By Australian Psychological Society
The Australian Psychological Society (APS) made a submission to the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Standing Committee on Social Policy Inquiry into men’s suicide rates in August 2025 and APS representatives attended an Inquiry public hearing in late 2025.
The ACT Standing Committee on Social Policy recently published its Report, which recommends a comprehensive, whole-of-system approach to reducing men’s suicide rates in the ACT, centred on better integration and targeted supports.
The Report included multiple references to the APS submission and public hearing attendance. The APS recommendations were most clearly reflected in four core policy directions:
- System integration and coordination
- Stronger aftercare and continuity of care
- Holistic, prevention-focused (social determinants) approach and
- Investment in workforce, community services, and culturally safe care
These APS priorities were aligned with multiple Committee recommendations, including:
- Strengthening referral pathways
- Improving aftercare support and coordination and
- Embedding cultural safety
The ACT Government response to the Committee report is due in early October 2026.