Zali Steggall (Warringah, Independent) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Let's talk about men's health, especially in the construction industry, where men are nine times more likely to die from suicide than from a work health and safety accident. Recently, at a construction site in Manly, I went and attended a MATES program. The session was confronting but deeply impactful. Early in the morning I sat with a group of tradies and construction workers onsite to talk about suicide and the challenges they face. The session began with a simple question: put your hand up if you have been impacted by suicide or if you have lost someone to suicide. Every single person in that room raised their hand. It was a stark reminder of just how significant this issue is in their industry.

The pressures of insecure work, tough conditions, stigma around mental health, gambling, substance abuse, alcohol and a culture of just pushing through can have devastating consequences. MATES is changing that culture, and I commend them for that. It is an evidence-based, industry-led program that gives workers the tools to recognise when someone is struggling, start a difficult conversation and connect them with support. At its heart, MATES is about connection. It's about making sure that people know they are not alone and that asking for help is a strength, not a weakness. Programs like this save lives.

I really want to commend them and thank them for including me and having me there to witness it firsthand. I had some really insightful discussions with some of the participants around the challenges of their work and the importance of better services.