Page 2324 - Week 08 - Tuesday, 12 August 2014
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Finally, I would like to bring to the Assembly’s attention that ACT Health, in partnership with the ANU Medical School, is undertaking a two year research project focusing on the factors contributing to people completing suicide and the health services with which they have been in contact over the last five years. The research is also investigating which factors are the strongest predictors of suicide. This is important research that will inform the ACT government’s strategic planning for evidence-based suicide prevention and postvention services and supports.
I move:
That the Assembly take note of the paper.
MR RATTENBURY (Molonglo) (3.38): I want to thank the Minister for Health for her ongoing support in the identification and reporting on the matter of suicide in our community. As my former colleague Amanda Bresnan noted when she first brought this matter to the Assembly in 2012, it is rare that we have everybody in this place agreeing on matters, but the issue of suicide is one where there is a recognition across the political spectrum of how serious and difficult an issue it is.
Suicide is often a silent killer in our community, and many people are understandably concerned and upset when it is discussed. The intention of the motion passed by the Assembly was to shed light and hope on a dark area and to measure our society’s progress towards reducing the prevalence of not only the tragic loss of life but also the supports needed to address underlying conditions that can lead to suicidal thinking.
The Assembly’s resolution to take action on this issue highlights the serious nature of the topic and the need for us all to be vigilant and aware of the prevalence of mental health issues in our own lives and those of our friends and family. Having this information brought to the Assembly today provides us with both a moment to reflect on the issue but also a baseline of information from which we can proceed forward.
Question resolved in the affirmative.
Health, Ageing, Community and Social Services—Standing Committee
Report 2—government response
MS GALLAGHER (Molonglo—Chief Minister, Minister for Health, Minister for Higher Education and Minister for Regional Development) (3:40): For the information of members I present the following paper:
Health, Ageing, Community and Social Services—Standing Committee—Report 2—Inquiry into ACT Public Service Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employment—Government response.
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