22 March 2023

Jeremy Rockliff, Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing

Progressing our plan to reduce suicide in Tasmania

The Tasmanian Liberal Government has released the first Implementation Plan of the new Tasmanian Suicide Prevention Strategy which aims to reduce suicide in Tasmania and build more connected and compassionate communities.

The third suicide prevention strategy for Tasmania - Compassion and Connection: Tasmanian Suicide Prevention Strategy 2023-2027 - sets out the government’s vision and priorities for preventing suicide over the next five years.

The Implementation Plan identifies several population groups as being at greater risk of suicide that will be prioritised, including young people, men, veterans, people in the Australian Defence Force, the Tasmanian Aboriginal community, and the LGBTIQ+ community.

The Tasmanian Liberal Government is investing $3.75 million to support the plan’s actions.

Premier and Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing, Jeremy Rockliff, said the plan demonstrates our commitment to working with all Tasmanians to ensure everyone who experiences suicidal distress can access compassionate care and support.

“The impact of suicide is personal and deeply felt. It is only through working together that we can ensure all Tasmanians feel safe and supported, connected to care, and with hope for the future,’’ Premier Rockliff said.

“Suicide prevention is everyone’s responsibility, and it is up to each of us to do what we can to support each other, and to reach out to others in times of disruption and distress.

“That’s why I recently elevated suicide prevention and mental health to a Premier’s priority. This allows us to bring all levels of government, agencies, and people across the Tasmanian community and the service system together to prevent suicide.”

Key actions for 2023 and 2024 as part of the first Implementation Plan include:

• Establishing the Premier’s Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Advisory Council;
• Working closely with the Tasmanian Aboriginal community by supporting the implementation of existing programs such as Culture Care Connect;
• Embedding LGBTIQ+ inclusive practice online training for all Department of Health staff and establishing LGBTIQ+ peer navigators;
• Partnering with Movember to improve men’s health awareness; and
• Developing an action plan to implement recommendations from the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide in Tasmania.

The Plan aligns closely with the National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement, and the reform directions of Rethink 2020, Tasmania’s overarching mental health plan.

The Tasmanian Liberal Government is committed to embedding lived experience into all areas of suicide prevention, and the Implementation Plan will improve services and supports.

The Implementation Plan 2023-2024 can be viewed here.

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); or
• Access the Lifeline crisis chat service.

In an emergency, call Triple Zero (000).

More Media Releases from Jeremy Rockliff

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