On World Suicide Prevention Day, the Albanese Labor Government will provide an additional $82.9 million to leading national suicide prevention services and illuminate Australian Parliament House in recognition of all those affected by suicide.
Suicide prevention remains a key priority for the Albanese Labor Government. Tragically, more than 3,000 Australians lose their lives to suicide each year, leaving families, friends and communities to carry the profound and lasting impact of that loss.
To help reduce suicide and suicidal distress, the Government will deliver an additional $82.9 million through the National Suicide Prevention Leadership and Support Program (NSPLSP), supporting 36 organisations delivering evidence-based suicide prevention initiatives across the country.
The NSPLSP strengthens prevention, early intervention and postvention support, with a particular focus on groups disproportionately impacted by suicide, including men, First Nations peoples, LGBTQIA+ Australians, people living in regional and remote areas, veterans and young people.
Through the program, organisations including Suicide Prevention Australia, R U OK? and MATES in Construction will deliver vital programs that help save lives, strengthen communities and support people when they need it most.
The program also supports Mental Health First Aid Australia, which has trained more than 1.6 million Australians to recognise the signs of mental ill-health and provide evidence-based support to people experiencing mental health challenges or suicidal distress.
While progress is being made, one life lost to suicide is one too many.
This year's World Suicide Prevention Day theme, Change the Narrative, highlights the importance of reducing stigma, encouraging open conversations and making sure people know that help is available.
At dusk on World Suicide Prevention Day and R U OK?Day, Australian Parliament House will be illuminated in yellow and orange to honour those lost to suicide, recognise those impacted and encourage Australians to check in with one another.
This will be the first time Parliament House has been illuminated to mark World Suicide Prevention Day.
Making sure Australians can access support when they need it is central to the Australian Government's approach to mental health and suicide prevention.
The Government has invested $1.1 billion to expand free mental health services across the country, including growing the national network of Medicare Mental Health Centres to 92 locations.
There are currently 57 Medicare Mental Health Centres operating across Australia, providing free, walk-in mental health care without the need for an appointment or referral.
The Government has also launched Medicare Mental health Check In, Australia's first digital mental health service - making sure Australians can access free, expert advice wherever they are.
If you are or someone you know is seeking support or information, you can call Medicare Mental Health on 1800 595 212 or visit www.medicarementalhealth.gov.au
People seeking support for suicidal ideation are encouraged to call Lifeline, Beyond Blue, 13YARN or visit a Medicare Mental Health Centre.
Quotes attributed to Minister Butler:
"Every day in Australia, a devastating nine people die by suicide and more than 150 attempt to take their own life, but it doesn't have to be this way.
"The Albanese Government is investing almost $83 million to deliver evidence-based suicide prevention programs right across the country, to help reduce suicide and suicidal distress."
Quotes attributed to Assistant Minister McBride:
"Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy, and every death leaves a profound and lasting impact on families, friends and communities.
"That's why the Albanese Labor Government is investing an additional $82.9 million in leading suicide prevention organisations, supporting the services that save lives and help Australians through their darkest moments.
"We know these services save lives, but suicide prevention doesn't just happen in clinics or support services. It can start with a simple conversation, checking in on a friend, family member or colleague, not only today on World Suicide Prevention Day, but every day.
"On World Suicide Prevention Day, we remember those we have lost, support those affected, and renew our commitment to making sure everyone gets they need when they need it."
