Regional communities across Australia will be better equipped to help prevent suicide with the Albanese Labor Government extending funding to local suicide prevention programs designed specifically for local needs.
Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Emma McBride made the announcement during an address to the National Suicide Prevention Conference in Adelaide.
A $21 million investment in the 2024-25 Budget will continue the Targeted Regional Initiative for Suicide Prevention (TRISP) which funds Primary Health Networks (PHNs) for suicide prevention activities which respond to the needs of their communities.
Through the TRISP Program, the Government tasks all 31 PHNs to provide evidence-based, community-led approaches to suicide prevention in their region. It empowers local decisions on which services are most effective in responding to suicide risk and supporting families in bereavement.
The new funding builds on the $42.7 million invested in the program in the 2022-23 Federal Budget, following the National Suicide Prevention Trial.
The Government also funds each PHN for a suicide prevention regional response coordinator. These local leaders work with service providers, councils, schools, emergency services and community groups on early intervention and suicide prevention activities.
Local initiatives have included Men's Tables, peer support groups for dads and yarning circles in high schools.
PHNs have also provided awareness training, including for multi-cultural groups and male-dominated sectors.
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister, Emma McBride:
"As I have said at the National Suicide Prevention Conference today, the Albanese Government is working right across government to address the drivers which can lead to someone experiencing psychological or suicidal distress.
"This announcement will provide tailored regional services, designed and delivered by professionals who know their communities best.
"The extension of TRISP will empower Primary Health Networks to build on what they have already learned and better equip local communities to lead suicide prevention initiatives into the future."
