- The Crisafulli Government, in partnership with TAFE and Council of Ageing Queensland, is investing in and building capability across the aged care workforce.
- Up to 50 students across the state in eligible aged care related studies to receive free, nationally accredited suicide prevention training.
- This practical, frontline-focused initiative will ensure aged care workers are prepared to recognise warning signs and respond effectively.
- The Crisafulli Government is restoring health services when you need them most after a decade of decline under Labor.
The Crisafulli Government is taking action to protect the wellbeing of older Queenslanders by equipping the future aged care workforce with vital suicide prevention training. This practical, frontline-focused initiative will ensure aged care workers are prepared to recognise warning signs and respond effectively - a step that could help save lives. Older Queenslanders remain disproportionately impacted by suicide, with people over 65 accounting for almost 20 per cent of suspected suicides in 2023, particularly in regional and remote communities.
Labor's decade of decline left Queensland with a health crisis and mounting pressure on our system. The Crisafulli Government is now responding with targeted investment to deliver world-class health services when you need them, no matter where you live. Through a partnership with TAFE Queensland and Council of Ageing Queensland, 50 students across the state, and in eligible aged care related studies, will receive free suicide prevention training.
Respond to People in Crisis and at Risk of Suicide is an eight-week online course that includes nationally accredited units which will not only build frontline suicide prevention skills, but also count toward further qualifications, strengthening both career pathways and community safety. Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Tim Nicholls said the initiative, delivered by the Queensland Mental Health Commission, was about building a safer, more compassionate aged care system.
"This is about ensuring aged care staff, right across the state, can be a lifeline for older Queenslanders", Minister Nicholls said.
"After a decade of Labor's neglect, particularly in regional health services, the Crisafulli Government is delivering a fresh start for Queensland with real reforms and initiatives that put people first. "By providing suicide prevention training to the future aged care workforce, we are giving workers the skills and confidence to step in early, provide support and, ultimately, save lives." Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training Ros Bates said the initiative would deliver job-ready skills while strengthening care in Queensland communities. "We're backing our students with practical, job-ready skills that go beyond technical care - skills that can save lives," Ms Bates said.
"This is another example of the Crisafulli Government's commitment to delivering easier access to health services for Queenslanders, while preparing a workforce that is "We're empowering a workforce that is confident and capable of supporting both the physical and mental wellbeing of older Queenslanders, wherever they live." Queensland Mental Health Commissioner Ivan Frkovic said a simple conversation or timely intervention could make all the difference. "By embedding suicide prevention training early in students' learning journey, we're helping to build long-term capability to respond with compassion and confidence," Mr Frkovic said.
Training commences in October 2025.
Students currently enrolled in aged care–related courses can participate.
