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Governance and key partners
Our partners
While there is value in whole-of-population primary prevention approaches, we know that there is no ‘one size fits all’ approach to suicide prevention.
Each implementation plan across the five years of the Strategy will prioritise and deliver activities that meet the needs of priority population groups in Tasmania – these may include:
- Tasmanian Aboriginal people
- men
- LGBTIQA+ people
- young people
- people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
- Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel and veterans.
Addressing suicide in Tasmania takes a whole-of-community, whole-of-service system, and whole-of- government response.
Whole of government
- Department of Health
- Department of Premier and Cabinet
- Department of Justice
- Department for Children, Education and Young People
- Department of Police, Fire and Emergency Management
- Department of State Growth
- Australian Government
- State and Territory Governments
Whole of service system
- Primary Health Tasmania
- Community Sector Organisations
- Peak bodies
- Workforce
- Tasmanian Centre for Mental Health Service Innovation
- Research institutes
- Professional societies
- Media
Whole of community
- People with lived experience
- Tasmanian Aboriginal people
- Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities
- Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, Queer, Questioning, Asexual and other gender, sex, or sexuality diverse (LGBTIQA+) communities
- ADF personnel and veterans
- Young people
- Men
Governance
Suicide prevention and mental health are a Premier’s Priority.
Revised governance arrangements have been created to enable a cross-agency approach that draws together state and national resources to meet the needs of people in Tasmania.
This governance strategy reflects the priority given to suicide prevention.
- Ministerial reporting to the Premier and the Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing.
- Engaging senior officials in the Tasmanian Department of Premier and Cabinet and Department of Health who will contribute to regular reporting on implementation of the Strategy.
- A Premier’s Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Advisory Council will replace the Tasmanian Suicide Prevention Committee. The Premier’s Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Advisory Council will include representation from relevant government agencies, including local government, lived experience representatives, academic, clinical and community advisers.
- An Executive Leadership Group of senior leaders from the Department of Premier and Cabinet, the Department of Health and Primary Health Tasmania will continue to drive whole‑of-government suicide prevention policy, funding, implementation, evaluation and reporting to support a coordinated approach in Tasmania. This approach is in line with existing arrangements under the National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement, Bilateral Schedule on Mental Health and Suicide Prevention: Tasmania. This group will engage closely with the Premier’s Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Advisory Council and new cross-agency working groups to support implementation of the Strategy.
- Cross-agency working groups will be formed on a time-limited basis to progress specific initiatives within each implementation plan.
- The Tasmanian Suicide Prevention Community Network will continue with strengthened governance/coordination, retaining an independent non-government organisation lead role.
- Suicide prevention coordinators will be appointed through Primary Health Tasmania (Australian Government funding) and the Department of Health, Tasmania, while the Department of Premier and Cabinet will identify a suicide prevention focused position. The Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre’s Culture Care Connect statewide coordinator will develop, implement and monitor a statewide Palawa suicide prevention and after care program.
Governance structures have been established under the Premiers Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Advisory Council.
Please refer to the diagram below for an overview of the current governance structures.
The following communiques are being updated regularly.
Premier’s Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Advisory Council
The Premier’s Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Advisory Council (PAC) provides cross-sectoral, strategic, and independent high-level advice to the Premier on the mental health and suicide prevention sectors. This involves:
- analysing strategic policies
- fostering cooperation among different agencies
- aligning sector activities with the vision set out in key strategies.
The PAC oversees the work of specialised advisory groups, identifying concerns and presenting them to the Premier. Additionally, the PAC acts as a conduit for consultation on major policy initiatives through its affiliated bodies.
