Angie Bell (Moncrieff, Liberal National Party) Share this | Hansard source

Can I begin by saying that today my thoughts are with the people of the Gold Coast hinterland with the fires engulfing them. Today marks World Suicide Prevention Day across the globe and provides an opportunity for everyone to share our grief about those lost and to share the responsibility that is for all of us in the community to prevent the unnecessary tragedy that is suicide.

Sadly, between 2013 and 2017 the suicide death rate on the Gold Coast was 14 lives per 100,000 people. This was higher than the national rate over the same period of 12 lives per 100,000 people. These numbers sadden me, but I, along with all Gold Coasters, should be buoyed that our government is making mental health a priority, delivering more than $60 million to the Gold Coast for the five-year period of 2016 to 2021 for various programs for mental health and suicide prevention.

The Albert Waterways Community Centre in Broadbeach Waters is today hosting an important World Suicide Prevention Day initiative where guest speakers will share their perspectives and initiatives for shining a light on suicide prevention support for Gold Coasters. I take this opportunity to recognise Southport headspace, also in my electorate, who are doing a wonderful job in improving the services for youth living with mental illness. The Morrison government is delivering over $1.1 million in this next year to the organisation for the services they are providing for those in our community in need of help. If you're feeling low and need to reach out, please call Lifeline on 131114.

See this speech in context