I recently experienced a personal tragedy that has left me and my two young children devastated. My partner, their father, took his own life. In the midst of this crisis, the ambulance personnel were not permitted to break into our garage to potentially save his life; they had to wait for police assistance while I was left alone to confront this horrific scene.

This incident highlights a significant flaw in our system - the lack of immediate access and support during mental health emergencies. In Australia, suicide is the leading cause of death for people aged between 15-44 years (Australian Bureau of Statistics). Yet our emergency response protocols do not seem equipped to handle these situations with the urgency they require.

The current system's limitations can lead to delays that may cost lives. We need change now. We need improved training for emergency responders in handling mental health crises, changes in protocol allowing them immediate access during such emergencies, and increased funding towards mental health services overall.

We are calling on policy makers in Victoria, Australia, to make these necessary changes immediately. For my partner who we lost too soon; for those struggling silently with their mental health; for families like mine who have been shattered by such loss - we cannot afford any more delays.

Please sign this petition and join us as we fight for a more responsive and compassionate system that values every life equally.