Skye Kakoschke-Moore (SA, Nick Xenophon Team) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I move:

That the Senate—

(a) notes that in Australia:

(i) suicide is the leading cause of death for men and women between the ages of 15 to 44,

(ii) suicide is the second-leading cause of death for men and women between the ages of 45 to 54,

(iii) suicide accounts for one-third of all deaths of people aged 15 to 24,

(iv) more than 3 000 Australians die by suicide every year, and

(v) for every death by suicide, it is estimated that as many as 30 people attempt suicide;

(b) recognises that social connection and peer support is enormously important to those who are struggling with thoughts of suicide or self-harm;

(c) acknowledges that 14 September 2017 is R U OK? Day, a national day of action encouraging people to reach out to friends, family and peers and check-in on their mental health; and

(d) urges all members and senators to lead by example by starting conversations with their peers and encouraging others to take the time to ask "are you ok?".

James McGrath (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Gavin Marshall (Victoria, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

James McGrath (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Preventing suicide is an issue of national importance. The coalition government has made mental health a priority and is leading a transformation in the way mental health and suicide prevention services are delivered in Australia. The government has been supporting R U OK? Day since it started.

Question agreed to.

Rachel Siewert (WA, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I, and also on behalf of Senator Rice, move:

That the Senate—

(a) recognises that today is R U OK? Day, dedicated to reminding people to ask family, friends and colleagues in a meaningful way "R U OK?";

(b) acknowledges that:

(i) the National Mental Health Commission has warned that the LGBTIQ community will experience worsened negative mental health impacts during the marriage equality postal survey debate, due to increased scrutiny, judgement and discrimination, and

(ii) concurrently, there is a significant deficiency in mental health services, particularly for LGBTIQ communities, with essential services, like Living Proud, being defunded; and

(c) calls on the Government to:

(i) encourage the public to reach out to the LGBTIQ community and ask R U OK?, and

(ii) ensure sufficient mental health services for the LGBTIQ community following expert advice that the marriage equality postal survey will result in increased negative mental health outcomes.

James McGrath (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Gavin Marshall (Victoria, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

James McGrath (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

We urge all Australians to show respect for each other and, equally, we respect to right of all Australians to have their say. The coalition government has made mental health a priority and is investing over $4 billion this year on mental health services.

Question agreed to.