The South Australian Parliament last week passed the Suicide Prevention Bill, becoming the first state or territory in Australia to enact formal legislation designed to reduce the incidence of suicide across the community.
The Bill is a major step forward for suicide prevention in South Australia and was introduced to Parliament following extensive consultation with experts, stakeholders and community groups. It builds on much of the work that has been initiated since the creation of the Premier’s Advocate for Suicide Prevention office in 2018.
The Bill aims to promote best-practice suicide prevention strategies across the state and allows for a whole-of-government approach to suicide prevention, ensuring all government departments and agencies prioritise preventing suicide in the community.
Among its functions, the Bill establishes a Suicide Prevention Council as an ongoing statutory body to oversee and advise on suicide prevention and postvention programs in South Australia. The council will be comprised of members with diverse expertise and perspectives, including those with lived experience.
The council will be responsible for the preparation and implementation of a State Suicide Prevention Plan, which will include provisions to address risk factors for the general community as well as population groups at higher risk of suicide.
The Bill also establishes a Suicide Register, containing data related to deaths by suicide. The Register will provide important information to enable timely support for those impacted by suicide and ensure that policies and programs are targeted to reduce suicide.
Former chair of the Premier’s Council on Suicide Prevention, John Dawkins MLC (pictured), has long advocated for the legislation and says he is proud the Bill has finally passed.
“Suicide impacts so many families and communities and its consequences can be devastating,” Mr Dawkins said.
“This Bill will ensure a coordinated and effective approach to suicide prevention, with government agencies, non-government organisations and community groups all playing a role.
“As the first Bill of its kind in Australia, this legislation sets a precedent for other states to follow in addressing suicide prevention. I commend the efforts of the Premier’s Council and the Issues Group on Suicide Prevention. I also thank my former staff Karen McColl and Tanya Malins, whose commitment in staffing the office of the Premier’s Advocate for Suicide Prevention and dedication in advancing this nation-leading legislation has been outstanding.”
The Bill will be delivered to the Governor of South Australia for assent this week.
