Councils to consider suicide prevention

A coroner's recommendation has prompted calls for more local councils to develop suicide prevention framework.

A woman poses for a photograph illustrating mental illness

A coroner's recommendation has prompted calls for councils to develop suicide prevention framework. (AAP)

A youth suicide cluster in Melbourne has sparked calls for local councils to take more action to prevent deaths.

Victorian coroner Audrey Jamieson investigated the deaths of 12 young people in the cities of Casey and Cardinia Shire in 2011 and 2012.

She recommended Casey and the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) create a local government framework for stopping youth suicide.

Suicide Prevention Australia chief executive Sue Murray said any good ideas should be rolled out nationally.

"We would like to see local government far more actively involved in suicide prevention action plans," she said on Friday.

The coroner's report found Casey and Cardinia Shire had an elevated rate of suspected suicide in those aged 24 and under during 2011.

City of Casey's Colette McMahon said the council called a meeting over the concerns in December 2011 and formed a steering committee.

"There was a sense of relief that we started the conversation," she said.

Councillor Bill McArthur, MAV president and vice-president of Australian Local Government Association, said he would table the coroner's report at the next national board meeting.

He said local councils were often the first port of call for the community, and could play a lead role in coordinating response.

Ms Murray said South Australia was the only state that required local governments to develop health plans that included suicide prevention.

* Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800.


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Source: AAP


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