Julian Leeser| Federal Member For Berowra
Every day in Australia, nine people lose their lives to suicide. For every death, there are approximately 20 attempts. These are not just numbers; they represent someone’s parent, someone’s son or daughter, someone’s partner or mate.
Here in our own community, the need is real and growing. In 2021, 4,041 people presented at the North Shore public health network emergency departments with suicidal thoughts or other intentional self-harm. By 2023–24, that number had risen to 4,681. These numbers are devastating to see.
Over the past year, I’ve come to know a young man from our community who, based off his own experiences, has been a tireless advocate for improvements to our local mental health system, highlighting the enormous strain Hornsby Hospital and its mental health unit are under every single day.
Doctors and nurses on the frontlines are doing their absolute best, but they are completely overwhelmed by the sheer volume of people needing urgent help. This situation not only affects those seeking support but also takes a heavy toll on the wellbeing of the very people providing care.
Adam’s courage and openness are a reminder that we have much more to do to make our system work for everyone in our community. That is why I have called on both the New South Wales Government and the Federal Government to invest more in our local hospitals’ mental health units and associated community programs. We need to ensure that mental health services in our community are properly resourced to meet the growing need.
It is also vital that we break the stigma around mental health and suicide. Adam’s willingness to stand up is powerful because it encourages others to speak up too. We must make it normal to ask the hard questions – including directly asking a friend, “Are you contemplating suicide?” – and to walk with them towards the help they need.
Community deserves a system that works. And with the right investment, the right support, and the courage to keep speaking out, we can build it.
If you or anyone you know is struggling, please reach out to Lifeline on 13 11 14.
