Grant program targets workplace mental health in WA

Grant Program Targets Workplace Mental Health in WA

Western Australia's government has launched a new grant program aimed at improving workplace mental health across the state. The Mentally Healthy Workplaces Grant Program provides funding of up to $175,000 per year for initiatives that promote positive work practices and support the prevention of mental injury at work.

Quick summary: WA grant funding will back organisations that strengthen psychosocial safety, improve management of mental health risks, and deliver support services for workers across Western Australia's diverse industries.

How the Grant Program Works

Grants will be awarded through a competitive application process, administered by the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS). Businesses and community organisations seeking to improve workplace mental health outcomes are encouraged to apply for support under the program.

The funding structure reflects a broader push to embed mental health considerations into everyday risk management practices. Rather than treating psychosocial hazards as separate from physical safety, the program encourages an integrated approach to overall workplace wellbeing management.

Why This Grant Program Matters for WA Businesses

Acting Mines and Petroleum and Industrial Relations Minister Rita Saffioti said the Mentally Healthy Workplaces Grant program recognises the importance of mentally healthy workplaces by supporting initiatives committed to enhancing the positive aspects of work and worker wellbeing.

"We will continue to work with individuals, organisations and the community to improve worker welfare and to promote respect between employers and employees," Minister Saffioti said.

For WA businesses navigating rising expectations around psychosocial risk management, this program offers a valuable avenue for accessing resources and support services that might otherwise sit outside budget constraints. Organisations across construction, manufacturing, and healthcare sectors can use this funding to build stronger internal support networks and enhance existing safety management systems.

What Organisations Can Apply For

Eligible initiatives under this grant program may include:

• Development of internal support services for workers experiencing mental health challenges
• Training and awareness campaigns designed to strengthen psychosocial safety culture
• Management systems that formally address mental health risks alongside physical safety hazards
• Community-based partnerships that extend support beyond the immediate workplace
• Policy documentation supporting long-term mental health management practices

Organisations that already maintain robust workplace mental health and psychosocial policies may find this funding useful for expanding existing support services or piloting new prevention-focused initiatives.

Building on Existing Mental Health Support Services

This announcement follows growing national momentum toward improved workplace mental health management. Similar programs, such as Comcare's initiative to fight workplace mental health stigma and the iCare training program helping employers respond to workplace mental health, demonstrate how state and federal bodies are prioritising worker wellbeing through dedicated funding and support services.

Businesses looking to strengthen their approach to psychosocial safety management should also review foundational documentation, including a comprehensive workplace bullying policy or supporting bullying policy templates, which form a critical part of any mentally healthy workplace framework.

Taking a Broader View of Occupational Health

Mental health management is increasingly recognised as inseparable from broader occupational health and safety obligations. Our related discussion on emphasising mental health in the workplace beyond the basics explores how organisations can move past compliance minimums toward genuine cultural change.

For safety professionals wanting to see how these themes translate into practical management strategies, the Workplace Health and Safety Show offers further resources and networking opportunities focused on psychosocial risk and worker support.

Key Takeaways

• WA government has launched a grant program worth up to $175,000 annually
• DMIRS will administer applications through a competitive process
• Funding supports services, training, and management initiatives that improve workplace mental health
• The program builds on existing community and organisational support structures across Western Australia

Source: WA Government website.