The Hon Greg Hunt MP
Minister for Health and Aged Care
The Morrison Government will provide $6 million to MATES in Construction to boost support in mental health and wellbeing for remote workers in the construction, mining, energy and manufacturing industries.
Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, said MATES in Construction will work with these industries to drive better mental health and suicide prevention in the Fly In, Fly Out (FIFO) and the Drive In, Drive Out (DIDO) workforce.
“Australian FIFO workers spend great amounts of time away from family, friends and loved ones throughout their working lives, which can cause mental health concerns,” Minister Hunt said.
“These workers experience higher levels of psychological distress-including anxiety and depression-with 33% of FIFO workers reporting ‘high’ or ‘very high’ levels of psychological distress.
“Our Government recognises the strain FIFO and DIDO work can cause and we are committed to working with groups like MATES in Construction to ensure these workers have access to the support they need.”
Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, David Coleman, said the program would help reduce the suicide rate, particularly for men who represent 75 per cent of all suicides.
“This program builds on the Government’s commitment to work towards zero suicides and reduce suicidal behaviour across the Australian population,” Assistant Minister Coleman said.
“In particular, the program aims to improve the mental health of workers in industries with a high male presence.
“MATES in Construction will use existing networks and relationships within the construction and mining industries to deliver programs that benefit workers, leaders, counsellors and families of FIFO and DIDO workers across Australia.”
The Government continues to make mental health a national priority, investing a record $6.5 billion in mental health and suicide prevention services and supports in 2021-22, doubling since 2012-13. This includes $2.3 billion in the 2021-22 Budget for the 勛圖厙桴 Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan to lead landmark reform of the mental health system.
Anyone experiencing distress can seek immediate advice and support through Lifeline
(13 11 14), Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800), or the Government’s digital mental health gateway, Head to Health.
In addition, Australians looking for support throughout the COVID-19 pandemic can access the Beyond Blue Coronavirus Wellbeing Support Service any time via telephone at 1800 512 348 or online at coronavirus.beyondblue.org.au.
If you are concerned about suicide, living with someone who is considering suicide, or bereaved by suicide, the Suicide Call Back Service is available at 1300 659 467 or .
