Steve Georganas (Hindmarsh, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

R U OK? is based on a simple concept. It is about taking the time to ask someone the three simple words, ‘Are you okay?’ It is a simple question, yet its meaning is profound and asking the question means you care about the answer. It is this connection, this thoughtfulness, that can help someone open up and communicate their problems. Research shows that it helps people at risk of self-harm to get them to talk about their problems and that talking can ensure that small problems do not become big problems.

It is shocking to learn about the prevalence of suicide in our society. Around 2,000 people take their own lives in Australia each year, and that is tragic. That does not include the number of people who attempt suicide or the number of people thinking about suicide or the number of people affected by suicide. Suicide claims the lives of more Australians than our road toll, and it is the biggest killer of Australian men and women aged 15 to 35. People who are isolated or feel isolated are at risk. This includes the elderly and people living on their own. Losing one’s life partner, a perceived lack of purpose upon retirement, isolation should children move out to find work, depression and stress can all contribute to suicide. I am particularly conscious of these factors in relation to my own electorate, where the proportion of single households is one of the highest in the country.

I am pleased that the Australian government is committed to strengthening suicide prevention efforts in Australia and that it remains concerned about people at high risk of suicide. This includes Indigenous Australian men, those in rural areas, people with drug and alcohol problems and people with mental illness. In recognition of this, funding under the National Suicide Prevention Program has more than doubled from $8.6 million in 2005-06 to $22.1 million in 2009-10.

Mental illness remains the single biggest risk factor for suicide. In addition to this specific suicide prevention funding, broader funding by the Australian government on mental health programs contributes significantly to the suicide prevention effort. The 2009 report on government services identified recurrent funding of $1.6 billion by the Australian government on mental health services and programs.

Australian health ministers recently agreed to achieve better alignment between state and territory governments and the Australian government regarding suicide prevention activity through the development of a nationally agreed suicide prevention framework. This is a key area of action under the fourth National Mental Health Plan, which was endorsed by health ministers on 4 September 2009.

I am very pleased that Gavin Larkin started R U OK?, an organisation to help all of us understand that we can help someone. The national R U OK? Day initiative encourages all of us to take some responsibility for the wellbeing of those around us and to take more opportunities to connect with each other. All we need to do is ask those three simple words—‘Are you okay?’—and then listen to the answer. This initiative also aims to raise the profile of suicide prevention and support services such as beyondblue, the Black Dog Institute, Lifeline and SANE Australia. These organisations are just some of R U OK? Day’s crucial partners in this new national campaign. I am very pleased that a number of other organisations are supporting the campaign, such as the National Prescribing Service, the Australian General Practice Network and the Pharmacy Guild of Australia. R U OK? also has the support of News Limited and on R U OK? Day itself one million homes across Australia will receive in their newspapers a guide to specific signs to look for, how to have a successful conversation about it and where to direct people for their health.

The first national R U OK? Day is this coming Sunday, 29 November 2009. The organisation has distributed through the whips’ offices here badges for all of us to wear this coming week. I think it is wonderful. It is practical and positive. It is a positive initiative and I urge everyone in this place to support it. I ask all of us to ask our friends and families and people in our communities and electorates to ask people if they are okay. (Time expired)

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