19 May 2023

Jeremy Rockliff, Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing

First meeting of Premier’s Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Advisory Council

The first meeting of the Premier’s newly formed Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Advisory Council has been held.

The Council forms an integral part of the Tasmanian Liberal Government's approach to addressing mental health and suicide prevention which will give us the best opportunity to connect all sectors and reduce suicide in Tasmania.

The Council is made up of representatives from a range of mental health and suicide prevention funding bodies, people with lived experience, the newly established Centre for Mental Health Services Innovation, government representatives, and major stakeholders in the sector.

The Premier and Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing, Jeremy Rockliff, said reducing suicide and improving mental health and wellbeing across the Tasmanian population is possible if we work together.

“This Council will strengthen the work underway across Tasmania and ensure that anyone who experiences mental health issues and suicidal distress can access compassionate care and support when and where they need it,” the Premier said.

“The Council will provide cross-sectoral strategic input to our government with a focus on greater collaboration and ensuring alignment with the vision outlined in the Tasmanian Suicide Prevention Strategy and Rethink 2020.

“The Council will also work with us to implement mental health and suicide prevention policies, as well as promote awareness across all sectors of Government and the community.”

Membership includes:

• Jeremy Rockliff, Premier and Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing;
• Todd Crawford, A/Deputy Secretary, Policy and Intergovernmental Relations, Department of Premier and Cabinet;
• Joe Acker, A/Deputy Secretary, Community, Mental Health and Wellbeing, Department of Health;
• Jane Austin A/General Manager, Mental Health, Alcohol and Drug Directorate, Department of Health;
• Dr Anthony Cidoni, A/Chief Psychiatrist, Department of Health;
• Professor David Castle, Head, Centre for Mental Health Service Innovation;
• Connie Digolis, Chief Executive Officer, Mental Health Council of Tasmania;
• Alison Lai, Chief Executive Officer, Alcohol, Tobacco and other Drugs Council Tasmania;
• Phil Edmondson, Chief Executive Officer, Primary Health Tasmania;
• Dion Lester, Chief Executive Officer, Local Government Association of Tasmania;
• Debbie Evans, Chief Executive Officer, Lifeline Tasmania;
• Dr Michael Kelly, Chair, Tasmanian Suicide Prevention Community Network;
• Tash Smyth, CEO, Flourish Tasmania;
• Glen O’Keefe, CEO, Mental Health, Families and Friends Tasmania; and
• Lived experience voices.

If you or someone you know is experiencing distress, seek help and support from:

• A Tasmanian Lifeline (1800 98 44 34)
• Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800)
• Suicide Call Back Service (1300 659 467)
• Lifeline (13 11 14)
• Access the Lifeline crisis chat service, or
• In an emergency, call Triple Zero (000).

More Media Releases from Jeremy Rockliff

More Media Releases from the Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing