Tasmanian Suicide Prevention Steering Committee (TSPSC)

In response to the complex problem of suicide in Tasmania, the Tasmanian Government established in 1993 an interdepartmental taskforce known as the Suicide Register Steering Committee (TSPSC).

The collaborative effort of the TSPSC in data collection and cooperation enables a coordinated approach for initiating preventative measures in the community. This committee can closely track the incidence and trends in suicides and maintain an informed stance in relation to problems within the community. Consequently, high risk groups are being targeted for early detection, better case management, and best practice protocols.

The State committee comprises representatives from the Departments of Health and Human Services, Education, Police, and Justice.

The TSPSC operates according to the following terms of reference:

  • to ensure departmental support for the establishment of a continuous database for completed suicides in Tasmania
  • to provide data with appropriate provisos on reliability as required by government
  • to produce annually or more frequently as required, a report on the data set against comparative trends and epidemiological data at the State and National level
  • to highlight special areas of concern
  • to collate information on current activity
  • to recommend through relevant departmental channels proposals for prevention.