Senate debates

Thursday, 10 September 2009

Committees

Community Affairs References Committee; Reference

9:36 am

Photo of Rachel SiewertRachel Siewert (WA, Australian Greens) Share this | | Hansard source

I move:

That the following matter be referred to the Community Affairs References Committee for inquiry and report by the last sitting day in February 2010:

Hearing health in Australia, with particular reference to:

(a)
the extent, causes and costs of hearing impairment in Australia;
(b)
the implications of hearing impairment for individuals and the community;
(c)
the adequacy of access to hearing services, including assessment and support services, and hearing technologies;
(d)
the adequacy of current hearing health and research programs, including education and awareness programs; and
(e)
specific issues affecting Indigenous communities.

Question agreed to.

I move:

That the following matter be referred to the Community Affairs References Committee for inquiry and report by the last sitting day in April 2010:

The impact of suicide on the Australian community including high risk groups such as Indigenous youth and rural communities, with particular reference to:

(a)
the personal, social and financial costs of suicide in Australia;
(b)
the accuracy of suicide reporting in Australia, factors that may impede accurate identification and recording of possible suicides (and the consequences of any under-reporting on understanding risk factors and providing services to those at risk);
(c)
the appropriate role and effectiveness of agencies, such as police, emergency departments, law enforcement and general health services in assisting people at risk of suicide;
(d)
the effectiveness, to date, of public awareness programs and their relative success in providing information, encouraging help-seeking and enhancing public discussion of suicide;
(e)
the efficacy of suicide prevention training and support for front-line health and community workers providing services to people at risk;
(f)
the role of targeted programs and services that address the particular circumstances of high-risk groups;
(g)
the adequacy of the current program of research into suicide and suicide prevention, and the manner in which findings are disseminated to practitioners and incorporated into government policy; and
(h)
the effectiveness of the National Suicide Prevention Strategy in achieving its aims and objectives, and any barriers to its progress

Question agreed to.