The WA Government has pledged a further $10 million over the next two years to continue the mining sector’s Mental Awareness, Respect and Safety (MARS) Program.
Established in 2021, the Government said the MARS Program has helped to drive cultural and systemic reform across the state’s mining industry, helping create more healthy, safe, gender-equitable, respectful, and inclusive workplaces.
The additional funding will ensure ongoing momentum in addressing gaps in workplace culture, psychosocial risk management, and the safety of underrepresented groups, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, young persons, and women.
“The MARS Program brings together expertise from across government and industry to tackle complex cultural and safety challenges,” said Industrial Relations and Women Minister, Simone McGurk.
“It has already delivered meaningful change across our mining sector, but we know there is more work to do. This $10 million investment ensures we can continue strengthening workplace culture, improving mental health outcomes, and stamping out unacceptable behaviours.
“We lead the world in mining innovation, and we must match that leadership with the highest standards of safety, inclusivity, and respect.
“We are determined to ensure that every worker in our mining industry is safe, respected, and supported.”
The additional $10 million investment over the next two years will facilitate the growth of proven interventions, fostering innovation through new delivery platforms and strengthening partnerships to ensure that cultural and safety improvements are both sustainable and implemented throughout the sector, the Minister said.
