Lifeline Welcomes Senate Inquiry

Release date: 10 Sep 2009

Lifeline Australia has today welcomed the announcement of a Senate Inquiry into suicide in Australia. The Senate has today referred the Inquiry to the Community Affairs References Committee.

“This inquiry is very timely and we are extremely pleased that this announcement has been made today,” Dawn O’Neil, CEO of Lifeline Australia said.

“Today is World Suicide Prevention Day, and so it is very appropriate. This is a global problem and one that needs much more attention.

“Suicide is a serious community health issue; we know that tragically up to seven people are taking their own lives each day in Australia. We believe that there is an attempt every 15 minutes.

“We now encourage everyone who is passionate about suicide prevention, or who has experienced suicide in their lives, to prepare a submission for this Inquiry. We want to make sure the Community Affairs References Committee has every piece of evidence at their disposal, so that they can make sound, well considered recommendations to the Rudd Government.”

The Inquiry will look at both the financial and social costs of suicide on the community, as well as ascertaining the effectiveness of current awareness campaigns, support mechanism and the National Suicide Prevention Strategy.

Submissions are due by the 20th of November 2009.

“The terms of reference for this Inquiry are sound and well considered. We are very pleased they have decided to be so thorough in their investigations into this important issue,” Ms O’Neil said.

Lifeline is the largest provider of suicide prevention services in Australia. Lifeline’s telephone volunteers listen to up to 50 suicide related calls per day.

“We need to be real about this. There is so much more we can and must do to prevent suicide from occurring. For people aged 15-34 it is the number one cause of death in this country. That’s why we are so glad this inquiry has been announced.”

ENDS
For further information or comment contact: Chris Wagner, Lifeline Australia, 02 6215 9446 or 0434 378 939

Media Contact: Chris Wagner (ph: 0434 378 939)