Page 1469 - Week 04 - Wednesday, 28 March 2012
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People aren’t aware of these facts and figures because of this shroud of silence over this issue.
The Mental Health Council of Australia in their submission to the Senate inquiry recommended that investment be made to enable the independent, transparent capture of data to inform decision makers and the general community about progress in addressing suicide. Key data elements would combine as part of a suicide accountability framework that involves regular public reporting and that enables increased public understanding and diminishes stigma.
By implementing the two recommendations I am referring to today, I would hope to see several impacts: firstly, an increased understanding in the community about the extent to which suicide is occurring; secondly, a decrease in the level of stigma associated with suicide so that people are more likely to pick up and act on warning signs and so those who are bereaved do not have to hide; and, thirdly, pressure on government, current and future, to provide adequate funding to suicide prevention services.
I do not think Ms Gallagher is going to move amendments, so I seek leave to move the amendment to my motion circulated in my name.
Leave granted.
MS BRESNAN: I move:
Omit subparagraphs (2)(a) and (b), substitute:
“(a) consult the Ministerial Advisory Council on Mental Health and other relevant stakeholders about what ACT suicide reduction target is appropriate for 2020 and outline that target to the ACT Legislative Assembly by the end of 2012; and
(b) make a statement to the Assembly biannually until the end of 2020 on the ACT figures on suicide progress against the target, and information about available services and support.”.
There has been some discussion between the three offices, and I thank the minister and also Mr Hanson for cooperating on this motion. I think it is something we all agree should be addressed, which is good to see. Basically the amendment amends paragraph (2)(a) to consult with the Ministerial Advisory Council on Mental Health and other relevant stakeholders on the target to be set and to report that target to the Assembly by the end of this year.
Again, this was something we discussed with the minister’s office, and I think it is good to add this in so that we consult with the community and the sorts of groups like Lifeline, for example, which have an in-depth understanding of this issue and would be able to provide good information on the target we should be setting. That is the main amendment to the motion. Again, I thank all offices for the cooperation on this, and I hope these amendments will be agreed to.
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