Senate Inquiry into Suicide in Australia

A Senate Inquiry into Suicide in Australia has been announced by the Commonwealth Senate.

What is a Senate Inquiry?

A Senate Inquiry occurs when the Commonwealth Senate refers an issue of public importance to a Senate Committee for investigation. These committees do not have legislative powers, but are able to engage directly with the public, and seek submissions and evidence from the general population, as well as industry and interest groups. Following the provision of submissions, public or private hearings are held with witnesses, who are protected by parliamentary privilege. This means people can speak honestly and openly without fear of recrimination.

Following this process, the Committee will produce a report with recommendations for the Commonwealth Government to consider. The report for this Inquiry is due in April 2010.

Lifeline's Support for this Inquiry?

Lifeline believes that this important Inquiry is a unique opportunity to help all Australians recognise the broad and far reaching impact of suicidal behaviour and the need to focus greater resources on suicide prevention. Lifeline will be providing a significant submission to this Inquiry.

Lifeline has advocated for greater public awareness of suicide and suicide prevention for a number of years. As the leading suicide prevention and intervention organisation in the country, Lifeline has working knowledge of the impact of suicide on the whole community. Lifeline is hoping that with the conclusion of this Inquiry, suicide prevention will become a permanent fixture of public social and health policy and attract the same level of funding that other high profile health and social issues receive.

We will be regularly updating this page with information regarding the Senate Inquiry as it becomes available, especially relating to public hearings that might occur early in 2010, so please come back and check in on a regular basis.

You may also want to follow Lifeline on Facebook or Twitter for updates.

Lifeline’s Submission to the Inquiry

Lifeline provided a significant submission to this Inquiry. You can view Lifeline's submission here.

Thank you to everyone who sent in a personal story contribution towards Lifeline's submission; the submission, and the Inquiry process, is richer for your undertaking this process. Please note that for privacy reasons (for author and 3rd parties mentioned), all personal stories submitted will not become public documents; they will be reviewed by the Senate Standing Committee on Community Affairs as a confidential appendix to Lifeline's submission, which means that this appendix will not become available to the public.

We appreciate your willingness to share sensitive information and your personal story to benefit others. We also understand that this exercise may be upsetting for some people.

We encourage you to continue to be open in talking with trusted friends and family - remembering to reach out to them or to other sources of emotional support including Lifeline 13 11 14, when needed, or read the important information on this page: Are you at risk?.

Alternatively personal submissions can also be made directly to the Senate Inquiry by visiting the following website - Inquiry into Suicide in Australia. Due to the considerable interest generated by the Inquiry, the Senate Committee is continuing to receive submissions throughout the Inquiry.

Submissions made by other organisations and individuals may be viewed here.

Suicide Prevention links and resources

The Lifeline Information Service provides a range of online self-help tool kits, designed by mental health professionals offering specific information and advice on a range of mental health and help seeking topics. You can also find useful Suicide Prevention links here.

LivingWorks

LivingWorks provides training to equip people to help those at risk of suicide, keep them safe and access further support.

Make a Donation

To continue providing suicide prevention services and resources Lifeline is reliant on the support of the community.

Should you wish to support us please consider making a donation.