The Federal Government has launched a new report that has found that rural and regional communities face unique challenges in preventing and recovering from suicides.

 

Federal Minister for Mental Health, Mark Butler, said the Suicide in rural and remote areas of Australia confirms the need to address suicide in rural and remote areas.

 

“Suicide is devastating for families and communities, and we know that rural, regional and remote communities face rates of suicide around 20-30% higher than in metropolitan areas,” Mr Butler said.



“It’s important that we have up to date and comprehensive research to help inform the policy initiatives being rolled out on the ground in these communities.”



“This report is a timely reminder of the ongoing and critical need for mental health reform to improve the lives of Australians experiencing and affected by mental illness.” 

 

The report assessed a range of data to make practical findings including that:

  • Higher rates of agricultural industry employment were associated with higher male suicide rates in rural areas.
  • Divorce and unemployment were associated with higher male suicide rates in rural areas.
  • Rural areas with higher levels of education had lower suicide rates.
  • Work and financial problems strongly predicted suicide in rural areas.
  • Protective factors included access to health services such as GPs, and supportive family relationships.

 

Mr Butler said the Federal Government was redoubling its efforts in suicide prevention, including with a range of programs specifically targeted at regional and rural communities.



“The Government is investing more than $292 million in suicide prevention projects through the Taking Action to Tackle Suicide package and the National Suicide Prevention Program.” 



“As part of that investment we’re providing $14.17 million for community based suicide prevention projects that primarily target rural and remote areas, such as the Farm-Link project and the Community Broadcasting Suicide Prevention project.”

 

More information can be found here