Premium Content:

Concern at Alarming Suicide Rates

Kate CarnellOutgoing byyondblue CEO, Kate Carnell AO has expressed her deepest concerns after new figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics revealed that suicide is the leading cause of death in 2012 for Australian’s aged between 15 and 44.

The preliminary figures have revealed that 2, 535 deaths have been attributed to suicide. Because the data is preliminary and incomplete the final official figure is likely to be higher when it’s finalised in two years time.

- Advertisement -

Carnell described the figures as a national tragedy and called for all Australians to tackle the issue.

“Most people would be shocked to know that Australians aged between 15 and 44, whether male or female, are more likely to die by suicide than anything else,” she said. “If this many young and middle-aged people were dying in car accidents every day there would be a national uproar and major government inquiries and the problem would be addressed. But because it is suicide too often the problem is put in the too hard basket.”

Ms Carnell said research shows people with depression or anxiety are far more likely to attempt suicide than other people but stigma still prevents too many people from accessing support.

Readers requiring assistance are encouraged to contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or beyondblue.

 

 

Latest

Libby Mettam says she’s opposed to the surrogacy bill

Mettam said she's concerned the bill will leave children who no one wants to raise.

One Nation announce Sean Bell as their newest federal senator

Sean Bell has previously served as an adviser to party leader Pauline Hanson.

Sophie Ellis-Bextor announces Australian tour

The dance queen will be in Perth in February 2026.

‘English Teacher’ is back for a second series

Brian Jordan Alvarez is back as teacher Evan Marquez in the Disney comedy series.

Newsletter

Don't miss

Libby Mettam says she’s opposed to the surrogacy bill

Mettam said she's concerned the bill will leave children who no one wants to raise.

One Nation announce Sean Bell as their newest federal senator

Sean Bell has previously served as an adviser to party leader Pauline Hanson.

Sophie Ellis-Bextor announces Australian tour

The dance queen will be in Perth in February 2026.

‘English Teacher’ is back for a second series

Brian Jordan Alvarez is back as teacher Evan Marquez in the Disney comedy series.

King Princess embraces the chaos on new album ‘Girl Violence’

Mikaela Straus speaks to OUTinPerth about making their new album, branching into acting, and tabloid rumours.

Libby Mettam says she’s opposed to the surrogacy bill

Mettam said she's concerned the bill will leave children who no one wants to raise.

One Nation announce Sean Bell as their newest federal senator

Sean Bell has previously served as an adviser to party leader Pauline Hanson.

Sophie Ellis-Bextor announces Australian tour

The dance queen will be in Perth in February 2026.