It is disappointing to see Andrew Wilkie politicising such a serious issue and attempting to put political pressure on the Chief Coroner who is an independent judicial officer. This is a new low for Mr Wilkie.
The facts are the ABS statistics he refers to show deaths by suicide in Tasmania have actually reduced in 2017,when compared to the year prior, bucking the national trend. Even if the number of suicides had increased, Mr Wilkie has no right to try to score political points on this issue.
The Hodgman Liberal Government is focused on building a better mental health system that provides the support Tasmanians need in the right place and at the right time.
This is why our $95 million plan for mental health includes 25 more mental health beds and boosts community-based supports because we recognise that people recover better in the community and in a familiar environment.
Our plan has been developed in line with our comprehensive Suicide Prevention Strategies, our Rethink Mental Health Plan and the 5th National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan. It’s backed with key initiatives to support Tasmanians of all ages, including the Early Intervention Suicide Prevention Referral Service, the recently released Tasmanian Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Communications Charter, and ongoing additional resources for grassroots community organisations.
The Government’s Suicide Prevention Strategies enjoy the strong support of consumers, key stakeholders like the Mental Health Council of Tasmania, and professional groups, but we know that there is still a way to go.
We appreciate that there is always more to be done which is why we will continue to look at other ways we can improve the support available for Tasmanians living with mental ill health.
Mr Wilkie has contributed nothing to any of these suicide prevention efforts. Today’s cheap shot will disenfranchise and discourage many individuals and groups who are working together to actually help people of risk.
