (Heysen) (12:30): I rise to support the member for Frome's motion. As he indicated, there are a number of minor amendments I will move, and I was pleased to discuss those with the member for Frome this morning. I note his remarks. There is no desire on my part to do anything other than to appropriately reflect support for the motion. I move to amend the motion of the member for Frome as follows:

(a) acknowledges that 10 September 2020 is World Suicide Prevention Day;

(b) acknowledges that World Suicide Prevention Day started in 2003:

(c) acknowledges that in excess of 3,000 Australians die by suicide every year;

(d) acknowledges that suicide is one of the largest causes of death each year;

(e) encourages people of all ages to openly discuss and acknowledge deaths by suicide;

(f) encourages people of all ages to openly discuss their mental health and wellbeing issues with family and friends;

(g) acknowledges the everlasting impact and effect of any death on family members and others; and

(h) encourages the state government to work with other governments, non-government organisations, and the community to ensure financial and other supports are available to prevent suicide.

Ms Bedford interjecting:

Mr TEAGUE: Yes, I can read them out. The amendments I move are that at paragraph (a) it is 10 September that is World Suicide Prevention Day rather than 9 September, as set out in the original motion; at paragraph (b) the word 'Suicide' is inserted, acknowledging that World Suicide Prevention Day started in 2003; and at (c) noting that in excess of 3,000 Australians die by suicide every year and, in that respect, indicating that this is very much a matter on our shores. It is not a global number but a significant number in Australia. My amendments also amend paragraph (h) to read:

(h) encourages the state government to work with other governments, non-government organisations, and the community to ensure financial and other supports are available to prevent suicide.

I do not understand that the amendments are opposed; indeed, they are intended to clarify and are provided with great respect.

At the outset, I acknowledge, commend and respect the member for Frome for bringing this motion to the house, and with those amendments I indicate my support for the motion. More particularly, his modesty left him until towards the end to indicate his participation in the challenge in August, challenging the stigma of men's mental health. I wish to advert to that and encourage him and wish him all the very best.

Ms Bedford interjecting:

Mr TEAGUE: I understand that it is to take place on 14 August, and it sounds as though it may not be just me who is being very much encouraged to 'Challenge Geoff.' So I do that and wish him all the very best in what is part of his ongoing and multifaceted contribution to this important debate.

We know, and I do not mean to be trite in expressing the fact, that suicide is an emotive and challenging subject that touches on very many people's lives. I will refer briefly to what I regard as very significant initiatives by the government in relation to suicide prevention. Those activities include the establishment of a Premier's Advocate for Suicide Prevention (Hon. John Dawkins of another place). I had the opportunity to work with him in my role as chair of the Premier's issues group for suicide prevention, a group that has been established, upon working with the Commissioner for Public Sector Employment, to develop a whole of government agency response with a view to tackling suicide prevention.

We know that suicide, as has been adverted to by the member for Frome, is the leading cause of death for people aged between 15 and 44, and it results in the greatest number of years of potential life lost. On average over the last five years, as the motion indicates, more than 3,000 Australians have been lost to suicide each year, with the ripple effects of each loss impacting upon tens of thousands of people.

It is also important to recognise that this affects people in some groups to a much higher extent, in particular, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people; people who have been in state-based care; people who identify as lesbian, gay, transgender, queer and intersex; and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. The risk may also vary by age group, including older persons, and there is a variety of associated reasons for that.

For each of these groups, the needs are often varied and complex, and our efforts need to be directed to reaching these groups and providing them with the supports they need. In this respect, I wish to recognise in particular one of the standout suicide prevention networks, one of many around the state that do tremendous work locally to reach out to communities in relevant ways.

The Strathalbyn and Communities Suicide Prevention Network has been leading the way in that part of my electorate of Heysen, drawing as it does on a very diverse range of people who are active in the community, people who have a lived experience, professional practice that relates to health and wellbeing, and people who are broadly community minded.

In that respect, I very much echo and amplify the observations of the member for Frome that a key part of what that network does, and I know so many other networks do, is to bring to light the possibility to discuss how people are feeling—'How are you going? Are you okay?'—and to keep on exploring those things that may be causing individual people difficulty.

In the present circumstances of COVID-19, I should note in particular that the government established the COVID-19 Virtual Support Network during April of this year. That is doing important work in the specific circumstances of both stress and isolation that people find themselves in at this time, and I commend the work that is being done in that area.

We have also seen negative impacts recently in relation to mental health challenges of people affected throughout the Adelaide Hills and Kangaroo Island, the result of the recent significant devastation caused by bushfires felt throughout those areas of our state in particular, as well as those fires that have affected other parts of the state and the country.

Since 2003, World Suicide Prevention Day has sought to improve community understanding and suicide prevention by raising awareness, by breaking down stigma and by improving attitudes towards people experiencing thoughts of suicide. There is a Suicide Prevention Plan 2017-2021 in place. It is up for review in 2021, and I am pleased to say that the Marshall Liberal government is committed to ensuring that the people of South Australia continue to receive the best possible mental health services. With those remarks, I commend the motion as amended.

