In February 2025, my brother Damian Maher died by suicide—just days before his life insurance cover, attached to his superannuation, was due to expire. A letter from his fund had advised that if no employer contributions were received by 28 February, his Death and Total Permanent Disablement (TPD) cover would lapse. Damian was unwell, unemployed, and overwhelmed. The administrative burden of maintaining his cover—something that might have been resolved with a phone call explaining his circumstances — proved insurmountable for him personally and our family were unaware of the advice Damian had received.
This presentation explores how Australian superannuation funds might be able to strengthen the scaffolding around vulnerable clients, particularly those experiencing significant mental health challenges. Drawing on Damian’s story and broader research into best practice across the sector, I examine what support mechanisms currently exist and where gaps remain. The aim is not to assign blame, but to ask: what more can be done?
Could paused contributions trigger a proactive check-in? Could communication be tailored to recognise the barriers faced by those in crisis? Could next-of-kin be notified when cover is at risk of lapsing? These questions are part of a broader conversation about how financial systems can play a role in suicide prevention.
Through interviews, policy reviews, and case studies, I will present a framework for more compassionate and responsive engagement with clients at risk. Suicide prevention is an ecosystem—one that spans awareness, early intervention, and crisis support. Superannuation funds, often overlooked in this context, have a unique opportunity to contribute meaningfully.
This presentation is a tribute to Damian and a call to action. If one small change in process or communication can help someone hold on—can spare a family the grief of a preventable loss—then it is worth pursuing. Together, we can build systems that not only protect financial futures, but also safeguard lives.