$6 Million in Mental Health Support for FIFO Workers

For the mining, energy, construction and manufacturing industries, there will be a $6 million support boost for mental health programs. The Australian Government have doubled this support investment since 2012-13.

Making mental health a national priority for these industries is paramount to the well-being of Australian trade workers. 33% of FIFO workers report ‘high’ or ‘very high’ levels of psychological distress.

There is a $2.3 billion boost in the 2021-22 Budget for the National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan to lead landmark reform of the mental health system.

MATES in Construction will work with the mining industry to drive better mental health and suicide prevention in the fly-in, fly-out (FIFO) and the drive-in, drive-out (DIDO) workforce, says Greg Hunt, the Minister for Health and Aged Care.

Part of this funding will go towards delivering programs that benefit workers, leaders, counsellors and families of FIFO and DIDO workers across Australia.