CAPALABA MP Don Brown paid tribute to a Capalaba mum working to halt the suicide rate when he made his maiden speech in parliament last week.
The rookie politician said mum Kerrie Keepa had experienced the worst side of the mental health system after the suicide of her son last year.
Mrs Keepa, who has lost five close family members, including son Christopher Ball, is campaigning for better education, understanding and awareness of mental health issues.
Mr Brown backed Mrs Keepa's campaign for better education and congratulated Health Minister Cameron Dick for taking up her cause.
He also mentioned another Capalaba resident, Jacqueline King, whose son Dillon committed suicide this month after he went missing for three weeks.
In his speech, Mr Brown praised his father, Don Brown senior, along with former MPs from his electorate, the LNP's Steve Davies, the ALP's Jim Elder and Michael Choi.
He also praised the first female indigenous minister, Leeanne Enoch, who is a Quandamooka woman from North Stradbroke Island.
He spoke of growing up attending Birkdale State School where he was reprimanded by his teacher Mrs Boss.
However, he said he would definitely return for the school's centenary next year.
