Youth Suicide

About this Item
Speakers - Macdonald Dr Peter; Woods Mr Harry
Business - Private Members Statements

YOUTH SUICIDE

Dr MACDONALD (Manly) [6.12 p.m.): This evening I shall speak about youth suicide prevention. I spoke on this subject on 27 November last year, when I drew the attention of the House to the very high and tragic incidence of suicide in my electorate. I then indicated that my community was examining the establishment of a youth suicide prevention foundation. This evening I shall report on progress so far. Our community has established a youth suicide prevention foundation, which is currently called the Youth for Life Foundation. Recently a workshop was held in conjunction with a group from Victoria, the Here for Life Foundation, which came up to talk about the work it is doing. Our group may well join that group and use its title and the benefits of its corporation.

My community held a meeting on youth suicide prevention on 19 February. On 26 March a workshop was held, on 16 April a steering committee met and on 20 May another workshop was held. Another steering committee meeting is scheduled for next week. I pay particular tribute to Carol Murphy, a constituent who is a mother. Tragically, one of her children took his life a year ago. Carol has been a driving force in seeking to address issues connected with youth suicide. Our community group has realised, through workshops we have held, that clear themes run through these tragic incidences. It is clear that we need to examine issues such as putting a greater emphasis on the family unit, youngsters learning survival skills, good role models, fostering resilience in youth and empowering youth. In that sense, our group is including more youngsters on its steering committee and workshops. I have reported to the news media on this matter on a number of occasions.

The most recent workshop, held on 20 May, reached a clear conclusion that it is important that youth have friendship and support. It is imperative to recognise the real impact and the dangers of bullying and isolation amongst youngsters and the need to deal with those factors. There is a need for more research in this area. The issue of psychological autopsies has also been raised. A psychological autopsy examines the psychological profiles of those who take their life and those who nearly take their life. The way ahead is uncertain. The honourable member for Swansea spoke about this matter in the House last Thursday and referred to the Life program at Belmont Languages High School. I read her contribution with great interest. Our community group has been investigating the PENN program, developed by a man called Seligman in the United States, which is based on the concept known as "the optimistic child". This program tries to turn youngsters' attitudes around so that they think more positively about life.

Our community group is also considering bringing over the Surf’n’Theatre Company for Young People, which is currently staging a number of performances at the Bondi Pavilion Theatre at Bondi Beach. That group's production, "A Punch in the Face", is a fast-moving and insightful play about bullying and violence in schools, friendship and love, and the search for a sense of oneself. It documents several tragic cases of suicide and the responses that a particular school community was able to generate. The way ahead is through education, understanding and research. As I have said, our community group is holding another meeting next week, and it is considering sending a number of delegates to Canberra. I draw this matter to the attention of the House this evening because the Minister for Health announced at the weekend that he intends to increase the amount of budget funding for both mental health and the prevention of suicide. I indicate to the Minister that Manly as a community is doing its part. Our group is working closely with the community and with health groups in an attempt to unravel the mysteries of this terrible disaster. I will keep in touch with the Minister and seek his assistance at the appropriate time.

Mr WOODS (Clarence - Minister for Regional Development, and Minister for Rural Affairs) [6.17 p.m.]: I commend the honourable member for Manly for his efforts in this enormously worrying trend. His efforts are appreciated. Youth suicide is an issue of tremendous concern in country areas also. A number of tragic instances have taken place in my own region. Any way forward that the honourable member can find will be much appreciated not only in his own area but in the whole of the State.

Private members' statements noted.

[Mr Acting-Speaker (Mr Gaudry) left the chair at 6.18 p.m. The House resumed at 7.30 p.m.]

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