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Parliamentary Questions


Question Without Notice No. 813 asked in the Legislative Council on 13 September 2018 by Hon Nick Goiran

Parliament: 40 Session: 1

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.