SUICIDE PREVENTION
STRATEGY
813. Hon NICK GOIRAN to the parliamentary secretary
representing the Minister for Mental Health:
I refer to the answer to my question
without notice 292 asked and answered on 8 May 2018 in which you informed the
house that the government's statewide suicide prevention strategy is
not age restricted but is periodically adapted to reflect developments in the
emerging suicide prevention evidence-based literature.
(1) Have those
developments resulted in the strategy being adapted so as to recommend or
endorse that a Western Australian wish a person contemplating suicide all the
best in their last journey?
(2) If yes to
(1), where can this approach be found in the strategy?
(3) What is the
recommended course of action for a Western Australian when communicating,
whether directly or indirectly, with a person contemplating suicide?
Hon ALANNA CLOHESY
replied:
I thank the honourable member for
some notice of the question. I note that this question was asked on Wednesday,
9 May. I am fairly sure that the information has not changed, but as it is now
September, I will provide the answer as it was on 9 May.
(1) No.
(2) Not
applicable.
(3) Options
include contacting beyondblue on 1300 224 636 for 24/7 free counselling, Lifeline
Australia—in a crisis situation—on 13 11 14, or contacting
helplines such as the mental health emergency response line on 1300 555 788 for
the Perth metropolitan area and 1800 676 822 for Peel residents, or Rurallink
for specialist after-hours mental health assistance for rural communities on
1800 552 002. Further information can also be found on the Think Mental Health
website—www.thinkmentalhealthwa.com.au—via the page titled, ''Helping
someone who is suicidal''. This page contains information that includes
seeking professional help from a person's general practitioner. Other
helpline support options are also available. I am able to provide a printed
copy of the ''Helping someone who is suicidal'' webpage if the
member requires that.