The following organisations are represented on the PAC:
- Premier of Tasmania
- Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing
- Department of Premier and Cabinet
- Department of Health
- Office of the Chief Psychiatrist, Department of Health
- Centre for Mental Health Service Innovation
- Mental Health Council of Tasmania
- Alcohol, Tobacco and other Drugs Council Tasmania
- Primary Health Tasmania
- Local Government Association of Tasmania
- Lifeline Tasmania
- Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre
- Tasmanian Suicide Prevention Community Network
- Flourish Mental Health Action In Our Hands
- Mental Health Family and Friends
- Lived Experience Representative (consumer)
- Lived Experience Representative (carer)
Premier’s Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Advisory Council
Date: 25 October 2023
Time: 1:45pm – 3:15
The Premier’s Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Advisory Council (the Council) met for the second time on Wednesday 25 October 2023.
The Council endorsed its terms of Terms of Reference, the Terms of Reference for the working and advisory bodies that sit under the Council and the associated governance arrangements.
A Governance update was provided to the Council, noting that all functions were working well and as intended.
The Chair for each advisory and working group provided an update to the Council, focusing on major functions, areas of interest and related work, and current strategic priorities. Major pieces of work included:
- Whole-of-government communications strategy for safe and responsible communication about suicide
- Whole-of-government safety protocol for group meetings where potentially distressing subject matter is discussed
- Co-design of a Distress Brief Support service model to reach people earlier in distress
- Co-design of a postvention and bereavement support service model
- Linkage of suicide and self-harm datasets
- Male-friendly health service checklist
- Youth-friendly health service checklist
- Improving referral pathways to aftercare services
- Workforce training initiatives
- Priority population and community group input into the evaluation of services
The Coroners Office provided an overview and update on the Tasmanian Suicide Register (TSR), outlining variables and data sources, outputs from the TSR, and insights from the most recent suicide and self-harm data. Members noted the richness of this dataset.
The Coroner’s Office noted that the next Report to the Tasmanian Government on Suicide in Tasmania is being developed and is due for release in June 2024.
The linkage of key datasets across service sectors and settings was noted as a priority. Members noted that the linkage of datasets requires financial investment and specialist knowledge.
The Council noted that a draft communications strategy for the Tasmanian Suicide Prevention Strategy 2023–2027 (TSPS) will be circulated for out-of-session feedback by February 2024.
The communications strategy is aligned with the International Association of Public Participation (IAP2) spectrum of stakeholder engagement and Mindframe (National Media Initiative) national guidelines.
The communications strategy will play a key role in keeping stakeholders up to date with the TSPS whole-of-community, whole-of-service system, and whole-of-government response to suicide prevention, enhancing communication across governance groups, and developing new resources and content for the Department of Health website.
The Council reflected on emerging and policy within the suicide prevention and mental health space, including:
- National Stigma and Discrimination Reduction Strategy
- National Suicide Prevention Strategy
- Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide
- Commission of Inquiry into the Tasmanian Government's responses to Child Sexual Abuse in Institutional Settings
The group was scheduled to meet again in early 2024 but this has been postponed due to the early election.
Whole-of-Government Cross-Agency Working Group
The Whole-of-Government Cross-Agency Working Group (WOGCAWG) provides strategic advice on mental health and suicide prevention to the government via the Department of Health, with a focus on cross-sectoral collaboration and whole-of-sector response.
The group facilitates information-sharing between organisations, highlighting linked initiatives and fostering greater collaboration across sectors. The group also acts as a conduit to facilitate input and consultation on policy initiatives, as well as driving change across each organisation.
- Department of Health
- Department of Premier and Cabinet
- Department of Justice
- Department of Police, Fire and Emergency Management
- Department for Education, Children and Young People
- Primary Health Tasmania
- WorkSafe Tasmania
- Lived Experience Representative (consumer)
- Lived Experience Representative (carer)
Whole-of-Government Cross-Agency Working Group
Date: 17 August 2023
Time: 2:00pm to 3:30pm
The Whole of Government Cross Agency Working Group – Mental Health and Suicide Prevention met for the first time on Thursday 17 August 2023.
In its inaugural meeting, the working group discussed the Terms of Reference (ToR) and considered endorsement following several revisions.
