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Legislative Council - Fifty-Third Parliament, First Session (53-1)
2014-12-03 Daily Xml
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Motions

Mates in Construction

Adjourned debate on motion of the Hon. J.S.L. Dawkins:

That this council notes—

1. The exemplary work of MATES in Construction in its endeavour to prevent suicide in the construction industry and promote health and wellbeing;

2. That MATES in Construction is a federation of independent industry-based MATES in Construction organisations throughout New South Wales, Queensland, Western Australia and here in South Australia;

3. That MATES in Construction aims to raise awareness about suicide, making it easier to access help and ensuring that the help offered throughout the industry is practical, professional and appropriate; and

4. That MATES in Construction has implemented the following programs to address the tragic rate of suicide in the industry—

(a) an individual case management program which aims to assist troubled workers with an effective plan to address their mental issues;

(b) field visits, which involved field officers going from site to site to advise workers of the program; and

(c) a postvention program, which provides support where a worker or worker's family member has committed suicide.

(Continued from 12 November 2014.)

The Hon. J.M. GAZZOLA (17:53): I rise to support the Hon. John Dawkins' motion, and in so doing I acknowledge his continuing efforts in bring much-needed awareness to the issue of suicide within the construction industry. His consistent championing of such an important issue affecting Australian families in the most devastating of ways is to be recognised and admired. The motion focuses on the MATES in Construction organisation and its programs. The work of this not-for-profit organisation has to date supported thousands of workers' families in the construction industry through crisis management, suicide and mental health awareness and skills training.

I acknowledge the unions, the industry bodies and the Building Industry Redundancy Trust for bringing MATES in Construction to South Australia and providing them with support. This has allowed MATES in Construction to continue to grow, consulting with more sites each year nationally in the aim of reducing the prevalent rates of suicide within the industry. I hope that in the future all levels of government and business within the construction industry sector can provide some funding to maintain this service to industry.

Sadly, I note that two workers were killed in the course of their employment last week—cricketer, Phillip Hughes and construction worker for the new RAH building, Jorge Castillo-Riffo. I did not know either gentleman personally; however, with the media coverage I have come to learn a fair bit about Phil Hughes.

Regarding Mr Castillo-Riffo, on page 11 of the free newspaper, The City, Mr Castillo-Riffo's family described him as 'a man of fun, humour and compassion, who was loved by all who knew him.' The statement goes on to say:

He worked, lobbied and agitated for justice in the workplace. He especially looked after the younger workers and made sure they had safe work equipment. When a fellow worker was injured badly in a worksite some years ago, Jorge spent hours every day helping him recover. His death should not have happened; his life will not be forgot. In his name we say 'the struggle continues'.

I would like to offer their families, friends and workmates my sincere condolences. I also note that Mr Aaron Cartledge of the CFMEU on radio mentioned in regard to Mr Castillo-Riffo's death:

Monday is a scheduled day off anyway, so we just thought it better that we go through a process today. We've had our MATES in Construction teams down here that offer counselling so the guys are taking that offer up.

I thank the MATES in Construction team, who I have met, for all their support and commitment in this field and offer my continued support. I respectfully ask all members to become familiar with and raise awareness of MATES in Construction. I know that their work in the construction industry has helped many workers and their loved ones. I commend the motion to the council.

The Hon. T.A. FRANKS (17:56): I rise on behalf of the Greens to speak in support of the MATES in Construction motion moved by the Hon. John Dawkins MLC. We also express our appreciation of the honourable member's long-term commitment in raising awareness of suicide prevention and the work of community groups.

This motion seeks that this council take note of the work of MATES in Construction and its endeavours to prevent suicide in the construction industry, as well as to promote health and wellbeing. The Greens are very supportive of this program and are proud to say that MATES in Construction have not only set up their program in Queensland, Western Australia and New South Wales, but have now also established a branch in our state.

When I worked for the Mental Health Coalition I attended a MATES in Construction proxy toolbox talk at a mental health conference, some seven or so years ago. I was touched at the time by the very powerful speech and some of that talk has actually stayed with me until this day. I am very pleased that South Australia has a similar program here.

We support the work of MATES in Construction as they seek to raise awareness of suicide and make it easier for workplaces to access help and support in a practical, professional and appropriate manner. I remember at that particular toolbox talk discussing how to look for the signs of suicide, and one of the examples given was that if somebody was giving away their fishing tackle and fishing rod, but you knew they really liked fishing, then that was indeed a sign that they were preparing to attempt suicide. Appearing depressed and then suddenly happy is another sign that they have made a resolution. There was a range of very practical tips that help mates look after mates.

