The Mental Health Commission (Commission) is developing a new Western Australian Suicide Prevention Framework (Suicide Prevention Framework). The Suicide Prevention Framework will set out Western Australia’s approach to suicide prevention for the next five years and builds on the significant work carried out under previous national and statewide suicide prevention strategies, reports, and approaches. 

The Suicide Prevention Framework aims to provide a common understanding of suicide prevention for individuals, families and communities, non-government and community organisations, and all levels of government. It will describe the factors that can have an impact on suicide, as well as strategies and actions that can help to reduce and prevent suicide under new streams of wellbeing, early intervention, support, and postvention. 

The Suicide Prevention Framework will align with and has been informed by the following:

• The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Suicide Prevention Strategy 2025-2035, developed by Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Australia, which prioritises self-determination, Aboriginal-led solutions, and holistic wellbeing to guide the path towards effective reductions in suicide rates and flourishing communities. 
• The National Suicide Prevention Strategy 2025-2035, which seeks to address the social determinants and complex range of risk factors for suicide and suicidal thoughts and behaviours, and champion delivery of comprehensive and better coordinated support as key components of effective suicide prevention.
• Western Australian Mental Health and Alcohol and Other Drugs Strategy 2025-2030 (draft), which highlights suicide prevention as a focus area for action, and guides the community, government, non-government, and private sector, setting the vision for mental health and alcohol and other drugs systems, services, and supports in Western Australia for the next five years.

We have also partnered with several organisations representing groups disproportionately impacted by suicide who have undertaken targeted consultation with their communities, including those with lived and living experience. Targeted consultation activities were held across the state, in regional and metropolitan areas, to extend the diversity of voices and perspectives heard.

If you have any questions, please email suicideprevention@mhc.wa.gov.au.