Aus Gov Spends $1B on Suicide Prevention, Fails to Track Impact

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A new audit reveals the Australian government has poured nearly $1 billion into suicide

prevention since 2022, but it's failing.

To track the impact or create solid policies, the Australian National Audit Office slammed

the Department of Health, Disability, and Aging for weak monitoring of 41 measures tied

to.

Several agreements from 2020 and 2022, suicide claimed more than 3,300 lives in 2024,

making it the top killer for Aussies aged 15 to 44, with rates over twice as high for

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

And those numbers are climbing.

Experts like Youth Mental Health Leader Patrick McGory are calling for bolder government

action, including a national suicide prevention authority too.

Direct funding into proven programs and high risk care.

The audit rates the department's efforts as only partly effective and urges it to lock

in clear roles with the National Suicide Prevention Office for better policy advice.

If you're struggling, reach Lifeline at 1311-14 or beyond blue at 1300-2246-36.

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