The 15-member council includes individuals with lived experience of suicide including clinicians, researchers, regional and community groups, as well as Indigenous, multicultural, veteran, first responder and LGBTIQ+ representatives.

Top of the agenda is launching South Australia’s first Suicide Prevention Plan, which will establish a framework to deliver a coordinated and targeted suicide prevention response across government and community.

The Premier’s Advocate for Suicide Prevention, Nadia Clancy MP, is the Council’s chair,  joined by Mental Health Commissioner John Mannion (full list below).

The council, which met yesterday, to outline its vision to better support South Australians affected by suicide, also comprises six ex officio members, including the Chief Public Health Officer.

Other key objectives include improving engagement and early intervention for individuals and families, providing more training and education to the public and workers, and increasing access to suicide prevention, treatment, and crisis intervention.

The council also aims to support collaboration between suicide prevention networks and councils, engage people with lived experience of suicide and make recommendations on current policies and programs.

The Council is an integral part of the nation-leading Suicide Prevention Act 2021, which took effect in September this year.

South Australia was the first state to introduce the milestone legislation for suicide prevention.

The Premier’s Advocate for Suicide Prevention Nadia Clancy said it was a privilege to chair the Council and find more ways to prevent suicide.

“Our first meeting outlined the important task ahead of us and we are determined to start implementing change as quickly as possible,” Clancy said.

“This is a real opportunity to ensure South Australia continues to lead the way in reducing rates of suicide and the devastating toll it has on the community.”

Minister for Health and Wellbeing Chris Picton said many South Australians have been affected by suicide.

“The members we have appointed to the Suicide Prevention Council are from a wide range of backgrounds, each with the knowledge and experience required to deliver meaningful change,” Picton said.

Appointed Suicide Prevention Council members include:

• Ms Nadia Clancy, MP (Chair)
• Mr John Mannion, Mental Health Commissioner
• Mr Simon Schrapel AM
• Ms Ebony Gill
• Ms Ellie Hodges
• Ms Chez Curnow
• Mr Wathnak Vy
• Mr Benjamin Flink
• Mr Matthew Newlands
• Mr David Boots
• Dr Monika Ferguson
• Ms Sally Underdown
• Ms Amanda Braddock
• Dr Michelle Atchison
• Ms Tanya McGregor 

These 15 members will join six ‘ex officio’ members:

• Chief Public Health Officer
• Chief Psychiatrist
• Chief Executive of Wellbeing SA
• Commissioner for Aboriginal Engagement
• Commissioner for Children and Young People
• Commissioner for Aboriginal Children and Young People