MATES Research
MATES is committed to evidence based practice, partnering with leading researchers and universities to inform, evaluate, and enhance our approach to workplace suicide prevention and mental health.
Why?
Evidence-based Practice
MATES is an evidenced-based organisation. The program was developed from a solid evidence base provided by the Australian Institute of Suicide Research and Prevention: The AISRAP Report.
The MATES program works towards implementing the recommendations of this report in a manner that connects the strengths of the industry’s culture, context and capability with known best practice in suicide prevention.
The focus on good research is reflected in the MATES Vision, Mission and Values Statement.
MATES will gather data, partnering with research institutions to provide useful, insightful and practical information back to the industry through the MATES in Construction Board.
MATES is an evidence-based organisation. The program was created based on a research project into suicides in the Queensland Commercial Building and Construction Industry. As an organisation we are committed to ensure our work aligns with best practice and to share the learning from the MATES program with other like-minded organisations.
MATES will continually monitor best practice within the field of community-based suicide prevention and adjust the program accordingly. We will seek registration on best practice registers where possible.
MATES has established an Academic Reference Group and a national board position of Academic Director to guide and assist us in achieving best practice and to fulfil our commitment to research and knowledge sharing.
MATES may commission research directly, partner with institutions around grants, or participate as a junior partner / advisor to research projects. All projects are assessed according to set criteria. MATES Research Policy document includes a guide for possible research projects with MATES.
Program Logic
This program is industry-led and community-owned, providing peer-based, non clinical frontline support through structured, tiered interventions ranging from general awareness to professional help. Delivered on-site during work hours, it is grounded in independent research and best-practice models, complements existing EAPs and clinical services, and fosters a culture of shared responsibility where seeking and offering help is part of everyday workplace life.
PhD Scholarships
The Allison Milner Memorial PhD Scholarship was established by MATES in Construction to honour the legacy of Associate Professor Allison Milner. Allison served as the National Academic Director of MATES from 2013 until her untimely passing in 2019. She was a prolific researcher who championed efforts to curtail the high suicide rate among workers – predominantly men – in blue collar industries.
Research Reference Group
The MATES Research Reference Group is built in collaboration with a broad and diverse network of leading academics and research institutions. Research underpinning the MATES program has been conducted by prominent organisations including AISRAP, University of Newcastle, University of Queensland, University of South Australia, Central Queensland University, Deakin University, University of Melbourne, and Murdoch University, among others.
Research Library
The MATES Research Library is a central hub for publications, evidence and insights that inform, evaluate and strengthen our approach to suicide prevention and mental health across our industries.