Four new funding packages totalling nearly $1.2 million have been allocated in a bid to further strengthen responses to sexual harassment and respect on mine sites, with the funding forming part of the Western Australian Government’s Mental Awareness, Respect and Safety (MARS) program.
The funding packages have been allocated as follows:
- Circle Green Community Legal – $335,000
- The Sexual Assault Resource Centre – $80,000
- A partnership between the Australian Institute of Health and Safety, PerMentis Pty Ltd (FIFO Focus), and the University of Western Australia – $250,000
- MATES in Mining will use – $525,000
Western Australian Women’s Interests Minister, Simone McGurk, said, “Sexual violence in any workplace is unacceptable, and while we’re working with the mining industry to stamp it out, when it does happen, we want to make sure victim-survivors are supported.
“We want to attract more women to the industry and for that to occur they need to know that they will be safe, and their concerns will be taken seriously.
“These initiatives will further bolster the government’s efforts to address safety issues that are not confined to the mining industry but are the sad reality for women everywhere,” Ms McGurk said.
Circle Green Community Legal will use the funds to provide a triage service and social work support for people who have experienced workplace sexual harassment in the mining industry, free of charge.
The Sexual Assault Resource Centre will utilise the grant to develop a specialist online training package, teaching health first responders on mine sites how to use its Site Early Evidence Kits (SEEKs). The SEEK packages include an evidence collection kit, a care package and various information leaflets that help victim-survivors make informed decisions about their future.
A course will also be developed to equip participants from the mining industry with the necessary skills to conduct sensitive investigations using evidence-based psychological approaches, and will be delivered by a partnership between the Australian Institute of Health and Safety, PerMentis Pty Ltd (FIFO Focus), and the University of Western Australia.
Further to this, MATES in Mining will use its funding over a period of three years to raise awareness about suicide and mental health among Western Australian mine workers. The MATES program provides suicide prevention through onsite community development activities, and by supporting workers in need through case management and a 24/7 helpline.
The four new funding packages form part of the Western Australian Government’s commitment to ensure that all workers are free from violence, harassment and disrespect in their workplaces.
Western Australian Mines and Petroleum Minister, Bill Johnston, said, “The new funding packages underline the McGowan Government’s commitment to eliminate violence, harassment and bullying from Western Australian workplaces.
“We are working hard to ensure all workers, particularly those in the mining sector, are safe and respected at work.
“The MARS program complements the other work we are doing to stamp out sexual harassment and sexual assault in Western Australia’s mining industry.”