Noting that it is a working document, the group discussed 8 focus areas for inclusion in the group’s workplan activities:
- Whole-of-Government Communications Strategy for Safe and Responsible Communication About Suicide
- Agency Postvention Plans
- General promotion and awareness
- Coordinated and transparent reporting
- Improving governance and advisory structures
- Monitoring of Rethink, Tasmanian Suicide Prevention Strategy (TSPS) and Tasmanian Drug Strategy (where relevant to mental health and suicide prevention)
- Policies and strategic direction
- Make recommendations to inform the next TSPS Implementation Plan (IP)
A copy of the TSPS Evaluation Strategy has been circulated to assist in understanding impacts of the strategy and the working group.
It was noted that it is difficult to access accurate data regarding suicide and attempts, and that ongoing work is required to review these barriers.
The group noted the critical role that workplaces can play mental health, positive or negative and culture that is essential to enable a supportive and mentally safe workforce. A review of existing and potential workplace health and wellbeing surveys is needed to determine if data being collected is fit for purpose or could be enhanced.
The group noted the importance of ‘every door being the right door’ and warm referrals. It was identified that this approach could be taken across all government areas, such as Service Tasmania to prevent people getting lost in the system and not understanding what supports are available and how to access them.
Research and Data Cross-Agency Working Group
The Research and Data Cross-Agency Working Group (RDCAWG) provides strategic advice on mental health and suicide prevention research and data to the Tasmanian Government through the Department of Health.
The RDCAWG leads the collation and analysis of suicide and self-harm data, including the development of a comprehensive data set for suicide and self-harm in Tasmania that aligns with national activities.
The group provides advice on research priorities, data analysis, and means restriction efforts. It identifies relevant data for planning and responses, as well as contributes to reporting on suicide and self-harm to the Tasmanian Government. The RDCAWG considers input from the other specialist bodies under the PAC and from relevant consultation to identify gaps in data collection, analysis and reporting and puts forward recommendations for action.
- Centre for Mental Health Service Innovation
- Chief Psychiatrist
- Department of Health
- Coroner’s Office, Department of Justice
- Magistrates Court of Tasmania, Department of Justice
- University of Tasmania
- Primary Health Tasmania
- Lived Experience Representative (consumer)
- Lived Experience Representative (consumer)
Research and Data Cross Agency Working Group - Mental Health and Suicide Prevention
Date: 17 August 2023
Time: 3:30pm to 5:00pm
The Research and Data Cross Agency Working Group - Mental Health and Suicide Prevention met for the first time on Thursday 17 August 2023.
In its inaugural meeting, the working group discussed the Terms of Reference (ToR) and will endorse out-of-session following minor amendments, including increased representation from other working groups and the need to incorporate mental health, alcohol and drugs and wellbeing as they relate to suicide prevention.
The group noted their advisory role in supporting the Department to identify best practice and research for mental health and suicide prevention, and the work underway through the Centre for Mental Health Service Innovation (CMHSI).
A governance summary has been circulated to contextualise connection and communication between working groups and the Premier’s Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Advisory Council (PAC). The group also recognised the importance of continuity planning for the working group that endures any future changes to governance arrangements.
Difficulty in accessing accurate data relating to suicide and attempts was discussed, noting that ongoing work is required to review these barriers. The group explored using meetings as a forum to discuss data, identify gaps and advise on how best to approach research and data relating to suicide and self-harm.
The group discussed cross agency initiatives that are currently in-progress, including means restriction initiatives.
Noting that it is a working document, the group identified and outlined 5 focus areas for inclusion in the group’s workplan activities:
- Informing means restriction activity, with a specific focus on firearm deaths
- Report on Suicide and Self-Harm for Government
- Self-harm
- Integrating mental health and suicide prevention data approaches
- Make recommendations to inform the next TSPS IP based on data and evidence
Male-Focused Working Group
The Male-Focused Working Group (MFWG) provides targeted advice to the Tasmanian Government through the Department of Health on the specific needs and challenges that men face relating to mental ill-health and suicide prevention. The group will focus on identifying risks and protective factors for men and share insights and best practices regarding male mental health, wellbeing and suicide prevention. The MFWG will highlight areas for improvement for males and develop and recommend tailored interventions and strategies. The group will act as a conduit to facilitate input and consultation on initiatives through its affiliated members.
