The symposium will begin with an overview the contribution of research and evidence to the foundations, evaluation and future development of the MATES program, followed by three example presentations.
Constructing a Safer Industry – WA Construction Industry Suicide and Mental Health Benchmarking Study
This research was to establish the prevalence of suicidal thoughts and behaviour and examine contributing workplace and life stressors, confirming that rates of suicidal thoughts and behaviours are three times higher than those in the adult Australian population, with loneliness, workplace bullying, work-life conflict, and substance abuse associated with suicidal ideation.
Workers with strong interpersonal relationships and positive support systems are less likely to report suicidal thoughts, even in the face of higher stress and psychological distress.
Results underscore the need to implement targeted mental health policies, foster positive workplace relationships and provide accessible support services to reduce suicide rates and promote safer, healthier workplaces.
Fly-in Fly-out and Drive-in Drive-out (FIFO-DIDO) construction worker suicide: Perspectives on drivers of suicide and co-designed responses to prevent it!
Suicide rates among Australian construction workers are alarmingly high. Research indicates that Fly-in fly-out (FIFO) and Drive-in drive-out (DIDO) workers are at even greater risk.
Quantitative research suggests that loneliness, bullying, work-life conflict, presenteeism and reduced access to support contribute to suicidality in FIFO-DIDO workers, however little qualitative research has explored how to address these challenges in worksites and camps. There are currently no initiatives specifically tailored to these workers and informed by their lived experience.
This participatory research project highlights the need for a systemic shift in suicide prevention across the entire FIFO-DIDO ecosystem to actively promote wellbeing and reduce suicide risk.
The 2025 MATES Well-being Survey
Now in its fourth iteration, the survey engaged over 3,300 construction workers across New Zealand in July–August 2025, providing a current and extensive datasets of worker voice in the sector.
Translated into seven languages and delivered onsite and online, the survey not only tracked trends in distress and protective factors but also identified priority groups and areas where tailored and expanded supports are needed.
This frontier research is shaping how MATES adapts and delivers its program in real time, while offering insights to Australia’s construction industry, where similar risks and opportunities for change exist.
The three presentations will be followed by a facilitated panel discussion, focussing on the value of research to building understanding, measuring outcomes and driving change in suicide prevention.