Karen McNamara (Dobell, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

It is with great sadness that I speak to this motion acknowledging that over the past five years the average number of suicide deaths per year in Australia is 2,415. It is astonishing that in a prosperous country such as Australia suicide is the leading cause of death for men under 44 and for women under 34. Almost twice as many people die from suicide in Australia than from road-related transport accidents. Alarmingly, two in three Australian's know of someone who has died through suicide. Sadly we are losing too many young people to suicide and too many lives are tragically cut short in their prime. Unfortunately, on the Central Coast, we have experienced one of the highest rates of youth suicide in Australia.

In Australia, there are seven deaths a day by suicide. For every suicide, it is estimated that as many as 30 people attempt to take their own life. This is around 200 attempts per day, more than one every 10 minutes. The sad reality of suicide is that there are people in our community feeling so desperate and alone and, without knowing where to turn for help, the only solution is to take their own life. Not only are bright lights extinguished before their time but families are left broken and communities are left trying to comprehend not only why this occurs but why it occurs so often.

This motion calls for the government and community to do everything they can to prevent death by suicide. We live in a world which expects so much and where the struggle to maintain a healthy work-life balance is increasingly difficult. It is more important than ever that we reach out and support those battling depression and other serious mental health conditions, to tell them that we do care and support them, and to tell them that there is help available and a brighter future ahead.

In my role as a federal member of parliament I have been shocked by the prevalence of mental health issues among our youth. As a parent, the thought of mental illness crippling a child is devastating. Our school yards should be filled with hope and optimism, cheerful laughter and potential for life. Sadly, this is not always the case, with an increasing number of students being haunted by the dark clouds of depression and anxiety. As adults, as policy makers and as leaders in our community we must be conscious of the demands and pressures placed upon young Australians    and ensure that we are there to lend a helping hand.

While the shock of the degree and depth of mental illness in our community is hard to reconcile, I am also enlightened by the many people and organisations dedicated to helping in this field. As the member for Dobell, I have been privileged to work with many valuable local organisations that help those in need. I have previously shared with the House the opportunities I have been afforded to spend time with organisations, to promote their efforts in the fight against mental illness—organisations such as the Central Coast Suicide Safety Network, the Iris Foundation and the Health and Wellness Centre are constantly working for the Central Coast community. Together they are focused on providing a coordinated response to assessing, responding and referring people at risk of suiciding to the appropriate level of care. The success of these organisations is owed to the experienced mental health workers, volunteers and community leaders who are dedicated to helping others in need.

I was honoured earlier this year to attend the opening of the Iris Foundation's Early Intervention Centre for Suicide Prevention at Wyong Neighbourhood Centre. This was a particularly significant occasion as this new centre is the first of its kind in New South Wales. This centre assists people to obtain the support they require and provides integration into other mental health support services. I acknowledge the hard work, commitment and dedication of two outstanding women—Dawn Hooper and Bev Baldwin. Without their work, this centre would not be a reality.

Fortunately the stigma surrounding mental health is fading. National initiatives including suicide awareness day and R U OK? Day are succeeding in raising awareness and encourage showing interest in the health and wellbeing of our friends, colleagues and family members. There is a broader range of resources available for the families of those affected by mental illness. Technology now means that help is available in our homes and workplaces.

Another launch I recently had the good fortune to attend was the SANE online forum, a new peer-to-peer support service and partnership with mental health organisations around Australia, providing support for people living with mental illness, their families and carers. I commend the work of everyone involved in raising awareness and offering support to those with mental health issues. I look forward to working with them to enable those affected a brighter future, free from struggles. I join with all members of this parliament to acknowledge the lives lost to suicide and the suffering felt by their friends and families.

To our loved ones, friends and colleagues we have lost through suicide, we will always love you and never forget you. I commend this motion to the House.

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