- Department of Health
- Movember
- Man Up Tasmania
- The Men’s Table
- Men’s Resources Tasmania
- Tasmanian Men's Health and Wellbeing Association
- Tasmanian Men's Shed Association
- Australian Men's Health Forum
- Bethlehem House
- RSL Tasmania
- Rural Health Tasmania
- Lived Experience Representative (consumer)
- Lived Experience Representative (carer)
Male Focused Working Group - Mental Health and Suicide Prevention
Date: Friday 18 August 2023
Time: 2:00 to 3:30pm
The Male Focused Working Group – Mental Health and Suicide Prevention met for the first time on 18 August 2023.
In its inaugural meeting, the working group discussed the Terms of Reference (ToR) and will endorse out of session following consideration of increasing the working group representation.
Members noted their advisory role in supporting the Department to identify best practice and research for mental health and suicide prevention. A copy of the Tasmanian Suicide Prevention Strategy (TSPS) and Implementation Plan (IP) has been circulated to assist understanding relevant initiatives.
The group noted that men intersect with other vulnerable groups, and as such there may be cross over between working groups. A governance summary has been circulated to contextualise connection and communication between working groups and the Premier’s Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Advisory Council (PAC).
The group noted that their focus was not to take away focus on women, but to rather make improvements to the system that benefit men but also enhance support for women by default.
The group noted the need to be cautious about emphasising stereotypes and to reflect and lean into the great diversity amongst men.
The group noted and discussed consultation sessions that informed the TSPS and the six focus areas within the workplan activities:
- A checklist which defines features of male-friendly health service
- Male-focused training programs
- Referral pathways to aftercare services
- Evidence-based prevention programs targeting male dominated industries and workplaces with higher rates of suicide
- Engaging men in rural areas of Tasmania
- Make recommendations to inform the next TSPS IP based on data and evidence.
Young People Working Group
The Young People Working Group (YPWG) provides targeted advice to the Tasmanian Government through the Department of Health on the specific needs and challenges that young people face relating to mental health and suicide prevention. The group will focus on identifying risks and protective factors for young people and sharing insights and best practices regarding mental health, wellbeing and suicide prevention for young people. The YPWG will highlight areas for improvement for young people and develop and recommend tailored interventions and strategies. The group will act as a conduit to facilitate input and consultation on initiatives through its affiliated members.
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, Department of Health
- Youth Network of Tasmania
- Department of Health
- Commissioner for Children and Young People
- Department for Children, Education and Young People
- The Link Youth Health Service
- Pulse Youth Health Service
- Youth, Family & Community Connections
- Cornerstone Youth Services
- Youth Representative, Premier’s Youth Advisory Council
- Youth Representative, headspace
- Youth Representative, Youth Network of Tasmania
- Youth Representative, Multicultural Youth Tasmania Youth Advisory Group
Young People Advisory Group – Mental Health and Suicide Prevention
Date: 7 September 2023
Time: 5:00pm – 6:30pm
The Young People Advisory Group – Mental Health and Suicide Prevention met for the first time on Thursday 7 September 2023.
In its inaugural meeting, the Advisory Group discussed the Terms of Reference (ToR) and will endorse out-of-session following the consideration of extending the membership.
The group noted the group’s scope and that they may focus on particular age ranges within the representative age range of the group, which extends to young people aged 25 years and under.
Noting that it is a working document, the group identified and outlined seven focus areas for inclusion in the group’s workplan activities:
- Youth-friendly health service checklist
- Referral pathways to aftercare services
- Training programs for workforce to engage with young people
- Support for students experiencing or impacted by suicide and suicide attempts at Tasmanian schools
- Guidelines to support early responses to self-harm among young people in Tasmania
- Improving young people’s confidence to communicate about suicide
- Make recommendations to inform the next TSPS IP based on data, evidence and lived experience
The group noted the importance of hearing from young people, and the creation of tools that are tailored to identify when they are not travelling well and the appropriate steps to take in getting support.
