NSW Government Launches $127.7 Million Crackdown on Workplace Mental Health Risks
The New South Wales government is set to impose fines on employers who fail to address bullying and other mental health hazards in the workplace, as part of a major new initiative to enhance psychological safety. A government source revealed to 7NEWS that $127.7 million will be invested over four years into SafeWork NSW, funding the deployment of 20 specialised psychosocial inspectors among a total of 51 additional inspectors.
Specialised Inspectors to Target Psychosocial Hazards
The newly trained inspectors will focus on preventing and addressing a range of workplace mental health risks, including:
- Bullying and harassment, including sexual and gender-based harassment
- Excessive workloads and job demands
- Exposure to traumatic events
- Inadequate reward and recognition
- Poor support systems
- Violence and aggression
NSW Minister for Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis emphasised the urgency of the measures, stating, "What we've seen is that there has been a rise in psychosocial injury claims, and we need to get into the workplaces." She added that the government is collaborating with employers and small businesses to develop bespoke programs aimed at supporting worker health and wellbeing.
Enhanced Enforcement and Support Services
Under the new framework, SafeWork NSW psychosocial inspectors will have the authority to issue on-the-spot fines and strengthen compliance and enforcement efforts. Their responsibilities will include:
- Responding to psychosocial incidents reported to SafeWork
- Developing dedicated resources to promote psychological injury prevention
- Providing workers and employers with a specialised first point of contact for mental health concerns
- Assisting employers in meeting their return-to-work obligations
SafeWork NSW Commissioner Janet Schorer highlighted that the inspectors come from diverse psychosocial backgrounds, such as psychology, social work, and nursing. She noted, "Recognising and managing both physical and psychological risks is essential to creating safe, healthy and productive workplaces."
Proactive Approach to Injury Prevention
Mercedes Wildschut, one of the newly appointed inspectors with over five years of experience as an injury management specialist, expressed her motivation to shift from reactive to proactive roles. "An uplift in psychosocial inspectors is going to help prevent those injuries from occurring in the workplace and allow for a safer and healthier work environment," she said.
In addition to the inspectorate, the NSW government is establishing a Psychosocial Advisory Service to offer tailored advice on managing psychosocial safety. NSW was the first state to implement a comprehensive code of practice covering all psychosocial hazards, further solidifying its leadership in this area. Minister Cotsis proudly stated, "I am very proud that NSW is leading the way with these specialised inspectors who have incredible skills and experience in mental health."
