The National Suicide and Self-harm Monitoring System was today launched by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare and the National Mental Health Commission.

The web-based resource offers what AIHW deputy chief executive officer Matthew James said was the most comprehensive collation of data to date for suicide deaths and self-harm, nationally.

The National Suicide and Self-harm Monitoring System also helps explain the nature of suicidal and self-harming behaviours.

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It contains data about suicide deaths and intentional self-harm hospitalisations in primary health networks and statistical areas - information that has not previously been easily accessible.

"The National Suicide and Self-harm Monitoring System will support governments, services and communities to better respond to suicide and self-harm," Mr James said.

NMHC chief executive Christine Morgan said the new national system, and the representation of the data, would help facilitate public conversations about suicide, self-harm and suicide ideation, potentially saving lives.

"Preventing suicide and suicidal behaviour is a key priority in Australia," Ms Morgan said.

"Every life lost to suicide is one too many. We can all take action to prevent suicide with some understanding of who is at risk with simple steps."

The monitoring system was developed in conjunction with the federal health department and an expert advisory group.

It is intended to be regularly updated and improved.

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Lifeline Australia has welcomed the new monitoring system, with chief executive Colin Seery believing it would greatly improve the way suicide prevention services could respond to suicide risk.

"It will provide us with greater insight into where both the immediate and heightened risk is occurring, enabling us to put in place preventative measures that will mitigate the risk of harm as soon as it is identified," Mr Seery said.

He said agencies previously relief on information from community groups and professional networks.

"It is a hopeful step, especially for communities grappling with rising loss of life," Mr Seery said.

"Quite simply, access to this information will help us save lives."

Establishing a national monitoring system was one of the key recommendations from a 2018 national suicide prevention summit.

The federal government committed to support the summit's outcomes.

If you or someone you know is experiencing crisis, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467.

If life is in immediate danger, call 000.