The Hon. Greg Hunt MP
Minister for Health and Aged Care
The Hon. David Coleman MP
Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention
JOINT MEDIA RELEASE
3 May 2022
Additional $13.7 million for suicide prevention in South Australia
A re-elected Morrison Government will invest $13.7 million to ensure that South Australians have continued and expanded access to vital suicide prevention services.
Consistent with the National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan outlined in the 2021-22 Budget, the funding includes:
- $9.2 million to establish new aftercare services to support individuals following a suicide attempt and /or suicidal crisis.
- $2.1 million to continue postvention services to support individuals and communities bereaved or impacted by suicide.
- $2.4 million to establish a Distress Brief Intervention Trial Program to prevent and reduce suicidal behaviour.
People who have previously attempted suicide or who have lost loved ones to suicide are at much higher risk of suicide than the general population.
Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, said the Morrison Government remains committed to working towards zero suicides and ensuring appropriate supports are in place for those at risk.
“In 2020, more than 3,000 Australians died by suicide. Each life lost is a tragedy, and has an immense impact on individuals, families and communities,” Minister Hunt said.
“The Morrison Government is investing record funding to develop a more effective and compassionate mental health and suicide prevention system to help protect and save lives.”
Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, David Coleman, said that the Morrison Government had been working with the South Australian Government since 2020 to deliver aftercare services in South Australia.
“This new funding will ensure that South Australians continue to receive vital care and support following a suicide attempt or discharge following suicidal crisis,” Assistant Minister Coleman said.
“It will also deliver the national StandBy Support After Suicide Service to support those that have lost a loved one to suicide.
“By supporting those at increased risk, the additional funding will contribute to reducing the number of lives lost to suicide in the state.
“The Distress Intervention Trial Program will also help reduce suicide, by reaching people who are showing early signs of mental distress or difficulty. The program is designed to support frontline workers in government service settings to identify people in distress, respond compassionately and refer them to dedicated support.”
The Morrison Government continues to prioritise mental health and suicide prevention, investing a record $3 billion in the 2021-22 and 2022-23 Budgets for the National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan to deliver landmark reform of the mental health system.
This brings the Health portfolio expenditure in mental health and suicide prevention services and supports in 2022–23 to a record high of $6.8 billion.
Unlike the Labor Party, which cut mental health funding when last in Government and has not given Australians any detail on their plans for mental health, the Morrison Government will continue to ensure that all Australians can access information, advice, counselling, or treatment, when and where they need it.
Anyone experiencing distress can seek immediate advice and support through Lifeline
(13 11 14), Beyond Blue (1300 224 636), Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800), or the Government’s digital mental health gateway, Head to Health.
If you are concerned about suicide, living with someone who is considering suicide, or bereaved by suicide, the Suicide Call Back Service is available at 1300 659 467 or www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au.
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