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

Before moving this general business notice of motion 101, I inform the chamber that Senator O'Neill will co-sponsor the motion. I, and also on behalf of Senator O'Neill, move:

That the Senate—

(a) acknowledges that today, 10 September 2019, is World Suicide Prevention Day, which this year seeks to 'shine a light' on suicide prevention;

(b) notes that, in 2017, 3,128 people in Australia died from self-harm, which equates to 8.57 deaths per day and a 9.1% increase from the following year;

(c) expresses concern that, in 2016, 47% of all suicides occurred in rural and remote regions, and First Nations peoples had a rate of suicide approximately twice that of non­-Aboriginal people;

(d) acknowledges that the highest risk factor of a future suicide attempt, is a previous attempt;

(e) further acknowledges that working together to prevent suicide, raise awareness and encourage conversations is important, and that:

(i) everyone has a role to play in preventing suicide and the choices we make today can help prevent suicide,

(ii) we can all make a difference in the lives of those who might be struggling by having regular, meaningful conversations about life's ups and downs,

(iii) you do not need to be an expert to reach out – just a good friend and a great listener, and

(iv) you do not need to be a clinician, a GP, or a nurse to check-in with someone you are worried about;

(f) recognises that it is better to reach out than avoid the person for fear of getting the conversation wrong; and

(g) urges all Australians to help shine a light on suicide prevention.

Jonathon Duniam (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Forestry and Fisheries) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

Jonathon Duniam (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Forestry and Fisheries) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Australian government has made working towards zero suicides a national priority, and it's committed to working with all communities, jurisdictions and governments to reduce the incidence and impact of suicide in Australia.

Question agreed to.