PERTH (miningweekly.com) – The Western Australian government has committed A$1.2-million in funding to further strengthen its commitment to the safety of Western Australian mineworkers.

Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Johnston said that the new funding packages underline the 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 Mental Awareness, Respect and Safety (MARS) program complements the other work we are doing to stamp out sexual harassment and sexual assault in Western Australia’s mining industry.”

Some A$335 000 of the funding will go towards Circle Green Community Legal to provide a triage service and social work support for people who have experienced workplace sexual harassment in the mining industry.

The free service will include social work support for people who have experienced workplace sexual harassment in the mining industry.

The Sexual Assault Resource Centre will use an A$80 000 grant to develop a specialist online training package, teaching health first responders on mine sites how to use its site early evidence kits (SEEKs). 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. 

It will be delivered through a partnership between The Australian Institute of Health and Safety, PerMentis, or FIFO Focus, and The University of Western Australia, and is made possible by a A$250 000 grant.

Further to this, MATES in Mining will use A$525 000 of funding over a period of three years to raise awareness about suicide and mental health among Western Australian mineworkers. 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.