Member for Elder Nadia Clancy announced as suicide prevention advocate

Member for Elder Nadia Clancy was assigned to the position this week, and will work closely with Health and Wellbeing Minister Chris Picton, key members of the community and people with lived experience of suicide.

One of the new advocate's first priorities will be to work with Minister Picton to establish the Suicide Prevention Council, with an aim of reducing the rate of South Australians who take their own lives.

Latest figures show the suicide rate in SA was 13.3 per cent per 100,000 people in 2020, higher than the national average of 12.1pc with a total of 234 South Australians taking their lives in that year.

Ms Clancy will have a place on the council, which will focus on the creation of the State Suicide Prevention Plan.

"I will not take lightly the weight and responsibility that comes with accepting this role," Ms Clancy said.

"I will be listening to and taking advice from people across the sector, including service providers, Suicide Prevention Networks and those with lived experience.

"One life taken by suicide is a life too many, and I promise to do my absolute best to help create the supports necessary to help as many South Australians as possible."

Ms Clancy follows on from previous advocates John Dawkins and Dan Cregan.

Premier Peter Malinauskas said the tragedy of suicide claimed too many lives, touching many families and friends in its wake.

"Nadia will have a direct line to myself and the Health Minister, her advocacy informed by those who have a deep, intricate understanding of this issue," he said.

Any person 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.