Bridget Archer (Bass, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

Access to mental health services is a passion of mine and was an area of focus during the recent election campaign, leading to $10.5 million for an adult mental health centre in Launceston. I thank the minister, Greg Hunt, for working with me to secure this funding.

On Saturday I was proud to join around 120 community members for the inaugural Walk for Suicide Prevention in Launceston. The walk, which is hoped to become an annual event, is an initiative of wonderful members of the Bass community, Scott Towns and David Pretorius with the Rotary Club of Central Launceston, and aims to raise understanding and, importantly, create awareness of the help that is available. Scott was moved to action after seeing the terrible impact of mental ill health within his own friend network.

Sadly, Tasmania has the second-highest rate of suicide in Australia and it is the leading cause of death amongst people aged 15 to 44. There are many incredible organisations which do much in this area, including of course headspace and, in Tasmania, SPEAK UP! Stay ChatTY, founded by Mitch McPherson in 2013 after his brother Ty died by suicide.

We know that commitment and investment will make a difference to the lives of Australians, such as the coalition's $125 million investment in the Million Minds Mental Health Research Mission. By supporting innovative and ground-breaking mental health and suicide prevention research, the mission aims to assist up to one million people affected by mental illness.

See this speech in context