12 Jul 2013

Debate over suicide law review

10:04 am on 12 July 2013

A former MP whose daughter took her own life says the legislation governing the reporting of suicide is fine right now and there's no need for a review.

The Law Commission is reviewing the laws which prevent any details being published about a suicide until after an inquest.

Even then, only the deceased's name, address and occupation can be reported unless the Coroner is satisfied further detail won't cause harm to the public.

Former associate health minister Jim Anderton says the current system works. He says research shows that more reporting just leads to copycat deaths.

However, Maria Bradshaw, who set up a support group called CASPER for bereaved families, says it's ludicrous to suggest that reading about suicide might prompt someone to kill themselves.