The honourable member's motion notes that MATES in Construction has implemented a three-tiered program to address the rate of suicide in the industry. This includes an individual case management program; assisting troubled workers with an effective plan to address their personal mental health issues; field visits, which involve field officers going from site to site to advise workers of the program; and a postvention program, which refers to the support that a site might need after a worker or a worker's family member has committed suicide.

I would particularly like to highlight part B of this three-tiered program because it is crucial that construction workers have an opportunity to speak to MATES in Construction's field officers at their site. We know just how important it is for individuals to be able to speak about depression and how it is just that little bit more important for them to be able to give them that opportunity to speak face to face.

The construction industry is, of course, a mainly male dominated industry. While we know that stigma with regard to speaking about mental health problems remains for both men and women, men in particular can sometimes have difficulty expressing their feelings. Unfortunately, we still live in a society where men do not express their feelings and are less likely than women to talk about depression, anxiety and mental health. We should empower men and encourage them to empower each other to embrace their emotions, not to repress and ignore them. While much of this is learned during childhood, where boys particularly are shamed and bullied if they cry or reveal emotions or sensitivities, we do still perpetuate these attitudes in adulthood.

I would hope that this will be one part of stepping away from this negative and damaging attitude towards emotions and instead support each other and organisations such as MATES in Construction to deal with situations and emotions we must all deal with over our lifetime. As Sigmund Freud once said, 'Unexpressed emotions will never die. They are buried alive and will come forth later in uglier ways.' We need men and boys to be advocates for change in suicide prevention and, with these few words, I commend this motion.

Sitting suspended from 18:01 to 19:47.

The Hon. K.L. VINCENT (19:48): Very briefly, Dignity for Disability supports the Hon. Mr Dawkins' motion and congratulates MATES in Construction for their valuable contribution to mental health awareness and worker safety.

I had the great privilege of meeting with some representatives from MATES in Construction a month or so ago and was immediately struck by not only their passion and their dedication to the cause but the depth of the knowledge they hold about suicide and mental health more broadly and the varied programs they have set up to make these sorts of discussions and important measures more accessible to people.

I think something we miss out on sometimes in the community is people learning how to have that conversation with someone, to ask about what is going on, to recognise the signs of someone who might be at risk of depression, anxiety or suicide or some other factor, so it is really pleasing to see that work being carried out, particularly in the industry of construction, where it tends to be a bit of a blokey set-up where we do not imagine those kinds of workers to be the most emotional people or forthcoming with their feelings.

That does not mean that they do not feel, and that is why it is really important that we do expose those stereotypes as being false and give everyone the opportunity to be honest about what they are going through, not only to help themselves but, hopefully, to help others by showing that you can be open about what you are going through, whether that is depression, suicidal ideation, anxiety and so on. I was very impressed by the work MATES in Construction is carrying out in this area and look forward to working with them again, hopefully very soon.

The factors which surround increased risk of suicide are many and varied, as we all know, and the impact on the lives of workmates, family and friends can last a lifetime. Knowing the risk factors and being able to talk openly about mental health in a proactive way is extremely important. Dignity for Disability is also aware that attempted suicide can result in lifelong disability, and this also has ramifications for individuals and their families, friends and colleagues.

Although by no means an exhaustive list, some of the risk factors for suicide and attempted suicide can include alcohol abuse, family history of alcoholism and drugs, depression, drug abuse, personality disorders, severe impairment in physical health, same-sex attraction, recent psychiatric symptoms, previous suicidal events or ideation, history of violent behaviour, recent loss of someone close, job problems, low self-esteem, history of family violence, low family support or lack of family support, family conflict, feelings of isolation and loneliness, suicidal threats or suicidal attempts by family and friends, and easy access to weapons.

I mention these things not to put the people in the situations I have just mentioned on a particular pedestal or to suggest that the minute you are in this situation of perhaps having alcohol abuse or any of the other factors I have just mentioned then that means you are a definite candidate for suicidal ideation. I am mentioning these many and varied aspects that can affect a person's mental health purely to show how varied they are. I think a number of them are things we are all likely to go through in our lives.

Changes of employment or changes in family and relationships—these are all things that we can be affected by and probably will be affected by at some point in our lifetime. That is why it is very important that we do prepare ourselves to guide ourselves through those situations when we come to them, but also to be there for someone that we care about if they are facing a situation like one of those that I have just listed.

As a community, we do need to pay more attention to our own mental health and that of those around us. Those conversations can be difficult; they are certainly not easy, but when we compare them to the potentially lifelong devastating effects of losing a friend, losing a family member or losing a workmate, and perhaps always questioning what we might have been able to do for that person had we picked up those signs earlier or had we been better aware of how to hold those conversations, when we compare the short-lived discomfort of actually having that conversation to the ramifications of not having it, it certainly makes this kind of awareness and those kinds of conversations a lot easier and very worthwhile.

Dignity for Disability wish MATES in Construction all the very best with this important work in preventing suicide and promoting overall mental health and wellbeing in the construction industry. I commend the motion to the chamber.

The Hon. G.A. KANDELAARS (19:54): I rise to speak about MATES in Construction, a suicide prevention program and organisation aimed at reducing suicide rates and improving mental health and wellbeing within the Australian construction industry. MATES in Construction started in Queensland in 2008, expanding to other states and to South Australia in 2012. It rolled out in South Australia because construction workers are twice as likely to die from suicide than any other group of men in Australia, according to the Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention.

There are many factors that contribute to the high suicide rate. There can be extremely long working hours for many in the construction industry, with many working 12-hour shifts six days a week, leading to an extended absence from family life. Financial instability, job insecurity and the pressure of getting a job done also impact on the high suicide rate. Many also face issues with gambling addiction.

MATES in Construction offers training to construction workers. It offers a one-hour training session and a two-hour intensive course. Both are free, as MATES in Construction is determined that the industry take up programs. The training encourages people to look out for their mates and to talk to them. This has a positive impact, with many who have undertaken the training then reaching out to their mates to make sure that they are okay, and getting a better understanding of suicide intervention.

If at least 80 per cent of workers on a site attend training, it also allows the companies to attain a MATES in Construction accreditation. It allows those companies to say that they care about their workers' mental health and wellbeing. Accreditation, like training, is at no cost to the employer or employees. Part of the accreditation is having one worker on site who has undertaken the ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) course. This is a two-day course which provides people with the skills to be able to undertake suicide intervention. It is an intense course, but everyone who has done the course says they feel more confident to be able to ask people if they are struggling with thoughts of suicide, making sure people are not just put on the back foot.

MATES in Construction offers case management as well. Caseworkers will go out to sites or will meet at places like coffee shops with workers. It runs a 24-hour, seven day a week hotline available on a 1300 number, which is displayed on all its resource materials. Since launching the call back line in April of last year, MATES in Construction has assisted 255 workers.

A culture of not discussing one's feelings is another factor in the high suicide rate. MATES in Construction is working to change that culture, shifting it away from not being okay to say you are struggling to being able to put your hand on your heart and say that you are not doing well at all at the moment. Increasingly, help-seeking behaviours of workers can make an impact on the suicide rate of the industry.

The suicide rate amongst apprentices is particularly troubling. In the Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention report, it was found that young apprentices within the 16 to 25-year-old age group are 10 times more likely to die from suicide than from an accident at work. That is an absolute tragedy. As an example of the work that MATES in Construction undertakes, recently a young electrical apprentice committed suicide on a site. The company that employed the apprentice rang MATES, who then went down to the site with the relevant unions, the CFMEU and the CEPU.

They spoke to all the workers, and they provided the 1300 number, and they kept going back, providing postvention support and making sure all workers received ongoing support for mental health and wellbeing. Research has shown that where people are subject to a suicide within their working environment, there is a tendency for other suicides to occur, so this action in supporting a work group is absolutely essential in reducing suicide rates.

MATES in Construction provides an invaluable service for mental health and wellbeing for all workers in the construction industry. I commend MATES in Construction for their ongoing work in supporting workers in the construction industry. Finally, I would also like to commend the Hon. John Dawkins for bringing MATES in Construction to the notice of the house, and I commend the motion to the chamber.

The Hon. S.G. WADE (20:00): I too rise to support the motion. I do so as the shadow minister for suicide prevention, but it is clearly understood within the Liberal Party that the champion for suicide prevention in our party is John Dawkins, and that is recognised formally as he is our spokesperson on suicide prevention.

The Hon. John Dawkins has brought this motion before the house to highlight the excellent work done by MATES in Construction. Since I have been shadow minister, the high risk of suicide within the construction industry really has been a revelation to me. I suppose, when you think about it, it is not surprising. Workers in the construction industry are involved in a highly transient industry with most workers employed on a project by project basis, often for a period of weeks.

