Suicide Prevention Australia has today released a damning report that shows Anthony Albanese has failed in his promise to make suicide prevention a “personal priority.”
This report is distressing and tragic.
The Coalition has repeatedly condemned the Albanese Labor Government for its failure to prioritise suicide prevention or mental health support, and the data released today affirms this government’s neglect.
The report found that approximately 10,400 Australians have tragically taken their own lives since 2022, and in this period the Albanese Government has only sent suicide prevention measures backwards.
These findings demonstrate why it is so inexplicable that Anthony Albanese has cut the National Suicide Prevention Research Fund.
The National Suicide Prevention Research Fund, led by Suicide Prevention Australia, was proudly established by the Coalition in 2016 and then extended in 2022 by the former Coalition Government.
It has led to impactful research developments that are making a meaningful difference to save lives.
Shadow Minister for Health and Aged Care, Senator Anne Ruston said that Anthony Albanese has neglected mental health and suicide prevention for 3 years, and this represents another shameful broken promise.
“It is only a Dutton Coalition Government who will restore mental health and suicide prevention as a national priority,” Senator Ruston said.
“As part of our almost $1 billion commitment towards mental health, the Coalition will restore funding for the Suicide Prevention Research Fund and reverse Labor’s reckless mental health cuts, so that we can continue to work towards the only acceptable goal of zero suicides.
“We must continue to invest in research that will identify the causes of suicide and how we can prevent it. We understand the importance of proactive and innovative solutions.
“The Coalition believes the only acceptable goal is zero suicides, and we will not waver in our commitment to save lives.”
The Coalition’s almost $1 billion mental health package also includes important measures to double Medicare mental health sessions, support men’s mental health, boost access to community mental health services, and establish a National Institute for Youth Mental Health.
ENDS
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