New Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data on the number of lives lost to suicide in 2023 shows that Western Australia’s suicide rate remains higher than the national average.

According to Lifeline WA, Western Australia’s suicide rate of 14.3% compared to the Australian suicide rate of 11.8% now sees the State ranking third in the country.

The leading suicide prevention agency said the sobering figure of 417 deaths by suicide in Western Australia last year, an 8.3% increase on last year, reinforces the gravity of the mental health challenges facing our State.

"Each life lost is a profound tragedy, leaving a lasting impact on families, workplaces, and entire communities,” said Lifeline WA CEO, Lorna MacGregor.

“109,725 West Australians contacted Lifeline’s Crisis Support Service last year which was a 12% increase on the previous year.

“Month on month our Lifeline WA Volunteer Crisis Supporters are handling record numbers of conversations with help seekers who are desperate for support,” said Ms MacGregor.

“We are expecting 150,000 West Australians to call Lifeline WA over the next year and the need for us to recruit and train Volunteer Crisis Supporters has never been more urgent.”

Ms MacGregor said that while 2023 ABS data shows that young and middle-aged people were more likely to die by suicide than those in older age cohorts, suicide does not discriminate.

“We are dedicated to offering services specifically tailored to support vulnerable populations in our community.

Ms MacGregor said it remains imperative for the community to continue to break down the stigma associated with talking about mental health and asking for help.

There also needs to be crisis support available whenever a West Australian finds themselves at breaking point and with no one else to turn to.

“This year, Lifeline WA will train 375 Crisis Supporters,” said Ms MacGregor.

“We acknowledge and thank all the volunteers, people and organisations who work tirelessly every day and the significant funding that governments and partners invest to drive meaningful change in suicide prevention in our state.

To keep up with the rising demand from help seekers requires ongoing funding, statewide education and community conversations about the critical importance of maintaining positive mental health.”

Lifeline’s 24/7 telephone crisis support service is available on 13 11 14 text 0477 13 11 14.

Media contact:

Caitlyn Maher, The PR Collaborative, caitlyn@theprcollaborative.com.au 0426 221 310