News

The Australian Government is taking a further step towards reducing the number of lives lost to suicide in Australia, by providing $8 million to support research aimed at identifying effective approaches to suicide prevention.

From 1 November 2019, Australians with complex eating disorders will be able to access new services through Medicare that will help save lives.

A $7 million research investment in pharmacogenomics will improve the treatment and outcomes of people with mental illness.

In response to this morning’s media the Department of Health advises that the new items that will be available from 1 November 2019 involve no changes to those health care professionals who are able to treat eating disorders under the MBS.

The ABS’ Causes of Death, Australia, 2018 report notes suicide dropped one place to 14th leading cause of death overall. Rates of mortality due to heart disease and cerebrovascular disease also decreased, however these remain among the leading causes of death in Australia.​​​​​​​

A delegation from Australia, including the Prime Minister’s Suicide Prevention Adviser, Ms Christine Morgan, attended a major international suicide prevention conference in Northern Ireland last week.

The Prime Minister’s National Suicide Prevention Adviser works across government and with relevant Ministers to improve the coordination and delivery of suicide prevention activities.

Delivering the world’s best mental health system — stigma-free and focused on prevention, starting with children under 12 — is the major focus of the Australian Government’s Long Term National Health Plan, outlined today.

The Australian Government will provide $21 million for 13 research projects that will focus on risk reduction, prevention and tracking of dementia.

The Australian Government is providing $5 million for ground-breaking research into the early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of eating disorders.

The Australian Government has signed agreements with all 8 state and territory governments, Primary Health Networks and community organisations worth $229.2 million to deliver the first round of projects under the landmark $1.25 billion Community Health and Hospitals Program (CHHP)

The Australian Government is investing $400,000 in 4 innovative research grants to find new ways to protect people at risk of suicide and interventions to prevent suicide.