- New body to advocate for change and help train
future mining industry professionals and leaders - Initiative highlights Cook Government’s commitment to the Mental Awareness, Respect and
Safety (MARS) program - Will deliver leading-edge
research centre for mining work health and safety
Mines
and Petroleum Minister Bill Johnston today announced Edith Cowan University as
the successful applicant for a new mining sector initiative, the Professorial Chair in Mining Work Health and Safety.
Funded
as part of the Cook Government’s ongoing commitment to the Mental Awareness,
Respect and Safety (MARS) program,the Professorial Chair will bring tertiary institutions,
government and industry together to develop undergraduate and postgraduate education
for future mining industry workers.
The
new initiative will also create and oversee a leading-edge research centre for
mining work health and safety.
The
Cook Government is providing $1 million per annum for three years, with ECU matching
that amount. Total support, including in-kind and from industry, is expected to
be nearly
$11 million across the three years.
Launched
in December 2021 by the State Government, the MARS program boosts responses to
mental health, workplace culture and mine safety in Western Australia’s mining
sector.
For
more information, visit: MentalAwareness, Respect and Safety (MARS) Program (www.wa.gov.au)
Comments attributed to Mines and Petroleum
Minister Bill Johnston:
“I
would like to congratulate ECU on their successful application to host the new Professorial
Chair in Mining Work Health and Safety.
“ECU’s
application reflected a strong desire to host the Professorial Chair in alignment
with the MARS Program’s well-defined objectives.
“The
Cook Government remains committed to ensuring all workers – including those on
mine sites – are safe and protected.
“We
will continue to collaborate with employers, employees, their representatives
and the community to proactively prevent inappropriate workplace behaviour.”