❓ This WA parliamentary question seeks an update on the Minister for Mental Health's progress in addressing recommendations from a report on the mental health impacts of FIFO work, specifically regarding research, alcohol consumption, training programs, and illicit drug use.
AnsweredQoN 4422Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to the Education
and Health Standing Committee Report No 5, 'The impact of FIFO work practices on
mental health' and Recommendations 4, 19, 21 and 26, and ask: (a) has the Minister addressed and actioned the recommendations outlined above; (b) if no to (a), why not; (c) will the Minister list by recommendation number the action that has been undertaken in respect of each recommendation; (d) if no to (c), why not; (e) will the Minister provide the date of the action that has been undertaken in respect of each recommendation; (f) if no to (e), why not; and (g) if any of the recommendations have not been undertaken, will the Minister outline which recommendations have not been actioned, and the reason why?
and Health Standing Committee Report No 5, 'The impact of FIFO work practices on
mental health' and Recommendations 4, 19, 21 and 26, and ask: (a) has the Minister addressed and actioned the recommendations outlined above; (b) if no to (a), why not; (c) will the Minister list by recommendation number the action that has been undertaken in respect of each recommendation; (d) if no to (c), why not; (e) will the Minister provide the date of the action that has been undertaken in respect of each recommendation; (f) if no to (e), why not; and (g) if any of the recommendations have not been undertaken, will the Minister outline which recommendations have not been actioned, and the reason why?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
16 November 2016
Responded by
Parliamentary Secretary representing the Minister for Mental Health
Response time
36 days
(a) Currently in progress
(b) N/A
(c) Yes
The Education and Health Standing Committee recommends that the Minister for Mental Health funds the Mental Health Commission (MHC) to commission independent research into the mental health impacts of fly-in, fly-out (FIFO) work arrangements on workers and their families. Such research should involve:
Recommendation 19
That the former Drug and Alcohol Office (DAO) initiates an inquiry into possible harmful drinking habits and alcohol consumption of FIFO workers, and the impact on their mental health.
Recommendation 21
That the MHC, in conjunction with industry and non-government organisations, develops a training program for managers and supervisors in the resources industry to address mental health issues, including suicide prevention and managing mental health problems amongst colleagues and workers.
Progress against Recommendation 21
That the MHC (former DAO) conducts further research into the use of illicit drugs by FIFO workers, particularly the use of short-acting illicit and new synthetic substances, and the impact on mental health.
Progress against recommendations 4, 19 and 26
(d) N/A
(e) Yes. Dates of action are provided in response to question (c).
(f) N/A
(g) N/A
(b) N/A
(c) Yes
The Education and Health Standing Committee recommends that the Minister for Mental Health funds the Mental Health Commission (MHC) to commission independent research into the mental health impacts of fly-in, fly-out (FIFO) work arrangements on workers and their families. Such research should involve:
Recommendation 19
That the former Drug and Alcohol Office (DAO) initiates an inquiry into possible harmful drinking habits and alcohol consumption of FIFO workers, and the impact on their mental health.
Recommendation 21
That the MHC, in conjunction with industry and non-government organisations, develops a training program for managers and supervisors in the resources industry to address mental health issues, including suicide prevention and managing mental health problems amongst colleagues and workers.
Progress against Recommendation 21
That the MHC (former DAO) conducts further research into the use of illicit drugs by FIFO workers, particularly the use of short-acting illicit and new synthetic substances, and the impact on mental health.
Progress against recommendations 4, 19 and 26
(d) N/A
(e) Yes. Dates of action are provided in response to question (c).
(f) N/A
(g) N/A
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