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Supporting children bereaved by suicide

The death by suicide of a loved one leaves a devastating and lasting impact on family members left behind. The lifelong impact on children is profound, placing them at a higher risk of dying by suicide three times higher than the general community. Children bereaved are at increased high risk of having mental health issues.

It is vital that we support children both in the short and long-term through the traumatic experience of losing a parent or loved one to suicide.

First Nations suicide

First Nations people in Western Australia are dying by suicide at a devastating rate. Between 2014 and 2018, WA had the highest age-standardised rate of suicide among First Nations people in the country, with 37.9 deaths per 100,000. This is compared with an average of 23.7 deaths per 100,000 among indigenous populations across Australia, and 12.6 deaths per 100,000 among the non-indigenous population in 2017.

Preventing suicide in WA

There were 383 registered deaths by suicide in Western Australia in 2018, representing 2.6% of total deaths state-wide and 12.6% of all suicide deaths in Australia. 285 were male, 98 were female and 39 were First Nations people. While there has been a slight decrease in deaths by suicide, Western Australia continues to have one of the highest suicide rates in the country.

Each death by suicide is an enduring tragedy for loved ones left behind.

Mental Health and the 10-Year Plan

The Western Australian mental health system is failing to meet the needs of some of the most vulnerable members of our society. There are many gaps in services; demand is growing and, despite Government investment in some areas, it is nowhere near enough. The 10-Year Mental Health and Alcohol and Other Drugs Services Plan was devised through extensive consultation from within the sector, to plan for the state’s anticipated services needs for the decade from 2015.

Future training

Training is one of the best ways to assist people to get access to broader and brighter futures.

It is vitally important for the future of WA that we have a well-functioning and well-funded training system – and that people are enrolled in it.

As we transition towards a renewable energy economy, workers skilled for jobs in renewable energy, environmental restoration and tourism will be needed.

Climate change and health

There is increasing evidence that changing global temperatures will bring with it increased rates of mental health issues within our communities. A number of studies, including one from within Australia, suggest that heat waves are associated with increased hospital admissions for mental disorders and physical health issues. The rate of mood disorders and anxiety disorders is likely to increase as climate change progresses, putting additional strain on our mental health budget and health care system.

The need to protect whistleblowers

Whistleblowing and the protection of whistle-blowers is central to robust and effective regulatory systems. They are vital to ensuring integrity, good governance, freedom from corruption and essential to underpinning ethical behaviour within organisations.

Contrary to the common myth that many whistle-blowers’ claims are unsubstantiated; research has shown 63% of cases result in positive organisational change. Only 1% take their concerns directly to the media, with the majority going through internal processes.

Model Litigant Guidelines needed

Model Litigant Guidelines impose a duty on Governments and Government agencies, including agencies such as the Corruption and Crime Commission, to act honestly, fairly, properly and to the highest standards. The guidelines arise from the recognition that the state has significant power and resources, including statutory powers to investigate and compel people to provide evidence.

Handling of police complaints

WA Police carry out an important, but difficult job. As a profession, police suffer disproportionate levels of stress, post-traumatic stress disorder and suicide.

Police also have a range of extraordinary powers. While these powers are ordinarily used legitimately, it is important for protecting the integrity of the police force that there is a robust, independent and reliable way to respond to police complaints.

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