Tilly Rosewarne suicide: Family criticise government’s response
The grieving family of teen suicide victim Tilly Rosewarne have blasted Mental Health Minister Bronnie Taylor, saying her ‘silence is deafening’ on the tragedy.
NSW
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The grieving family of suicide victim Tilly Rosewarne has blasted Mental Health Minister Bronnie Taylor, saying her “silence is deafening” on the tragedy and symptomatic of the problem.
Ms Taylor has not contacted Tilly’s family, and declined to comment on the case when contacted by The Daily Telegraph on Wednesday.
It comes after the Telegraph on Tuesday revealed the heartbreaking details of the 15-year-old’s suicide after she was tormented by bullies, including having fake nude images of herself shared on Snapchat and online.
A day later, Ms Taylor was approached with several questions about the case, including her reaction to the suicide, her thoughts on the family’s suggestions for bullying reform, and what could be done to bring an end to bullying in schools.
When further pressed if she wished to comment more broadly on the case and what was being done to address the issue of youth suicide, her office again declined to comment, saying: “These questions would be better directed to (Education) Minister (Sarah) Mitchell or the Department of Education.”
However, when confronted publicly about the matter at a budget estimates hearing in NSW parliament by Labor frontbencher Walt Secord on Thursday morning, Ms Taylor did respond.
“I would like to congratulate The Daily Telegraph on their campaign to highlight the impact of cyber-bullying on mental health of young people,” Mr Secord said.
“What is your response to the tragic case involving Ms Matilda ‘Tilly’ Rosewarne?”
Ms Taylor replied: “Mr Secord, I actually find myself echoing your original sentiments when you spoke just then. It is an absolute tragedy for the family, the community — for everyone.
“I have really been very determined to make sure that we improve the mental health for our young people in NSW.”
She added that her office was working to reduce the waitlist at Headspace, and introduce child and adolescent mental health teams.
Tilly’s mother Emma Mason said she was disappointed she hadn’t received a call from Ms Taylor, and that the minister didn’t respond to the case when approached by The Daily Telegraph.
“It feels insincere,” she said. “It feels like when you’re called to make a comment in public, you have no other choice. That’s how it feels.”
Ms Mason said the comments in parliament felt like “a disingenuous platitude”.
“I think the first reaction should have been a personal response to us.
“The silence is beyond deafening.”
Ms Mason said the lack of response was “symptomatic of the parliamentary game” and that any contact from Ms Taylor now would be “meaningless”.
Mr Secord said he was “disappointed” Ms Taylor did not respond to the Telegraph’s requests for comment earlier, but was “reassured” she made comments at the parliamentary hearing.
Since Tilly’s death, Ms Mason has been calling for change, saying more needs to be done to stop bullying online and in schools.
“Kids need to know that when you do (bully), there has to be repercussions,” she said on Wednesday. “How many more children do we need to bury?”
Ms Mason believes a zero-tolerance approach in schools and the introduction of a database of students’ phone numbers and social accounts could help authorities confirm the identity of cyberbullies.
Ms Taylor responded to another request for comment on Thursday, saying: “Every suicide is a tragedy and my heart goes out to the family and loved ones of Tilly. Her death is heartbreaking, particularly for one so young and vulnerable. Bullying of any form must be stamped out so our children can live happy, fulfilling lives.”
If you need help, call Lifeline on 13 11 14
Originally published as Tilly Rosewarne suicide: Family criticise government’s response
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