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Legislative Council - Fifty-Second Parliament, Second Session (52-2)
2012-09-19 Daily Xml
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LIFELINE

The Hon. D.G.E. HOOD (15:11): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Volunteers questions about state government funding for an organisation called Lifeline.

Leave granted.

The Hon. D.G.E. HOOD: Members may recall that I spoke in this chamber on 5 September highlighting the important work done by Lifeline, and I indicated that Lifeline relied extensively on donations and fundraising. It is my understanding that this organisation receives state government funding only in the regional area and not in the metropolitan area, even though its contribution to the community in suicide prevention and counselling for gambling addictions, in particular, as well as other counselling, is extremely valuable. My questions are:

1. Why does the government fund Lifeline in the regional areas but not in the metropolitan area?

2. That being the case, will the minister reconsider this situation and look to extend the funding to Lifeline in the metropolitan area?

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER (Minister for Communities and Social Inclusion, Minister for Social Housing, Minister for Disabilities, Minister for Youth, Minister for Volunteers) (15:12): I thank the honourable member for his very important questions. The South Australian government's suicide prevention strategy 2012-16 and implementation guide was released on 4 September 2012. The strategy, which has been developed over the past 18 months, provides seven key goals, with key outcomes, actions and activities, to achieve a whole-of-government, whole-of-community approach to suicide prevention in South Australia.

In 2012-13, the government, through the Department for Health and Ageing, is providing $530,900, I am advised, to a range of services aimed at increasing awareness about mental health issues and suicide risk in the community. Those initiatives include $278,000 for beyondblue to increase awareness and understanding of depression, anxiety and related substance use disorders; $142,400 for the mental health first aid program provided by Relationships Australia; $110,500 for Centrecare to provide services to young people who are exhibiting depressive, suicidal or self-harming behaviours; and training opportunities for professionals working with young people at risk.

In addition, there are a number of collaborations with the federal government and the not-for-profit sector in providing suicide prevention programs across South Australia. Wesley LifeForce is one organisation working to build community sustainability and awareness of resources available in the community. The Department for Communities and Social Inclusion currently funds two regional Lifeline centres through the Family and Community Development Program.

These are the Lifeline South-East and Mount Gambier and Lifeline Country to Coast SA in Port Augusta. The core service of the centres is a 24-hour telephone crisis support service. Lifeline centres work together as contributing members of this national 24-hour service and take calls from right across Australia. This crisis support service is available to anyone needing emotional support via the one national phone number, and I understand the number is 131144.

Lifeline Adelaide's suicide prevention program, as the honourable member advises, is not currently funded by my agency and, as I understand it, nor is it funded currently by the Department for Health and Ageing, but I have been informed that they are exploring funding options for this very important program with the Department for Health and Ageing.

The government takes this issue very seriously and has developed a strategy, in consultation with key stakeholders. We will roll out a range of programs across the state, working with a number of organisations working in this area. There are a range of services and support available across the state in prevention that work to prevent suicides and to assist people in distress. As I have said, the government welcomes the interest of other parties in this important area. We will continue to work with the community and key stakeholders to implement the best available programs.

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