Cook Government seeks community input following release of draft suicide prevention plan

A whole of community response will be sought to reduce the rate of suicide in Western Australian as the Cook Government released its draft Suicide Prevention Framework on Thursday.

Community members are asked to have their say on the framework by November 12 which aims to provide a common understanding of suicide prevention for members of the public, non-government and community organisations, and Government.

Within two years, the framework will aim to develop a strategic approach to social and emotional wellbeing as well as expanding existing suicide prevention services with a focus on the regions.

It also aims to address gaps in the suicide prevention sector within three to five years.

Western Australia also has one of the highest rates of death by suicide for Aboriginal people.

Mental Health Minister Meredith Hammat said the framework would aim to bring the whole community together.

“Suicide has devastating effects on individuals, families and communities, and we all have a role to play in supporting the wellbeing of fellow Western Australians,” she said.

“Our new framework aims to bring together communities, organisations and systems for a holistic and strategic response to suicide.”

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 417 West Australians died by suicide in 2023, more than double the rate than 2004.

In 2003, only Tasmania and the Northern Territory had higher rates of suicide deaths when adjusted for population.

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