Waitress's suicide puts focus on media
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Expert calls for action: Brodie Panlock's parents Damien (left) and Rae Panlock outside the Melbourne Magsitrates Court (AAP : David Crosling)
Youth mental health expert Professor Patrick McGorry says media guidelines that restrict reporting on suicide are too conservative.
Yesterday four men were fined record amounts over the workplace bullying of Melbourne waitress Brodie Panlock, who later took her own life.
Professor McGorry, the Australian of the Year, says the discussion of her death has helped public understanding of a major health issue.
Ms Panlock's case is one of the few where there has been widespread media reportage of the circumstances of a suicide.
Professor McGorry says suicide is a much bigger problem than widely recognised.
"Someone dies in Australia from suicide every four hours, and every 15 minutes someone attempts suicide, so it is a very big public health problem and the response has been puny to date, I must say," he said.
"If you look at the amount of money that is spent on reducing the road toll, the amount of resources devoted to suicide prevention are puny and really need some serious attention."
Professor McGorry says the issue is often shrouded in silence and he has called for a softening of the media guidelines for reporting suicide.
"I think they're possibly a bit conservative. We [have] really been risk averse in actually facing the issue. The whole issue of the taboo of suicide goes back so far that I suspect that is playing a role in why we under-report it."
Record fines
Yesterday a Victorian magistrate handed record fines totalling $335,000 to four men who bullied Ms Panlock, 19, at a suburban cafe in Melbourne.
Among the examples of the persistent vile treatment she received was being held by a co-worker while another poured fish sauce over her.
The case has prompted Family First Senator Stephen Fielding to reveal that he is in talks with the Government to set up an inquiry into bullying.
"There hasn't been any real focus really at the federal level and I think it is encouraging that the Government is keen to talk about this issue and it is one that Family First takes very seriously," he said.
The ABC understands that although the discussions between the Government and Senator Fielding are still in their early stages, the Government believes an inquiry is necessary.
But talk of an inquiry frustrates Professor McGorry.
"I think we know a lot about it already and I'd like to see action," he said.
"We've seen a lot of inquiries from governments all around the country. I'd like to to action investment making people more aware of the damaging effects of bullying."
People feeling depressed or worried about a friend or relative can call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
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