Federal Budget 2021: Massive spend on suicide prevention comes on top of aged care and childcare boost

Suicide prevention and treatment will headline a $2 billion funding injection in tonight’s Federal Budget. In a year of pandemic stress, the Government is ensuring more Australians get the support they need to prevent them from ending their lives. In Australia, nine people a day die by suicide — double the road toll. More than 180 people attempt suicide each day. Mental health advocates have been worried about an increase in suicide and mental health issues as a result of the pandemic, job losses and social isolation. The Productivity Commission last year estimated mental health and a lack of adequately funded services was costing the economy $500 million a day. The West Australian confirmed with several Government sources that suicide treatment and prevention would be the key area of focus for the new funding. More money for hospitals dealing with mental health presentations was also expected to be part of the funding pool. It is understood that a revolutionary online mental health platform to treat hundreds of thousands of Australians will also be unveiled. Scott Morrison said during the 2019 election that he wanted to see zero suicides in Australia. “One death is too many,” the Prime Minister said in an interview with The West Australian. “I am going to aim to make sure no life is lost.” In July, after the Prime Minister’s “miracle” election win, he announced the Government’s “towards zero suicides” strategy and appointed the first national suicide prevention adviser, Christine Morgan. Former Australian of The Year and mental health advocate Patrick McGorry said it was the “missing middle” who most needed help. He said after-care support services also needed vital funding. “Any funding is welcome but I think the serious reform will be seen later in the year or in the next Budget,” he said. There is fear among the mental health sector about a repeat of 2010 where the issue was talked about a lot in the lead-up to the Federal Budget but ultimately pushed aside for a massive investment in the National Disability Insurance Scheme.