About the National Suicide Prevention Office

In response to recommendations in the National Suicide Prevention Final Advice and the Productivity Commission Inquiry into mental health, the Federal Government announced the creation of a National Suicide Prevention Office (NSPO) in the May 2021 Budget. The NSPO is situated within the Department of Health and Aged Care as a non-statutory office. This is as an interim step in the reform of the Commission and NSPO, as announced in the 2024-25 Budget.

two men talking face to face The Office is a critical national driver of the work towards zero suicides by ensuring a whole-of-government approach that is informed by lived experience and creates opportunities to respond early and effectively to distress.

The National Office for Suicide Prevention is responsible for:

  • Developing a National Suicide Prevention Strategy.
  • Leading the development of a national outcomes framework for suicide prevention, which is informed by lived experience, and applied nationally and down to program & service level.
  • Working with all jurisdictions to set priorities for suicide prevention research and knowledge sharing.
  • Working with all jurisdictions and stakeholders to lead the development of a National Suicide Prevention Workforce Strategy.

The National Suicide Prevention Office ensures the coordination of whole-of-government capability to deliver a national approach to reducing suicide rates in Australia. It is a significant step towards ensuring a more preventative, compassionate and person-centred mental health and suicide prevention system.

You can get in touch with the National Suicide Prevention Office by emailing nspo@mentalhealthcommission.gov.au

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Acknowledgment of Country

The National Suicide Prevention Office (NSPO) acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the lands and waters on which we live, work and learn.

Recognition of lived experience

The NSPO recognises the individual and collective contributions of those with lived and living experience of suicide. People who have survived suicide attempts, cared for a person in suicidal crisis or have lost a loved one to suicide demonstrate tremendous generosity through providing their expertise and insights. Every person’s journey is unique and a valued contribution to Australia’s commitment to suicide prevention system reform.

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