Nation’s first-ever legislated Suicide Prevention Council appointed

Australia’s first legislated Suicide Prevention Council has been appointed, meeting for the first time to start their vital work to reduce suicide rates in South Australia.

The Council of 15 members includes a diverse mix of those with lived experience of suicide, clinicians, researchers, regional and community groups, as well as Indigenous, multicultural, veteran, first responder and LGBTIQ+ representatives.

The Premier’s Advocate for Suicide Prevention, Nadia Clancy MP, is the Council’s chair and joined by Mental Health Commissioner John Mannion.

The Council - which also comprises six ex officio members, including the Chief Public Health Officer - met yesterday to outline its vision to better support South Australians affected by suicide.

A top priority is launching the state’s first Suicide Prevention Plan, which will establish a framework to deliver a more coordinated and targeted suicide prevention response across all levels of government and community.

Other key objectives include:

• Improve engagement and early intervention for individuals and families

• More training and education available to the public and workers

• Increase access to suicide prevention, treatment and crisis intervention

• Support collaboration between suicide prevention networks and councils

• Engage people with lived experience of suicide to hear their concerns

• Make recommendations on current policies and programs

The Council is an integral part of the nation-leading Suicide Prevention Act 2021, which took effect in September this year - with South Australia the first state to introduce the milestone legislation for suicide prevention.

Anyone seeking 24/7 support can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 and Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.

It is a privilege to chair this Council and work to find more ways to prevent suicide and support families affected by it.

Our first meeting outlined the important task ahead of us and we are determined to start implementing change as quickly as possible.

This is a real opportunity to ensure South Australia continues to lead the way in reducing rates of suicide and the devastating toll it has on the community.

Appointed Suicide Prevention Council members include:

• Ms Nadia Clancy MP (Chair)

• Mr John Mannion, Mental Health Commissioner

• Mr Simon Schrapel AM

• Ms Ebony Gill

• Ms Ellie Hodges

• Ms Chez Curnow

• Mr Wathnak Vy

• Mr Benjamin Flink

• Mr Matthew Newlands

• Mr David Boots

• Dr Monika Ferguson

• Ms Sally Underdown

• Ms Amanda Braddock

• Dr Michelle Atchison

• Ms Tanya McGregor

These 15 members will join six ex officio members:

• Chief Public Health Officer

• Chief Psychiatrist

• Chief Executive of Wellbeing SA

• Commissioner for Aboriginal Engagement

• Commissioner for Children and Young People

• Commissioner for Aboriginal Children and Young People