The Hidden Toll

Senator WRIGHT: I want to go to the recommendations of the 'The hidden toll: suicide in Australia', the Senate report into suicide in 2010. This might be a question for Senator Nash to start with. I note that their National Party's 2013 federal election policy platform included a commitment to implementing the recommendations of the Hidden Toll report. Is the minister able to comment on the government's intention to keep that commitment?

I give notice that, on the next day of sitting, I will move that:

The Senate:

1. recognises September 1-7 as National Body Image and Eating Disorders Awareness Week; 

2. notes that in 2012 there were more than 913,000 people in Australia living with a clinical eating disorder, and more than 1,800 people die each year because of these deadly mental illnesses;

The Senate has called on the Government to fund targeted suicide prevention measures in rural and regional areas, backing a motion by Australian Greens spokesperson on mental health Senator Penny Wright.

However, the National Party voted against the motion - despite making an identical election promise last year.

Senator Wright said enthusiasm about the cross-party support for action on rural suicide, including a national awareness campaign, was tempered by the Nationals' surprising policy reversal.

I move that the Senate

1.      notes that a disproportionately high number of completed suicides and suicide attempts involve men in rural areas; and

2.      calls on the government to implement the key recommendations of The Hidden Toll: Suicide in Australia report of the Senate Community Affairs References Committee during the term of the 44^th Parliament of Australia, including:

a)      funding a national suicide prevention and awareness campaign, to run for at least five years; and

The Australian Greens have called for the Coalition Government to urgently respond to rising suicide and PTSD rates in the Australian Defence Forces.

Spokesperson on mental health and veterans' affairs, Senator Penny Wright, urged Defence Minister David Johnston to reveal his plan to improve mental health support for servicemen and women.

The Australian Greens will work with other parties in the new parliament to tackle suicide rates, especially in rural areas, says Australian Greens spokesperson for mental health Senator Penny Wright.

Speaking on World Suicide Prevention Day, Senator Wright said research continued to show suicide rates were higher in rural and regional areas.

"Every suicide has a profound impact on families and whole communities. We all need to work urgently on reversing this devastating trend," Senator Wright said.

Senate Community Affairs Committee
Health and Ageing Portfolio

Outcome 11 - Mental Health
Question No. E12-066

Senator WRIGHT: 

a) Can you please describe the purpose of the National Recovery-Oriented Mental Health Practice Framework?

b) Can you please describe the progress of the implementation of this Framework?

c) What is the total cost of implementing this Framework over forwward estimates?

d) How much funding was allocated to the Framework in the last budget (2012/2013)?

Senate Community Affairs Committee
Health and Ageing Portfolio

Outcome 11 - Mental Health
Question No. E12-066

Senator WRIGHT: 

Please provide details of the cost of the National Suicide Prevention Strategy over the past three years (2009/10, 2010/11, 2011/12 and over forward estimates).

Answer:

Summary of Allocation

2009 - 2010 ($m): 21.7

2010 - 2011 ($m): 24.0

2011 - 2012 ($m): 23.8

2012 - 2013 ($m): 25.4

2013 - 2014 ($m): 25.3

Senate Community Affairs Committee
Health and Ageing Portfolio

Outcome 11 - Mental Health
Question No. E12-065

Senator WRIGHT: 

Please detail the progress of the National Suicide Prevention Strategy. For example, what are its main objectives; is there an overall framework or strategy document that is publically available; what are the main programs that fall under the strategy and has its overall effectiveness been evaluated?

Answer: