New initiative to keep WA workers healthy

The Cook Government's commitment to protecting workers from physical and psychological harm in the workplace and preventing work-related suicide continues with the launch of the Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Program Support Fund 2025 to 2029 (Support Fund).
  • The Cook Government has launched the Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Program Support Fund for work-related suicide prevention initiatives
  • MATES in Construction and Steering Healthy Minds have been awarded grants in the initial phase of the program
  • Through the Mental Awareness, Respect and Safety program, funding has been provided to Suicide Prevention Australia to develop a suicide prevention competency framework and learning modules for the mining industry
  • The Cook Government delivering on its election commitment and providing more support for mental health

The Cook Government's commitment to protecting workers from physical and psychological harm in the workplace and preventing work-related suicide continues with the launch of the Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Program Support Fund 2025 to 2029 (Support Fund).

The Support Fund is administered by WorkSafe in partnership with the Mental Health Commission and has been established to support targeted suicide prevention programs for Western Australian industries known to be at greater risk, including construction and transport.

The program will see $3.39 million awarded over four years to help organisations implement mental health and suicide prevention programs at work, recognising the important role workplaces play in the mental health of their workers.

In the initial phase of the program, grants have been awarded to MATES in Construction and Steering Healthy Minds to continue their existing well-regarded programs making a difference in the construction and transport sectors.

In addition to the Support Fund, the Mental Awareness, Respect and Safety program has funded Suicide Prevention Australia to develop a suicide prevention competency framework and learning modules for the WA mining sector.

In response to stakeholder requests for guidance, WorkSafe has developed an information sheet, available on its website, for the prevention and management of Suicide and suicidal behaviour in work-related contexts.

Comments attributed to Industrial Relations Minister Simone McGurk:

"These initiatives reflect the State Government's ongoing priority of addressing psychosocial hazards in Western Australian workplaces, particularly in industries at greater risk of worker suicide.

"We know the construction and transport sectors are high risk industries and this approach is effective because it is embedded in the knowledge of the industry and culture where the target demographic works.

"The Cook Government believes every worker should come home safe at the end of their workday and we will continue to help keep workers safe across WA."

Comments attributed to Mental Health Minister Meredith Hammat:

"We all have a role to play in supporting good mental health, and our workplaces are no exception.

"This is about supporting our workplaces to be better employers, and I'm pleased to see MATES in Construction and Steering Health Minds recognised for the good work they're already doing in this space."