The TrackSAFE Foundation and Lifeline Australia hosted a Rail Suicide Prevention Roundtable for Queensland this week, attended by state transport minister Mark Bailey and Ivan Frkovic, the Queensland Mental Health Commissioner.
The Roundtable, held at Queensland’s Parliament House, was the third in a state-based roundtable series for rail suicide prevention, part of TrackSAFE and Lifeline’s national partnership to pursue the joint objective of reducing rail suicides in Australia.
Bob Herbert, AM Chairman TrackSAFE Foundation, said it was pleasing to see government leaders come together with senior representatives from the rail industry, roads, police and mental health sectors to discuss rail suicide prevention in Queensland.
“The Roundtable was an opportunity to collaborate across the sectors and examine latest research, while identifying ways to reduce the rate of suicide on Queensland’s rail network. Discussions also focused on what is being done to support passengers and staff directly affected by these distressing incidents,” Herbert said.
“These incidents not only seriously affect members of the community, but also have a profound and lasting impact on train drivers and other frontline rail employees,” said Mr Herbert AM.
John Brogden, Chairman Lifeline Australia, said the Roundtable had proved productive towards finding ways to prevent suicides on Australia’s railways.
“Today’s rail suicide prevention roundtable in Queensland brought together key parties to share knowledge and best practice on rail suicide prevention and intervention at a state level,” Brodgen said.
“Through this partnership, Lifeline has committed to specifically addressing rail suicide as part of our vision of an Australia free of suicide. We look forward to working with TrackSAFE to progress the outcomes.”