Mr BELL (Mount Gambier) (12:40): I rise to support the motion by the fantastic member for Frome and acknowledge all those South Australians working to raise the profile of the importance of mental health. Right now, agencies are reporting unprecedented demand for support. Since March, Lifeline has received almost 90,000 calls a month—quite literally that is a call every 30 seconds. I would like to give thanks to all those people who have staffed Lifeline, Beyond Blue and the COVID-19 hotlines during this time.

As restrictions ease and tighten there are rises and falls in demand. I encourage people to find the help they need. It is important for people to find what works for them, and this may or may not be a standard clinician or support line. Often, taking that first step and admitting to yourself that you need help and support is always the hardest.

In my electorate, there are many people doing amazing work in the field of mental health and suicide prevention. I would like to commend the late Eve Barratt, who was a passionate advocate and driver of social change in this sector. Her pioneering work culminated in the Mount Gambier Suicide Prevention Network, the state's first such network. Eve was the local chief executive of Lifeline, and had a long-running involvement with Mount Gambier Prison introducing the groundbreaking Listener program, which has been running for more than two decades. The program is the longest running suicide prevention peer support service run in prison establishments in Australia. In 2014, Eve said:

…suicide is a community issue and requires a community response and everyone in the community can play a part.

Another person who is raising the importance of mental health locally is Matthew Brookes, who is the public face of a group called Lifeboat South East. A few years ago, Matthew had to deal with a series of events in his personal and professional life, and stress and worry developed into anxiety and depression. Knowing that he needed something else to keep him on track following more traditional forms of treatment, Matthew started up Lifeboat.

Matthew was the first to admit that he is not the type of bloke to just walk into a meeting, and so Lifeboat operates a little bit differently. When the group meets it is a very relaxed, casual atmosphere, and there is no real formality or pressure to talk unless you want to. As another avenue of reaching out to those who may not feel comfortable meeting in person, the group produces a podcast on different topics for people to listen to in their own time. As Matthew says, 'Everyone's ride is different. It takes a whole community to look out for each other.'

Mount Gambier's Tracey Wanganeen is a member of the Premier's Council on Suicide Prevention and also the coordinator of the StandBy—Support After Suicide organisation. The program is one of Australia's largest dedicated suicide postvention programs. During the pandemic, Tracey has spoken out about the importance of putting yourself first and looking out for others. She has encouraged people to talk to others, ring a hotline anonymously if they need, and also be aware of changes in family and friends. It is important to remember that even the toughest and most stoic of us can fluctuate when it comes to mental health.

Nel Jans is the coordinator for The Junction, which has centres in Mount Gambier and Millicent. The idea for The Junction began back in 2008 through a group of mental health organisations and individuals who recognised a need in the community for those people past the acute stage of their mental illness but who still needed assistance and support. For some people, the ongoing effects of mental illness can affect their lives for years or even decades. The Junction provides that ongoing support to get you back on your feet.

Their activities include cooking, healthy living, exercise and positive psychology sessions. They are all designed to give people the chance to work on social inclusion, coping skills and healthy relationships—all those little things that are key to getting people back to themselves. So to Eve, Nel, Matthew and Tracey, and all those people working in this sector, I thank you for raising the profile of mental health and for the positive ripple effect you and your organisations have had on the Limestone Coast community. I thank you for your continued persistence and hard work at a time when your own mental health should be a focus.

The South Australian Mental Health Strategic Plan states that 45 per cent of South Australians will experience a diagnosable mental illness at some point in their life and that the remaining 55 per cent are likely, in some way, to have to care for or be impacted by those who do. These statistics were published prior to the pandemic and I think it is fair to state that these numbers will rise significantly. Mental health and wellbeing is an issue affecting every single South Australian and it should be a priority for all of us. I commend the motion to the house.

Mr DULUK (Waite) (12:46): I would also like to speak in favour of the motion moved by the member for Frome and I thank him for the numerous occasions since we have been in the house together for speaking up on these issues. Incredibly, eight Australians take their life every day by suicide in Australia. It is quite an incredible statistic. Of those many thousands who take their own life, over 75 per cent are male. Each year, a further 65,000 Australians attempt suicide and a further million reach out to Lifeline for support, with Lifeline taking a call about every 30 seconds. Just considering those stats in and of themselves is quite phenomenal.

I think we all know all of us in this chamber are affected by suicide and know people who have attempted to take their life or may have taken their life, and it is distressing for all of us. As the member for Frome alluded to, we all have our challenges with mental health and the most important thing to do is to be able to talk about it, to be able to know where to go and, most importantly, to be able to speak in an open and protected environment which is so important. As the member for Frome alluded to in his contribution, it is important for us to reach out and to be able to be listened to and to be able to listen on behalf of people as well.

