Govt funding plays key role in worker suicide prevention

Federal government funding has been a huge support for mental health and suicide prevention within the construction, energy, mining and manufacturing sectors.

That’s according to MATES Australia, which has been able to support thousands of workers and industry leaders within high-risk industries thanks to Department of Health and Aged Care funding.

During 2022–23 and 2023–24, the funding has enabled:

• over 30,000 workers to participate in the MATES program, equipping them with the tools to support themselves and their peers;
• capacity building of more than 4000 industry leaders and supervisors to foster mentally healthy workplaces; and
• support for 800 workers in distress to access the care they need.
   

The Australian Government’s 12-month funding extension for the MATES FIFO–DIDO and MATES in Manufacturing programs, along with the continuation of the National Suicide Prevention Leadership and Support Program into 2026–27, reinforces the importance of workplace mental health initiatives and suicide prevention efforts.

MATES Australia Executive Director Michael Harper acknowledged the impact of this support:

“The federal government’s commitment to supporting mental health initiatives in high-risk industries is critical in addressing the unique challenges faced by workers in these sectors. This funding extension ensures MATES can continue to provide evidence-based programs that save lives, reduce stigma and build mentally healthy workplaces,” he said.

The need for mental health and suicide prevention initiatives within FIFO/DIDO and high-risk industries is well documented. Research highlights the increased vulnerability of workers in these roles, with higher rates of psychological distress, anxiety and depression than the general population. By continuing to invest in these programs, the federal government is enabling MATES to expand vital mental health services and early intervention support.

MATES remains dedicated to ensuring that all workers across these industries have access to the training, support and resources necessary to foster a culture of help-seeking and peer support.

If you need assistance, the MATES Helpline (1300 642 111) provides 24/7 suicide and mental health support services.

Image credit: iStock.com/xavierarnau. Stock image used is for illustrative purposes only.