According to the Building Employees Redundancy Trust, the average redundancy payout for workers in the industry is less than one year's contributions. The same trust reported that, of 399 death payments made to workers between 1999 and 2007, over 88 appeared to be suicide-related. Similar reports come from the industry's superannuation scheme where the life insurance underwriter reports that the risk profile was higher than other funds made by a factor of two.

I suppose we often speak more clearly in terms of probability. The risk of suicide in construction is clear when you hear stats such as that a construction worker is twice more likely to commit suicide than other people in Australia and that a construction worker is six times more likely to die by suicide than through a workplace accident.

MATES in Construction is somewhat unusual in that it has its roots in research. In 2003, a study commissioned by the construction industry itself and by the Queensland state government was undertaken by the Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention. The study involved 158,749 workers. This is a Queensland-based study, and it showed that suicide was a significant problem in the commercial building construction industry. When compared to Australian male and Queensland male suicide rates, the industry rates were 46 per cent and 25 per cent respectively.

The study showed that workers found it difficult to discuss their feelings and their emotions and that that was a significant risk factor towards suicide. The AISRAP report recommended that a campaign raising awareness about mental health and wellbeing should be established, combined with good gatekeeping training and implemented in combination with the industry-specific programs for workers with suicidal ideation.

True to that evidence-based approach, MATES in Construction has developed as a highly collaborative movement. At the breakfast I attended recently, I was impressed by the intensity of the collaborative approach. Management, workers, unions and suppliers are all actively involved in the MATES in Construction initiative. As the Hon. Gerry Kandelaars highlighted very well, there is training available for workers and for managers, and there is a response service available.

MATES in Construction is a community development organisation. Established in Queensland in 2008, it is now active in four states: Queensland, New South Wales, Western Australia and, of course, here in South Australia. It is an extremely positive organisation which I am delighted to be able to associate with through the Hon. John Dawkins' motion. I thank him for moving it and am pleased to vote for it.

The Hon. J.S.L. DAWKINS (20:05): Firstly, I would like to sincerely thank the Hon. John Gazzola, the Hon. Tammy Franks, the Hon. Kelly Vincent, the Hon. Gerry Kandelaars and, of course, the Hon. Stephen Wade for their remarks about what is, I think, a unique but very worthy community organisation. It certainly does have a very strong basis in the community that surrounds the construction industry.

Anybody who has had the opportunity to witness the sincerity and enthusiasm for that work, through various functions, has become, I think as the Hon. Stephen Wade said, informed, incredibly informed, but also passionate about what that organisation is doing, and that is the main reason why I moved this motion. MATES in Construction, like so many groups working in the mental health and particularly suicide prevention area, do it on a very modest budget or no budget at all and I give all of those groups great credit for that.

In moving this motion, I talked about the fact that the state government and the Minister for Mental Health and Substance Abuse, particularly at estimates, utilised MATES in Construction as an example of what the state government is doing in suicide prevention, even though it appeared at the time that the state government gave no money at all to MATES in Construction.

I need to put on the record some correction of that. As the Hon. Mr Kandelaars would know, only a couple of weeks ago SafeWork SA appeared before the Parliamentary Committee on Occupational Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation. Part of that appearance was in relation to the committee's inquiry into mental health in the workplace, and particularly suicide prevention.

During that hearing I asked the witnesses, Mr Bryan Russell and Mr Stephen De Musso, whether SafeWork SA provided any form of financial support to MATES in Construction and I received a response the following day from Mr De Musso, and I quote, 'to which we answered that we didn't believe so.' He goes on:

I can advise that SafeWork SA has supported the MATES in Construction program through its sponsorship of the MATES in Construction Inaugural Fundraiser Breakfast. The value of the sponsorship was $1,000.

While some people might say that $1,000 is little enough, I need to give credit for the fact that that support has been provided and I was grateful for Mr De Musso coming back to the secretary of the committee as promptly as he did with that.

However, I think it is important that we encourage all governments, of whatever political flavour, to do more to support community organisations, broadly in the mental health area but particularly in suicide prevention. Some of the things that have been highlighted by the various speakers tonight is the particular need for that work to happen.

As the Hon. Mr Wade highlighted, the far greater likelihood of a construction worker suiciding rather than dying from a workplace accident is a frightening statistic and something that makes me all the more determined to do everything I can to support anybody working in suicide prevention. I thank all the members for their support on this matter, those who have spoken and others who give me support in this area all the time. I commend the motion to the house.

Motion carried.

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