This national research project highlights the far-reaching impact of suicide as a public health issue in Australia.

Report recommendations

1. Increase community awareness about suicide prevention and educate communities on suicide and the broad spectrum of suicidal behaviours to help build capacity within the community to give and get help.
2. Recognise lived experience of suicide as a public health issue of significance in Australia.
3. Develop and support a National Suicide Prevention Strategy, including a dedicated component addressing the long-term exposure and impact of suicide.
4. Prioritise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander suicide prevention and culturally appropriate suicide prevention strategies. National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Suicide Prevention Strategy implementation funds must be released as a matter of urgency.
5. Ensure consistent comprehensive discharge plans are developed and implemented for all patients upon being discharged from the health system including the involvement of family, close contacts and community services.
6. Engage the Productivity Commission to conduct a detailed independent assessment of the cost of suicidal behaviour in Australia. This assessment should include the costs associated with exposure to, and impact of, suicidal behaviour, as well as suicide deaths.

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