Suicide: Less talk, more action needed from Government
One of my first posts on Grassroots in August 2005 was of a submission that local youth workers had recently made to the Tasmanian Parliament Standing Committee on Community Development's enquiry into Suicide Prevention Strategies. 15 months on and the report of that reasonably extensive consultation has not yet been released.Yesterday the Mercury published an article titled "Tassie suicide shock" which disclosed the fact that Tassie now has the 2nd highest suicide rate in the country after the Northern Territory and that our suicide rates have been 65% higher than the Australian average in both 2004 and 2005. The response from the State Government's Suicide Prevention Steering Committee: more talk. The Committee has announced an extensive round of community consultation for 2007, which will presumably be followed by a report.
My question is: why this has been commissioned when we haven't even seen the result of the Parliamentary enquiry? It seems that as with the Child Protection we are to have endless reports and minimal action (ie spending on specific suicide prevention programs and generally on strengthening the community sector's ability to provide basic services and intervention).
To borrow an expression from a good mate; this State operates on the Mirror Principle;................... "we'll look into it"
Whilst this may suit the Treasury officials who run this State I don't believe it's what we as a community want. If you agree, why not write to a Parliamentarian asking them to speed the release of the Parliamentary enquiry's report and to get on with the job of funding its recommendations?
The full Mercury article by Luke Sayer is reproduced below.
Tassie suicide shock
LUKE SAYER
December 15, 2006 12:00am
Article from: Font size: + -
Send this article: Print Email
TASMANIA is failing to combat a major suicide problem, with the state 65 per cent above the national rate.
A shocking 82 Tasmanians killed themselves last year, just one less than 2004.
And instead of falling, Tasmania's death rate is climbing compared with the national average.
Tasmania's Suicide Prevention Steering Committee yesterday announced an intensive community consultation program for next year.
Committee chair Associate Professor Des Graham said the state must find more effective ways of addressing the suicide rate.
"We have managed to hold the rate but given we haven't got it down, then we need to do something differently," Prof Graham said.
The figures show the state has been getting worse compared with nationally.
"In 2001 the suicide rate in Tasmania was 14 per cent higher than the national rate," he said.
"In 2002 the Tasmanian rate was 13 per cent above the national average, in 2003 the gap widened to 34 per cent and in 2004 it rose again to 65 per cent above the Australian rate. (The difference in 2005 is believed to be about the same.)
"These figures are troubling and it's clear that as a community we need to find better ways to address the issue.
"Tasmania has the second highest rate of suicide in the country, behind only the Northern Territory."
Prof Graham said the problem needed tackling locally.
"And the key in Hobart may not be the same as it is in St Marys or somewhere else," he said.
Being creative and innovative was a priority.
"If we held a forum in Launceston, most young blokes wouldn't come along.
"But if we went to the local footy clubs and asked them for 15 minutes one night at training to talk to them, we could reach a lot more."
Prof Graham said the committee was reviewing the state's suicide prevention strategy and was keen to extend local plans.
"Suicide is a tragic and complex issue which results most often from an accumulation of risk factors extending into every aspect of society.
"This is a whole of community issue and the steering committee is keen to consult with as many people as possible while we review the suicide prevention strategy and develop an operational action plan."
He said warning signs should not be brushed aside.
"Preoccupation with death and talk of suicide should always be taken seriously," he said.
"An appropriate response when speaking to someone about suicide or self-harm is to listen, offer support and seek advice from health professionals.
"It is vital people seek help when they feel they are not coping. A range of services are available to assist."
Anyone needing help, or who knows someone who does, should contact their GP or a support service such as Lifeline on 13 11 14 -- or Kids Help Line on 1800 551 800 or the Mental Health Help Line on 1800 332 388.
Read the full Post!
posted by Alan Melton @ 1:08 pm
1 comments