As the member for Mount Gambier alluded to in his contribution, there are thousands of volunteers and people who work in the mental health space across our communities. As the member for Heysen said, he has a suicide prevention group in Strath and I have a very active one in the Mitcham Hills as well. I would like to thank Rob and Lyn and the very young at heart Mary Strange, who is well into her 90s now and actively participates in the Mitcham Hills Suicide Prevention Network group. I thank them for their advocacy in my community.

As the motion alludes to, it is about awareness and reducing the stigma around mental health and suicide. Using the four-step method can help save lives, first of all by asking, 'Are you okay?' and then it is about actively listening and engaging. If someone has experienced difficulties, encourage them to take action by finding a relevant organisation or counselling service or visiting a GP. Issues as big as these cannot be left unmet. I was going to say 'untreated' but I think 'unmet' is a more important word to use.

Start up a conversation. Talk to your family and friends. It is so important. As members of parliament, I think we should do exactly what the member for Frome has done in his motion: talk about the issues. Yesterday, I and many of my colleagues here signed the National Communications Charter, which is the pledge to help reduce the stigma around mental health and promote the use of safe language when discussing mental illness or suicide.

The use of safe language is so important. For example, we know that, especially in the media, especially in a political context, the media use very inflammatory language. They might say 'political suicide' or 'noose around her neck'. This is quite a common theme that you will hear used by journalists in relation to politics and politicians. This language is most unhelpful. It is unnecessary and we know that there is a whole body of work that has been done in the community about the right language.

I think that it is important not just for us as members of parliament to use the right language around these issues but also for those in the media, when talking about and describing politics, to not use words associated with the stigma of mental health or words associated with suicide. That is for everyone who works in the media.

The National Communications Charter is a resource for uniting people to align with the 2017-2021 South Australian Suicide Prevention Plan. As I said, it is very worthy of MPs to sign up to use the right language and to support our communities, as the member for Frome is doing in his community, to raise awareness to beat this terrible affliction on our society.

The Hon. A. PICCOLO (Light) (12:50): I rise briefly to speak on behalf of the opposition and indicate our support for this motion. It is a very comprehensive and a very good motion and a timely motion. As other speakers have said—and I will not repeat what they have said—in this time of this health crisis and economic crisis the pressures on families and individuals are very high and those sorts of pressures can lead to a greater conflict not only between individuals and within families but also within individuals themselves when, as the member for Frome said, they might see themselves as failures.

We now have the highest unemployment in this state for 20 years and that would have a huge bearing on a number of individuals and families in terms of their mental wellbeing in that it puts a lot more pressure on those individuals.

The Hon. G.G. Brock: And families.

The Hon. A. PICCOLO: And their families, that is quite correct. In support of that, I recently had a discussion with all the principals in my schools. They all indicated increased demand for counselling services for their students. There are students who are feeling pressure directly, in terms of their own loss of employment, not being able to participate in society or a whole range of other factors. Compounding that is often the pressure on a family if one of the parents or both parents have lost their job. It is an additional pressure. The schools have indicated that they have had a huge spike in the demand for counselling and I would like to commend the schools for the way they have responded quite positively.

When I spoke to my own youth advisory panel about issues that impact on young people, they raised mental health as the number one issue. It was also touched upon that anybody of any race, religion, etc., can be affected by mental health but culture does impact how people respond to this. A lot of the emerging communities in my electorate struggle with this and a number of students are disadvantaged in my electorate because their parents do not understand how to deal with mental health because in their country of origin they treat it quite differently or do not accept that it exists and so those children have a double whammy in this regard. We need to make sure we reach out to them and cater for them.

A lot of good work is being done in the community. I would like to acknowledge the work done by Dr Naomi Rutten in my community. She is a GP who specialises in mental health, particularly around mental health coming from trauma. She not only works as a GP but works with schools and individuals and does an excellent job in raising awareness and our response to people with mental health issues, as does my local suicide prevention committee, which works really hard to increase the profile and reduce the stigma. I think that this motion is trying to reduce the stigma attached to it.

I would also like to acknowledge the great work done by my local newspaper The Bunyip in raising these issues at a community level because I think that at a community level is where we can be most effective. I think that we need to be doing more at this time. Certainly, the feedback I get is that there is a lack of resources on the ground to help not only at the young people level but at all levels, so I think that all governments of any persuasion really need to put a greater focus on this issue and make more resources available. When you have people waiting up to two or three months to see a health professional—

The Hon. G.G. Brock: It's too late.

The Hon. A. PICCOLO: That is correct: it is too late. In particular, I would also like to acknowledge the contribution made by our veterans who are suffering from mental health issues. I have had a number come to my office who have said, 'I can't see a doctor for two or three months.' As the member for Frome quite rightly points out, that is just too late. We really need to tackle this issue much more strongly and I hope this motion in some way increases awareness and government and community responses to this. I commend the motion on behalf of the opposition.

The Hon. G.G. BROCK: I certainly thank everybody for their contribution and acknowledge the amendment moved by the member for Heysen. I have no problems; let's get the house to accept this. I look forward to the future improvement of resources on the ground from all governments.

Amendment carried; motion as amended carried.

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