The Wire

Calls to improve Australia’s mental health services have been growing in their intensity, with Australian of the Year Patrick McGorry a key voice in the debate. Now, the South Australian Coroner has called for public debate on the establishment of a national suicide toll, similar to the national road toll. Advocates believe this will enhance awareness on the issue and foster constructive conversation. Critics on the other hand – and there are many – claim that the establishment of a national suicide toll will simply encourage copy cat behaviour.