Mental health advocates say confusion this week over whether the Suicide Prevention Office would close or not is an opportunity to rethink how the country is addressing the issue.
The Ministry of Health admitted yesterday it didn't sufficiently brief Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey on its "change proposals" — cutting 134 jobs to meet the Government's demands to reduce costs.
It said it remains committed to suicide prevention and will work with Doocey on "options", as he wants the Suicide Prevention Office (SPO) to stay open.
The Suicide Prevention Office was established in 2019 under recommendations of the Government Inquiry into Mental Health and Addiction.
It has been missing a director since the beginning of February and advocates and community organisations are not clear about what has been achieved.
"It's just another bureaucracy getting money, clipping the ticket, before they pass the money onto someone else," I Am Hope's Mike King said.
"This is exactly the sort of bureaucracy we need to get rid of."
When asked about its Suicide Prevention Strategy and Action Plan, the ministry pointed 1News to its statement yesterday about its commitment to suicide prevention.
Eating Disorders Carer Support's Sarah Rowland said it is important there's a dedicated focus on the issue.
"When we are recognised to have one of the highest rates internationally for suicide, there is clearly a need for a particular focus upon this."
There were 565 suspected suicides last year.
Mental Health Foundation's Shaun Robinson said it's been waiting on more leadership in suicide prevention for years.
"I think progress has been made but what would be a great outcome would be bringing the whole community of people who are working on suicide prevention together — having a really strong sense that we're working together to improve this vital issue and us all knowing what part we're playing in that."
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