I was up at the local Library in Riverton doing some research for work using the computers and I printed off some documents, when I went over to the printers I noticed on top of one printer a sheet off paper that someone else had left behind and I asked if it belonged to anyone near where I was working, no one owned up. I started reading the sheet to discover that some poor soul had written a very sad story about themselves, and that they had no friends here and they had just started at a new school in the area, that their parents were divorced and I was shocked to read further that they felt it would be best if they took their life. I looked up to see all the people in the library after reading this very sad youth(s) story. No name was indicated on this sheet of paper. I feel that our society in a way fails us when people are unable to talk about what they are going through because we don't care to listen. I often hear at work things like "You just handle it" "toughen up Princess" and for me personally - I do just that - because I am in a tough working environment and I have to survive to pay my bills. I had it drummed into me at an early age that you never get down and you just keep on going no matter what, but for some of us in society today it can be hard to remain in control and assertive, and look at resolving issues. I agree that your new program is going to benefit depressed people.

Steve should be congratulated for this report. Let's hope that politicians use it as a basis for action.
The report lists a number of at-risk groups
men; Indigenous
Australians; gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex individuals;
individuals who engage in self-harm or who have previously attempted
suicide; individuals with mental illness; and individuals who have
recently been released from correctional services. .

One specific action that parliament can take is to reduce the sense of isolation and social rejection felt by GLBT youth, by passing the Marriage Equality Act. By making a strong statement that a person's sexuality is not a valid basis for discrimination, Parliament would lift a heavy burden from the shoulders of these vulnerable youth.

Well done, Steve.

A “pre-written” work is something that was created for another context and situation, generally did not pass muster, and so is re-tooled as old-wine-in-new-bottles. this is a very important step

I am not a politician. I’m a psychologist with 25 years experience working with same-sex attracted Australians—who are twice as likely to have a high or very high level of psychological distress and four times more likely to have attempted suicide.1

We can no longer pretend that institutionalised discrimination against same-sex attracted individuals does not contribute to this tragic problem. As such, I am asking you to use your power to end this discrimination.

I’m asking on behalf of individuals like Robert*, 17, a young man who came to see me for counseling recently.

After a courageous and difficult decision to come out to his family and father (who called gay people “bloody poofters”), he talked about feelings of gay relationships, and therefore gay people, being seen as unworthy. Hearing the message from our politicians that gay people "aren't good enough to marry," led him into even deeper depression, as he personally dreams of being with someone for his entire life.

Growing up, we learn that marriage is often one of the foundations of a successful adult life. The fact that gays and lesbians can‘t marry therefore sends a very clear but inaccurate message that some people are not considered of sufficient value to participate in what much of society believes is an esteemed rite of passage.

This government has taken a strong stand on supporting the mental health of young people, but until we end institutionalised discrimination, same sex attracted young people in particular will continue to suffer as a result of the message we are sending them.

As a mental health professional, I am asking you to end this discrimination now—and to finally welcome all members of our society into the fullness of belonging.

Yours Sincerely,
Paul Martin Principal Psychologist, Centre for Human Potential ­| Brisbane

In ligt of Paul Martin's letter, it is unfortunate that Steve now has to obey Tony Abbott's marching orders and vote against a measure that would help to reduce youth suicide.Unfortunately, it seems that this is just another report with no genuine purpose behind it.