The group considered their role in future conversations surrounding key frameworks and implementation actions within the Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drug (AoD) and Suicide Prevention Space.
The group noted and agreed to share the opportunity to participate in the Best Practice Guidelines for Youth Suicide Prevention in Rural Australian Communities study.
Priority Populations and Community Representatives Advisory Group
The Priority Populations and Community Representatives Advisory Group (PPCRAG) provides targeted advice to the Tasmanian Government through the Department of Health on mental health and suicide prevention concerning priority populations and the community sector.
The group will focus on identifying risks and protective factors and share insights and best practices regarding mental health, wellbeing and suicide prevention for priority populations represented.
The PPCRAG will highlight areas for improvement for representative areas and develop and recommend tailored interventions and strategies that are culturally responsive and supported by their respective communities. The group will act as a conduit to facilitate input and consultation on initiatives through its affiliated members.
- Tasmanian Suicide Prevention Community Network
- Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre
- Tasmanian Aboriginal Health Reference Group
- Migrant Resource Centre Tasmania
- Multicultural Council of Tasmania
- Returned and Services League (RSL) Tasmania
- Council on the Ageing Tasmania
- Carers Tasmania and Care2Serve
- Working it Out
- Alcohol, Tobacco and other Drugs Council Tasmania
- Community and Disability Services, Department of Premier and Cabinet
- Lived Experience Representative (consumer)
- Lived Experience Representative (carer)
Priority Populations and Community Representatives Advisory Group – Mental Health and Suicide Prevention
Date: Friday 18 August 2023
Time: 3:30pm to 5:00pm
The Priority Populations and Community Representatives Advisory Group (PPCRAG) – Mental Health and Suicide Prevention met for the first time on Friday 18 August 2023.
In its inaugural meeting, the PPCRAG discussed the Terms of Reference (ToR) and will endorse out-of-session.
The Department of Health (Department) recognised the importance of continuity planning for the PPCRAG that endures any future changes to governance arrangements.
PPCRAG members noted their advisory role in supporting the Department to identify best practice and research for mental health and suicide prevention.
PPCRAG members discussed their key roles in representing vulnerable cohorts, and a copy of the Tasmanian Suicide Prevention Strategy (TSPS) and Implementation Plan One (IP) has been circulated to assist in understanding relevant initiatives.
Noting that it is a working document, the PPCRAG identified and outlined 4 focus areas for inclusion in the group’s workplan activities:
- Factors contributing to mental ill-health and suicidal behaviour across and within priority populations and the community sector in Tasmania
- General promotion and awareness
- Improving governance and advisory structures
- Make recommendations to inform the next TSPS IP based on data and evidence
Additional focus areas will be added to capture key work in changes to service provision and active system responses.
The PPCRAG agreed to come back next session with insights from representative areas on the main actions that need to be addressed to better mental health and suicide prevention.
The group noted and discussed key factors contributing to mental ill-health and suicidal behaviour across and within priority populations and the community sector in Tasmania.
The group emphasised the importance on the access to key data for community groups and will contribute to the identification of gaps and opportunities around data collection, reporting and analysis.
Tasmanian Suicide Prevention Community Network
The Tasmanian Suicide Prevention Community Network (TSPCN) organises statewide meetings for members to connect, share knowledge, and collaborate on activities focused on combating stigma related to suicide, and addressing suicide prevention, early intervention, and postvention.
These gatherings provide a valuable platform for community members, professionals, and organisations to share their experiences, best practices, and innovative approaches. By fostering collaboration and collective learning, we aim to increase the effectiveness of suicide prevention efforts across Tasmania.
Membership of the TSPCN is open to all Tasmanians aged 18+ and is completely free.
Whether you are a community member, service provider, government representative or someone with lived experience, the network highly values the input and contributions of all Tasmanians who have an interest in or have been affected by suicide.
To join the next TSPCN meeting, please visit: suicidepreventiontas.org.au/membership/
