THE Western Australian government has announced a parliamentary inquiry to examine mental health amongst fly-in, fly-out workers following a number of deaths of employees working under FIFO work arrangements over the past 12 months.
The investigation will “review and report on the mental health of fly-in, fly-out workers”, with Terms of Reference covering:
- the contributing factors that may lead to mental illness and suicide amongst FIFO workers;
- the current legislation, regulations, policies and practices for workplace mental health in Western Australia; and
- current initiatives by government, industry and community, and recommend improvements.
The inquiry will be carried out by the WA Parliament’s Education and Health Standing Committee, chaired by Liberal MP Graham Jacobs, who said the inquiry would ‘look at some of the systemic issues in and around this very important matter’.
“We will look at the current initiatives that are employed by government, industry, and the wider community, but we also need to look at the responsibilities of employees and employers,” he said.
“This will not necessarily be an easy inquiry, but the committee believes it is important enough that we put our energies into it immediately.”
Australian Mines and Metals Association executive director Scott Barklamb indicated that AREEA is reviewing scope for industry to contribute to the WA inquiry. He also highlighted the extensive work AREEA has been doing for some time to better support members and their employees in this important area.
“In partnership with the mental health experts at beyondblue, AREEA recently launched a resource industry initiative to continue developing mentally healthy workplace across the mining, oil and gas sectors, as part of the ongoing Heads Up campaign,” he said.
“The Heads Up campaign provides new and innovative tools that equip resource employers to ensure the mental wellbeing of their workforce can be maintained to the highest standard.
In Perth on 1 Septmber 2014, beyondblue’s Michael O’Hanlon will provide further support and insight for AREEA members looking to take part in the Heads Up initiative.
“Already, the response from resource employers has been outstanding, demonstrating a widespread commitment to the mental wellbeing of the resource workforce,” Mr Barklamb said.
A preliminary report for the inquiry is due by the end of this year with a final report to be submitted by March 2015. For more information, click here.
To learn more about AREEA’s partnership with beyondblue and the Heads Up campaign, click here.
