Everymind welcomes Christine Morgan as National Suicide Prevention Advisor

For the first time, the Australian government has today announced appointment of an advisor who will provide strategic guidance on suicide prevention direct to the Prime Minster.

Announced by Prime Minster Scott Morrison today, Everymind welcomes the news that Christine Morgan, CEO of the National Mental Health Commission has been appointed to the position of National Suicide Prevention Advisor.

The new role will see Ms Morgan liaise directly to the Prime Minister on immediate steps the government can take to support the co-ordination and delivery of suicide prevention activities which has been declared a national priority for the government.

Everymind Director, Jaelea Skehan said Ms Morgan’s appointment is a significant step forward in designing the whole of government and whole of community approach to suicide prevention that is needed.

"The impacts of suicide are felt right across the Australian community so it is promising to see suicide prevention elevated to the office of the Prime Minister,” Ms Skehan said.

“The appointment of Christine Morgan comes just before the upcoming National Suicide Prevention Conference on 22-25 of July which will be an opportunity to firmly place suicide prevention in the national agenda.

“The theme of this year’s conference hosted by Suicide Prevention Australia is ‘united in action’ and our team at Everymind is looking forward to uniting with others, including the National Mental Health Commission, to share knowledge and discuss how we can all contribute to suicide prevention nationally.

“This year Everymind is the Principal Sponsor of the National Suicide Prevention Conference and I am looking forward to being a part of conversations at the conference and the collective action continuing long afterwards across the country.”

If anyone feels the need to reach out for support following this news, Everymind encourages individuals to do so via relevant support services.
National 24/7 Crisis Services:
Lifeline: 13 11 14 www.lifeline.org.au
Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467