- New body to advocate for change and help train future mining industry professionals and leaders
- Initiative highlights Cook Government’s commitment to the Mental Awareness, Respect and Safety (MARS) program
- Will deliver leading-edge research centre for mining work health and safety
Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Johnston today announced Edith Cowan University as the successful applicant for a new mining sector initiative, the Professorial Chair in Mining Work Health and Safety.
Funded as part of the Cook Government’s ongoing commitment to the Mental Awareness, Respect and Safety (MARS) program,the Professorial Chair will bring tertiary institutions, government and industry together to develop undergraduate and postgraduate education for future mining industry workers.
The new initiative will also create and oversee a leading-edge research centre for mining work health and safety.
The Cook Government is providing $1 million per annum for three years, with ECU matching that amount. Total support, including in-kind and from industry, is expected to be nearly
$11 million across the three years.
Launched in December 2021 by the State Government, the MARS program boosts responses to mental health, workplace culture and mine safety in Western Australia’s mining sector.
For more information, visit:
As stated by Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Johnston:
“I would like to congratulate ECU on their successful application to host the new Professorial Chair in Mining Work Health and Safety.
“ECU’s application reflected a strong desire to host the Professorial Chair in alignment with the MARS Program’s well-defined objectives.
“The Cook Government remains committed to ensuring all workers – including those on mine sites – are safe and protected.
“We will continue to collaborate with employers, employees, their representatives and the community to proactively prevent inappropriate workplace behaviour.”
