Media Release

KAP Leader and Federal Member for Kennedy Bob Katter has called on the Federal Government to significantly invest in mental health services particularly in rural and regional Australia, as part of Mental Health Awareness Week held from 5th to 11th October.

“The situation in rural Australia is diabolical; and we estimate a Queensland farmer committing suicide every three weeks, with one of the major contributing factors in rural Australia being financial pressure,” said Mr Katter.

As an indication of how dire the situation is, Lifeline estimates that at least 16 farmers have tragically taken their own lives in Queensland in the last year (current March 2014).

“As with most of Australia, Queensland statistics show higher suicide rates in rural and remote areas compared to those in our cities and urban areas. For the period 2006 to 2010, Brisbane had a suicide rate of 10.8 in every 100,000 whereas in more rural and remote areas the rate was 17.1 in every 100,000.

“We need less talk and more action on mental health issues. The government is releasing yet another paper on mental health in November, but it is now time to make real changes, before more and more people are being forced into a hopeless situation.

“The government needs to allocate more funding to offer people in the bush counselling services and the opportunity to get help if they need it.

“Mental health does not discriminate and everybody should have access to the help they need to get back on track, regardless of where they live,” Mr Katter said.

On October 6 Mr Katter appeared on ABC’s Q and A as part of their ‘Mental As’ program at the Rockhampton Pilbeam Theatre along with panellists Patrick McGorry, Mental Health Advocate; Josh Thomas, Comedian & Actor; Louise Byrne, Lived Experience Practitioner; Jennifer Bowers, Australasian Centre for Rural & Remote Mental Health.

The 900-strong crowd asked questions on each of the issues of mental health in regional and remote Australia, government support in the sector, youth and indigenous issues and recovery.

Mr Katter is calling on the Federal Government for significant investment in mental health services, which is being blatantly ignored by mainstream parties in rural and regional Australia. Despite this, there are a range of organisations in rural and regional Australia that are doing a “terrific job” in providing essential services, resources and lifting the spirits of those severely affected by mental health issues.

“As its Mental Health week on social media daily I will be showcasing some of the organisations that we are passionate about.

“Mental Health Awareness Week is a great opportunity to discuss mental health and suicide prevention, which is more often than not, swept under the carpet,” Mr Katter said.

If you, or anyone you know if suffering from a mental illness then please contact Lifeline on 131 114

Mental Health week runs from Sunday 5th to Saturday October 11.

World Mental Health Day is marked every year on the same date: October 10.