We need to do better on suicide: Hunt

Health Minister Greg Hunt says more needs to be done to tackle the national suicide crisis as he expands the government's suicide prevention trial.

Greg Hunt

Health Minister Greg Hunt says more needs to be done to tackle the national suicide crisis. (AAP)

Health Minister Greg Hunt has promised to visit a NSW community where six young people have taken their lives within 12 months.

Mr Hunt says he will meet with the family of 16-year-old Emma Powell, one of the six to have taken their lives in the Clarence Valley region of northern NSW.

He insists the region will get help as part of the government's $46 million suicide prevention trial.

He extended the trial on Monday night, announcing an extra four trial sites on top of the eight already announced.

The issue of mental health, particularly youth suicide was "deeply personal", he said.

"I, like many Australians, have known friends who have lost loved ones - it stays with everybody," he told ABC's 7.30.

"I won't make a false promise about overnight changes ... but I will make a guarantee that in every one of these trial sites, the goal is to improve services, to reduce waiting times, to make sure that we have better outreach."

Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.


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Source: AAP


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