Member for Davenport Erin Thompson has been appointed the new Premier’s Advocate for Suicide Prevention.
Ms Thompson will play a key role in strengthening the State Government’s commitment to suicide prevention, mental health awareness and community support.
She will work closely with Minister for Health and Wellbeing Blair Boyer, government agencies, mental health organisations and people with lived experience of suicide.
Ms Thompson takes over the role from Member for Elder Nadia Clancy, who was appointed Minister for Small and Family Business and Minister for Multicultural Affairs following the recent State Election.
Latest figures show the suicide rate in SA was 12.2 per 100,000 people in 2024, higher than the national average of 11.8 deaths per 100,000 people. A total of 238 South Australians took their lives in that year.
As part of her new role, Ms Thompson will be the Presiding Member of the Suicide Prevention Council, working to reduce the rate of suicide in South Australia. The Council is a statutory body which reports direct to the Minister for Health and Wellbeing, established under the Suicide Prevention Act 2021.
Ms Thompson will closely engage with the state’s 29 Suicide Prevention Networks, first established in 2013 under the former Labor Government to coordinate grassroots community-focused suicide prevention action.
Anyone who is contemplating suicide, experiencing emotional distress, or caring for someone in crisis, can call Lifeline’s 24/7 Crisis Support line on 13 11 14 or text 0477 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 46 36.
As put by Peter Malinauskas
Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy that impacts families, friends and the wider community.
Suicide prevention is everyone’s business and we must do all that we can to raise awareness of mental health and create the supports needed to save more lives.
Erin will not take lightly her responsibility and of course she will have a direct line to me and the Health Minister as part of her important advocacy.
I also thank Nadia for her commitment and valuable contributions during her time in this role.
As put by Blair Boyer
Every suicide is a profound loss, and it reinforces the urgency of the work we are doing. We are determined to build a system that better supports people before they reach crisis point.
We are continuing to invest in suicide prevention, mental health services and community-based supports across South Australia. But we know investment alone isn’t enough – strong leadership and accountability are essential.
Erin’s advocacy will help ensure momentum is maintained and that we continue to push for better outcomes.
As put by Erin Thompson
This is an issue that affects far too many South Australian families and communities.
Suicide prevention is not something any one person or organisation can tackle alone. It requires governments, communities, health services, schools, workplaces and families all working together.
My focus will be listening, bringing people together, supporting evidence-based prevention strategies and making sure lived experience remains at the centre of the conversation.
If this role helps even one person feel more connected, supported or able to seek help earlier, then it matters.
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