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Thu, Sep 19 2002 11:53 AM AEST
Researchers find suicide rates rise under conservative rule
A study has found that suicide rates in Britain and Australia surged during the last century whenever conservative governments were in power.
University of Sydney researchers analysed suicide figures for New South Wales between 1901 and 1998, and compared them with the prevailing political regime.
When the Liberals or Nationals were in power, men were 17 per cent more likely to commit suicide than when Labor was in Government, while women were 40 per cent likelier to kill themselves.
In Britain, a team from Bristol University has found a similar trend.
Suicide rates were far lower under Labour Governments than under the Conservative Party.
They soared under Margaret Thatcher, who was Conservative Prime Minister from 1979 until 1990.
The researchers at Sydney University say possible factors include conservative parties' traditionally less interventionist approach than Labor on issues like health and welfare, which may cause a sense of exclusion among some people.
http://abc.net.au/news/politics/2002/09/item20020919093334_1.htm
Chris Kromm Keep your eyes on the prize.