Julian is deeply committed to reducing the number of deaths by suicide in Australia, having seen the devastating impact of suicide on his own family.
In his maiden speech in parliament, Julian spoke about his father’s death by suicide and the need for better mental health and suicide prevention policy.
Suicide is one of the most significant challenges Australia faces today and has a deep impact on families and communities around the country. Julian believes local communities play a crucial role in suicide prevention and mental health. Involvement in a community can be a very powerful mitigating factor for loneliness and depression. Julian is working with local groups and Suicide Prevention Australia to improve efforts to reduce suicide rates.
Julian is the Chair and founder of the Parliamentary Friends of Suicide Prevention.
In the Berowra community Julian challenged 170 community leaders to roll out a Lifeline suicide first aid course in their organisation so that more people would know the signs that someone might be contemplating suicide and more importantly know what to do. This resulted in dozens of community organisations running workshops and the creation of a new organisation, Mentoring Men, of which Julian is the founding Ambassador. He is also Patron of Parents Beyond Break Up, which helps mums and dads navigate the family law system and its associated adverse mental health effects.
Help is always available. You can contact the following services:
Lifeline on 13 11 14. Lifeline provides 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention services.
Emergency 000 – If you or someone you are with is in immediate danger, please call 000 or go to your nearest hospital emergency department.
Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467. The Suicide Call Back Service provides free 24/7 phone, video and online professional counselling to people who are affected by suicide. The Suicide Call Back Service is especially suited to people who are geographically or emotionally isolated.
Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 or chat or email. Talk to a trained mental health professional any time of the day or night. Calls are confidential. They will listen, provide information and advice and point you in the right direction to seek further support.
Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800. Kids Helpline is a free, private and confidential, telephone and online counselling support line for children and young people ages 5 to 25, available 24/7.
NSW Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511. A mental health professional will answer your call about mental health concerns for you or someone you are concerned about, including children, teens, adults and older people.
National Indigenous Postvention Service (NIPS) on 1800 805 801. NIPS is a program of Thirrili that provides Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals, families and communities affected by suicide or other trauma. The call is answered by an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander advocate. If the call goes to the message bank, leave your name and contact number and someone will call back as soon as possible.
iBobbly app is a social and emotional wellbeing self-help app for young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians aged 15 years. iBobbly began as a partnership between Black Dog Institute, ALIVE & Kicking Goals! and Men’s Outreach Service Inc based in Broome, WA.
Head to Health was created by the Australian Government to provide information to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and families who have a lived experience of mental health issues.
Parents Beyond Breakup helps parents navigate the family law system and its associated adverse mental health effects to keep separating parents alive and in their kids lives.
Mentoring Men provides free long-term one-to-one life mentoring programs for men Australia wide. They focus on a proactive approach, engaging with men who need help before they spiral into crisis.
