Children in out-of-home care are more than three times as likely to attempt suicide as children outside the care system, according to an Australian Catholic University review. Researchers say a lack of consistent public data prevents them from identifying which types of care carry greater risk. Sue-Anne Hunter, National Commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People, said data collection is fragmented across states and territories. Some jurisdictions withheld figures, citing the risk of identifying families. First Nations children are over-represented in the care system and face higher suicide risk.
A Victorian coroner has said the death of Kyle Hudson should be a clear signal that national gambling reform is needed. Mr Hudson, who had lost close to $50,000, died by suicide at his Werribee home in July 2021. The coroner found his online gambling was the direct cause of his death and criticised betting companies for relying on customers' own answers during interventions. He made nine recommendations, including a national online gambling regulator. Sportsbet and bet365 said they were committed to stronger consumer protections.
A Victorian coroner has found that online sports betting was the main and direct cause of the suicide of Kyle Hudson, a 22-year-old from Werribee. Hudson wagered $895,733 with various betting companies after opening a Sportsbet account on his 18th birthday, and died in 2021. Coroner Paul Lawrie said Hudson had no history of mental illness or drug and alcohol problems. He recommended the federal government consider banning gambling advertising and inducements for young customers, and creating a national gambling data vault. Sportsbet said it would consider the findings and remained committed to strengthening consumer protections.
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A coroner has found that a man who died at Junee Correctional Centre may have collected discarded cable ties from rubbish before taking his own life. Police believed Alexander Gavranic, 40, may have joined broken ties together, though the findings do not establish how he got them. The inquest also found he waited 305 days for a mental health assessment and died without seeing a professional, despite repeated requests. Deputy State Coroner Derek Lee said the long wait likely worsened his wellbeing, but could not determine whether treatment would have prevented his death.
A NSW coroner has recorded an open finding into the 1935 death of Sydney police constable Leslie Andrew Nash, lifting a suicide verdict his family had long disputed. Nash was found with a gunshot wound at Hurstville police station, and the earlier ruling had left his widow without a police pension. Deputy State Coroner Judge Harriet Grahame said the evidence was too sparse to establish how he died, and she could not exclude an accidental discharge. Her recommendation asks the Police Commissioner to consider adding his name to the police Roll of Honour.
A NSW coroner has found serious failures in mental health services at Junee Correctional Centre before a prisoner died by suicide in February 2023. Alexander Gavranic, 40, waited at least 305 days for an assessment, far beyond the three-month maximum for his referral. Deputy State Coroner Derek Lee found the delay likely caused distress and deterioration, but could not establish that earlier treatment would have changed the outcome. The inquest heard two mental health nurses were serving a prison population of up to 1,000, and Lee made two recommendations, including better documentation of prisoners' requests.
Breaking Bad actor RJ Mitte has died by suicide at 34. Mitte, who has cerebral palsy, played Walter White's son in the acclaimed series, which ran from 2008 to 2013. He regularly spoke about disability and overcoming adversity, and advocated for better representation of disabled actors. Co-stars and the show's creator paid tribute to his kindness, determination and big heart. Fellow actor Aaron Paul said he was heartbroken and urged anyone struggling to know they are not alone.
An art exhibition in Taylors Beach has raised over $5000 for mental health research. The Art for Amber exhibition, organised by Tomaree High School student Mikaylah Thomas, supports Amber’s White Light, a charity founded by Tamara and Richard Wraith after their daughter Amber died by suicide in 2023. The event featured 400 donated artworks, with 100 sold on the first day. Funds will aid Monash University’s development of a test to detect early signs of mental illness.
