Recommendation 16

Establishing mentally healthy workplaces

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Status: Partially delivered and in progress

What the Royal Commission said

The Royal Commission recommended that, as an initiative of the Mental Health and Wellbeing Cabinet Subcommittee (refer to Recommendation 46(2)(a)), the Victorian Government:

  1. foster the commitment of employers to create mentally healthy workplaces;
  2. advise on, develop and provide resources to assist employers and employees across Victorian businesses to:
  • promote good mental health in workplaces;
  • address workplace barriers to good mental health;
  • promote inclusive workplaces that are free from stigma and discrimination; and
  • support people experiencing mental illness at work.
  • sponsor industry-based trials to demonstrate how to adapt and implement comprehensive mentally healthy workplace approaches in an industry context.

What we’ve achieved

Victorian Mentally Healthy Workplaces Framework

  • Mentally healthy workplaces support wellbeing, fairness and safety at work. By creating positive work environments and addressing risks early, they help people feel supported. This benefits workers, organisations and the wider community.
  • The Victorian Mentally Healthy Workplaces Framework launched in 2024, helps workplaces improve mental health and wellbeing. It provides a clear and practical approach to promoting wellbeing, preventing psychological harm, and responding early to mental health risks.
  • The Framework includes tools that help organisations focus on key areas such as leadership, workplace culture, policies, skills and capability, inclusion, and risk prevention. It encourages actions that are appropriate to the size and type of each workplace.
  • By aligning with occupational health and safety requirements, and using shared language and priorities, the Framework supports workplaces to take consistent, evidence‑based action. This helps create safer, more supportive, and more productive workplaces.
  • More information is available on the Victorian Mentally Healthy Workplaces Framework website.

WorkWell Mental Health Industry Trials

  • In 2025, the WorkWell Mental Health Industry Trials <https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/workwell-mental-health-industry-trial-g…; grants were launched. These grants provide up to $1.76 million over three years to support projects that will aim to reduce mental health harm at work and improve psychological health and safety.
  • The trials focus on industries with higher rates of work-related injuries including manufacturing, construction, public administration and safety, education, healthcare and social assistance.

Mental Health Improvement Fund (MHIF)

  • The Mental Health Improvement Fund (MHIF) has also been established to support mentally healthy workplaces. It focuses on leadership, encouraging collaboration, and improving everyday workplace practices.

What we’re doing

WorkWell Mental Health Industry Trials

  • In June, WorkSafe announced funding for four Mentsl Health Industry trials at Griffith University, Bayside Health, University of Melbourne and Barwon Health. For more information visit WorkWell Mental Health Industry Trials.

Updated

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