Candidates come together for discussion on mental health and suicide

Candidates come together for discussion on suicide and mental health

Suicide prevention and mental wellbeing was in the spotlight as a panel of candidates for the Federal seat of Herbert came together on Thursday 7 March.

Current Labour member for Herbert, Cathy O’Toole MP, LNP’s Phillip Thompson and Nanette Radeck from Katter’s Australian Party provided an overview of their election commitments around ensuring mental health remains a priority for the region.

selectability CEO, Debra Burden, said 3.8 million Australians currently lived with a mental illness and the event would give the community the opportunity to hear the candidates’ plans and actions to improve suicide prevention and mental health programs.

“Suicide prevention and mental wellbeing is everybody’s business and as a community we need to come together in open discussion to put our concerns on table so that they can be addressed at a national level,” said Mrs Burden.

“One in five Australians will be affected with mental ill health each year.”

“With the right treatment and support most people living with mental illness are able to lead independent and contributing lives in the community.

“This forum has helped to keep mental health and suicide prevention on the agenda so that resources are allocated to key organisations and programs to continue important work in this area.”