SPR30831 WLF SPA WhitePaper v12 - Flipbook - Page 28
The role of the media
The total volume of negative coverage (19 per cent), however, was more than double than that of
positive coverage (eight per cent) about the pandemic. As Australian Governments progressively
ease lockdown restrictions, we are hopeful that media reportage concerning these changes will
begin to address the balance between positive and negative coverage concerning COVID-19.
We encourage the Australian Government to continue widely promoting its fact-based sources
of information on COVID-19 and promote stories of hope.
A note on safe language
Suicide Prevention Australia and Wesley Mission are signatories of Everymind’s National
Communications Charter. While both organisations strongly believe the media should shine a
light on suicide as a preventable problem, we believe this should be in a way that reduces stigma
around mental health and suicide and encourages people to seek help 124.
Recommendation
The Australian Government should continue to:
• widely promote fact-based sources of information on COVID-19.
Reducing distress in the community following the COVID-19 pandemic
June 2020
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