Dio Wang (WA, Palmer United Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

In the past 12 months nine fly-in-fly-out workers have committed suicide in the Pilbara while living away from home. The parliament of Western Australia has launched an inquiry to examine issues behind those tragic deaths. Given that there are many interstate FIFO workers, I believe their mental health is in our nation's interest. Will the minister look into this issue?

Fiona Nash (NSW, National Party, Assistant Minister for Health) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Indeed, I can indicate to the senator that mental health issues, particularly as they relate to areas like fly-in-fly-out, are being considered. That is why we have tasked the Mental Health Reform Commission to look into this in detail. There are significant issues when it comes to mental health, particularly in rural and regional areas, and I can assure the senator that we are giving this the deepest consideration.

Dio Wang (WA, Palmer United Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr President, I ask a supplementary question. I refer to a committee report into the use of fly-in-fly-out workforce practices in regional Australia, which was tabled on 13 February 2013. Paragraph 4.47 relates to health issues and led to recommendation eight. Will a comprehensive health policy response be formulated?

Fiona Nash (NSW, National Party, Assistant Minister for Health) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I can indicate to the senator that, of course, those recommendations will be responded to in due course. But the Senate should in no way think that this government is anything other than incredibly focused on mental health and what needs to be done from a policy sense to ensure that we can improve those conditions. I am from a regional area. I spend a significant amount of time in rural and regional areas. This is an issue that is raised with me consistently. Again, I can assure the senator of our very grave consideration of these issues.

Dio Wang (WA, Palmer United Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr President, I ask a further supplementary question. Can the minister provide a time frame for the government's response, which I think is long overdue?

Fiona Nash (NSW, National Party, Assistant Minister for Health) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I cannot indicate a specific date to the senator, but I can certainly undertake to get back to the senator and, again, give the assurance that it will be done in as timely a manner as possible.