Funding will help MATES in Construction expand suicide prevention training and peer support for workers across NSW
The federal government will spend an additional $6.9 million over two years on mental health and suicide prevention support for workers in high-risk industries, with the funding going to MATES in Construction as it expands its presence in New South Wales (NSW).
Amanda Rishworth, Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, and Emma McBride, Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, announced the investment on 22 October as part of Mental Health Month. It follows the extension of the National Suicide Prevention Leadership Support Programme, which funds programmes and organisations working to reduce suicide and suicidal distress across Australia.
"Every worker deserves to come home safe from work, and that includes being safe from mental health challenges that can too often go unseen," Rishworth said.
Where the funding will go
MATES in Construction delivers suicide prevention training, peer support, counselling and case management services to workers in construction, mining, energy and manufacturing. These are industries the government identifies as carrying an increased suicide risk.
According to the government, MATES has delivered suicide awareness training to more than 69,000 workers across high-risk industries since 2022. More than 8,000 of those workers have gone on to become Connectors, who provide peer support on site and help link struggling colleagues with assistance before a crisis occurs.
Brad Parker, chief executive of MATES NSW, said the funding would extend that work across the state.
"This funding will allow MATES to reach more workers across New South Wales, equipping them with the skills to recognise when a mate is struggling and connect them with life-saving support," Parker said.
"By bringing suicide prevention directly onto worksites, we can build a culture where workers look out for one another, and no one has to face a crisis alone."
Why male-dominated industries are the focus
The sectors MATES serves are predominantly male. Men make up around 85% to 90% of the construction workforce, according to the government, which estimates that the suicide rate among male construction workers is almost double that of other employed Australian men. HRD has previously reported on construction workers' heightened risk of suicide compared with workplace accidents.
"The MATES programme is saving lives. It's as simple as that," McBride said. "We know that too many workers in industries like construction, mining and manufacturing are struggling in silence."
Dan Repacholi, Special Envoy for Men's Health, drew on his own experience of working in mining.
"I know blokes will talk about just about anything before they talk about how they're feeling," Repacholi said. "You don't have to have all the answers to ask a mate if he's alright. But you do need to know where to turn when the answer is no."
Rishworth said the funding reflected the government's support for workplace-based programmes.
"That's why the Albanese Labor Government is continuing to support programmes like this, helping workers in high-risk industries access early intervention, peer support and professional care", she said.
The government said the MATES investment forms part of its wider commitment to improving mental health and preventing suicide. Medicare Mental Health Centres have delivered more than 570,000 free appointments, and the government has launched Medicare Mental Health Check-In, which it describes as Australia's first national free digital mental health service.
The announcement comes as employers face growing scrutiny over psychological safety at work. The Australian Institute of Health and Safety has found that mental health claims are now Australia's fastest-growing compensation category, while Victoria's new regulations requiring employers to manage psychosocial risks have formalised obligations for employers in that state.
