To assist the health and safety of workers in mines, two major workplace initiatives have been announced by the Western Australian Government, including funding for mental health services and an independent review of regulatory safety processes
The State Government announced the successful applicants for the Mentally Healthy Workplaces Grant program.
Grant applicants were offered $175,000 per year for up to four years for initiatives that promote and support the positive aspects of work and worker wellbeing.
The Western Australia Centre for Rural Health, South West Aboriginal Medical Service, Juniper and People Diagnostix, and Pivot Support Services will share around $500,000 in funding per year.
Western Australian Mines and Petroleum Minister, Bill Johnston, has also appointed an independent expert to review the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety’s (DMIRS) protocols for responding to incidents of sexual harassment and sexual assault in the mining industry.
Elizabeth Shaw, who specialises in diversity, inclusion, culture and change at PwC Australia, will review DMIRS’ enforcement model, organisational capabilities and regulatory responses to these incidents on mine sites. Review findings are expected to be delivered in late 2022.
“Ms Shaw is a well-respected advocate for gender equality and has extensive experience in improving workplace culture and working with senior leaders across a range of industries to drive change,” Mr Johnston said.
Western Australia’s Women’s Interests Minister, Simone McGurk, said she has great confidence in Ms Shaw’s credentials on gender equality.
“Sexual violence is not something anyone should be exposed to, let alone in the workplace. However, it is a harsh reality that it is a problem across many industries,” Ms McGurk said.
“The appointment of an independent expert to examine the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety’s processes for handling these incidents will be invaluable and help drive the change that is required.”
As part of the Western Australian Government’s $8.4 million Mental Awareness, Respect and Safety (MARS) program, two further initiatives targeting mining workplaces were also approved.
A joint project between the Australian Institute of Health & Safety and PerMentis (FIFO Focus), and Lifeline Western Australia’s Resourceful Mind program will share $350,000 in total funding per year.
The MARS program is a multi-agency collaboration between DMIRS, the Mental Health Commission, Department of Communities, and the Equal Opportunity Commission. It aims to boost responses to mental health, workplace culture and safety in Western Australia’s mining sector.
For more information on the MARS program, visit: Mental Awareness, Respect and Safety (MARS) Program (www.wa.gov.au)
