Tas Govt gives LGBTI priority in anti-suicide scheme

The Tasmanian state government has listed the LGBTI community as a major priority for their Suicide Prevention Strategy.

Health Minister Michelle O'Byrne said the government will call for community organisations to submit proposals on delivering a range of initiatives under the Strategy.

The second of six main priority areas outlined reads: "Develop a suicide prevention action plan for Tasmania's Gay Lesbian Bisexual Transgender and Intersex (GLBTI) communities."

O'Byrne said stronger community involvement in suicide prevention was important.

"While there is no single cause of suicidal behaviour, and the reasons behind suicide are often complex, in many cases it is preventable," she said in a statement.

"To be truly effective, suicide prevention requires action within communities, as well as at all levels of government and the business sector."

Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group spokesperson, Rodney Croome, welcomed the news.

"GLBTI people are four to six times more likely to commit suicide because of the discrimination and prejudice they face, and we are very pleased the Government is taking the problem seriously," Croome said.

"We know from international research that generic suicide prevention programs are less effective than targetted ones when it comes to reducing levels of GLBTI suicide.

"We look forward to working with the Government to ensure all GLBTI Tasmanians feel safe, included and respected enough for suicide not to be an option."