General News
14 September, 2025
World-leading Suicide Prevention Bill passes NSW Parliament
The Suicide Prevention Bill 2025 has passed New South Wales Parliament.
This legislation was committed to prior to the 2023 election and is part of the Minns Labor Government’s ongoing work to deliver better support for communities across the state.
The passing of this legislation coincided with R U OK? Day and World Suicide Prevention Day on Thursday, September 11. These important days serve as reminders of the importance of conversations and checking in on others.
This is the first time in NSW history that suicide prevention has been written into law. NSW now joins a handful of countries around the world in adopting a world-leading legislative model that makes every arm of government accountable for preventing suicide.
In 2024, 951 people in NSW were lost to suicide making it the leading cause of death for people aged 15 to 44.
The Suicide Prevention Bill 2025 is one of the most significant reforms ever undertaken in mental health, placing suicide prevention at the centre of government decision making and embedding accountability across agencies.
The bills includes:
A Statewide strategy: A mandatory suicide prevention plan led by the NSW Mental Health Commission and shaped by lived experience.
Agency action plans: Every government department, including NSW Police, will be required to develop their own suicide prevention plan with rollout from 2027.
Advisory councils: Two new advisory bodies, the NSW Suicide Prevention Council and the NSW Aboriginal Suicide Prevention Council, bringing together lived-experience voices, Aboriginal leaders, experts and government.
Monitoring system: The NSW Suicide Monitoring System enshrined in law, ensuring transparent and ongoing reporting of suspected and confirmed suicides to inform policy and funding.
The New South Wales Government understands there is much more work to be done, but this is a key step in building a better New South Wales and preventing suicide and its widespread impact on our community.
Minister for Mental Health, Rose Jackson said the legislation is historic.
“For the first time, NSW has suicide prevention written into law, making every part of government accountable for saving lives. 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.”
“By passing this Bill we are honouring our election commitment and driving a cultural shift across government. No longer can suicide prevention be left to the health system alone. It is now everyone’s responsibility.”
If life is in danger, call Triple Zero. If you or someone you know needs specialist mental health care, please call the Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511. It is a free service operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week staffed by trained mental health professionals.
NSW residents affected by suicide to call StandBy: Support After Suicide on 1300 727 247 at any time for support – irrespective of how much time has passed since the tragedy occurred. This state-wide service provides a range of practical and emotional support to anyone who has been bereaved or impacted by suicide
