NSW Passes Whole Of Government Suicide Prevention In “Historic” Bill

New South Wales Parliament has passed a world-leading Suicide Prevention Bill, in what the government hopes is a key step to addressing suicide and its widespread community impact.

The Minns government, who committed to the bill before the 2023 state election, is calling it one of the most significant reforms ever undertaking in mental health.

The bill will see the introduction of a mandatory suicide prevention plan led by the NSW Mental Health Commission, and two new advisory bodies- the NSW Suicide Prevention Council and the NSW Aboriginal Suicide Prevention Council- both informed by lived experience, Aboriginal leaders, experts, and government.

Every government department, including the NSW Police, will be required to develop their own suicide prevention plan to be rolled out from 2027, which could see departments such as Transport for NSW introducing suicide prevention training for staff to better spot the warning signs of those intending to take their lives at train stations.

A state-wide Suicide Monitoring System will also be enshrined in law, ensuring transparent and ongoing reporting of suspected and confirmed suicides to inform policy and funding.

The bill was introduced to Parliament in June by the Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson, who said the legislation was “historic”.

“For the first time, NSW has suicide prevention written into law, making every part of government accountable for saving lives,” she said. “It is a world-leading approach and one of the most significant reforms in our history.

“Every life lost to suicide is one too many. This legislation delivers a united, evidence-based response that puts lived experience and Aboriginal voices at the centre of prevention.”

The bill’s passing coincides with R U OK? Day and World Suicide Prevention Day, and is the first time in state history that suicide prevention has been written into law.

Systemic issue shaped by multiple factors

Similar laws were passed in South Australia in 2021, with NSW now joining a handful of countries around the world in adopting a legislative model that keeps every arm of government accountable in preventing suicide. The introduction of a similar laws in Japan saw suicide rates fall by more than 35 per cent between 2006 and 2022.  

“This legislation enshrines the whole-of-government approach we have long called for,” said CEO of Suicide Prevention Australia, Nieves Murray. “Suicide prevention is not just a health issue — it is shaped by housing, education, employment, justice, and many other factors.

“By making every agency accountable, the NSW Government is showing real leadership and driving the kind of systemic change that will make a lasting difference.

“This is exactly the type of action we need to reduce distress, save lives and build a safer future for our communities.”

Suicide is the leading cause of death for those aged 15 to 44, with 954 suspected or confirmed suicides recorded across NSW in 2024. Between January and June this year, 464 people have already lost their lives to it, with 61 of them under the age of 24.

Former boxer and mental health advocate Renee Gartner has been a vocal supporter of the bill, after being hospitalised for suicidal ideation in her 30’s.

“I can’t go back and change my younger self,” she said. “But by not choosing silence, I’ve created a future full of possibilities, and now, through this Bill, we’re building a system that makes that future possible for others too.

“This legislation takes us from awareness to action suicide prevention is now everyone’s responsibility.”

If you or anyone you know needs support, call Lifeline on 131 114 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636, and 000 in an emergency.