Northern Territory Minister for Health Natasha Fyles

Review Of The Mental Health Strategic Plan

Victor P Taffa

Northern Territory Government is delivering on a significant election promise with consultation starting today to review the Northern Territory Mental Health Strategic Plan and align it with the fifth National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan.

Northern Territory has the highest rate of suicide for young people and the Government is looking at ways to meet the social and emotional needs of Territorians, by defining priority areas and principles of service delivery across the Northern Territory.

“Territory Government recognises that suicide has a devastating impact on our community, with the Northern Territory suicide statistics, sadly the highest in the country.” Minister for Health Natasha Fyles said.

Consultation will be open between January and March 2019 and will be hosted in:

• Darwin,
• Palmerston,
• Katherine,
• Tennant Creek,
• Alice Springs,
• Nhulunbuy.

Suicide Prevention Community Forums will run concurrently with these sessions.

“Suicide doesn’t just affect one person or a family, it impacts on the entire community, so it’s only right that the community has a say on the importance of awareness and prevention.” Assistant Minister for Suicide Prevention Mental Health and Disabilities Ngaree Ah Kit said.

Following the review, it is anticipated the Mental Health Strategic Plan 2019-2025 will be released in May 2019.