MATES welcomes support for expansion of proven industry-led suicide prevention model
MATES welcomes support for expansion of proven industry-led suicide prevention model
MATES in Construction has welcomed the Australian Government’s continued investment in workplace mental health and suicide prevention, following confirmation that MATES will receive $6.94 million through the National Suicide Prevention Leadership and Support Program (NSPLSP) over the 2027–2029 period.
The announcement was made today during a visit to a Sydney construction site by Amanda Rishworth MP, Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, and Emma McBride MP, Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, alongside MATES representatives and workers.
For nearly two decades, MATES has worked alongside industry to build a culture where looking out for your mates is part of the job. Founded by industry and driven by industry, MATES was built on the belief that lasting change comes from within workplaces themselves. Workers, employers, unions and industry partners have come together to create a model that is helping save lives and change the way mental health and suicide are understood, discussed and addressed across construction, mining, energy and manufacturing.
MATES Australia CEO Jorgen Gullestrup said the funding demonstrated the Government’s ongoing commitment to evidence-based suicide prevention, improved mental health outcomes in high-risk industries and proven workplace-based approaches.
“We welcome the Australian Government’s continued investment in suicide prevention and workplace mental health. This funding provides important stability and will allow MATES to continue delivering practical support to workers, families and workplaces across Australia.
“The construction, mining, energy and manufacturing industries have shown that when employers, unions, workers and governments work together, we can create environments where people look after each other, seek help earlier and save lives.”
MATES delivers suicide prevention training, peer support, counselling and case management services across some of Australia’s highest-risk industries. Its proven model empowers workers to recognise when a mate may be struggling, start meaningful conversations and connect people with support before a crisis occurs.
Mr Gullestrup said the announcement reflected the Government’s confidence in industry-led approaches to suicide prevention and mental health promotion.
“MATES has always been built on industry leadership and industry ownership. We are grateful for the support of the Australian Government and for the recognition that workplace-based suicide prevention programs have an important role to play in improving mental health outcomes.
“This investment will help us reach more workers, strengthen support networks and continue building industries where every worker knows they have a mate who can help.
“The real achievement belongs to the generations of workers, volunteers, employers and industry leaders who have helped make MATES what it is today. Their commitment continues to drive meaningful and lasting change across our industries.”
MATES thanked Minister Rishworth and Assistant Minister McBride for their ongoing support, and acknowledged the workers, volunteers, employers, unions and industry partners whose contribution continues to make the program possible.
“Together, we’re continuing to build safer, more connected workplaces across construction, mining, energy and manufacturing.”
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About MATES
MATES is an industry-led workplace suicide prevention program operating across construction, mining, energy and manufacturing. Through workplace training, peer support, case management and professional support services, MATES works to prevent suicide and improve mental health outcomes by creating workplaces where people look out for one another and help is available when it is needed.
