Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Johnston has today named Edith Cowan University (ECU) as the successful applicant for the Professorial Chair in Mining Work Health and Safety, a new mining sector initiative.
“I would like to congratulate ECU on their successful application to host the new Professorial Chair in Mining Work Health and Safety,” Minister Johnston said.
“ECU’s application reflected a strong desire to host the Professorial Chair in alignment with the MARS Program’s well-defined objectives,” Minister Johnston stated.
The Professorial Chair, which is being funded as part of the Western Australian (WA) Government‘s ongoing support for the Mental Awareness, Respect and Safety (MARS) program, will bring together tertiary institutions, the government, and industry to develop undergraduate and postgraduate education for future mining industry workers.
In addition, the new initiative will establish and manage a cutting-edge research institute for mining work health and safety.
The WA Government is providing $1 million annually for three years, with ECU matching that amount. Total support, including in-kind and from industry, is expected to be nearly $11 million across the three years.
The MARS program, launched by the State Government in December 2021, will improve responses to mental health, workplace culture, and mine safety in the State’s mining sector.
“The Cook Government remains committed to ensuring all workers – including those on mine sites – are safe and protected,” Minister Johnston said.
“We will continue to collaborate with employers, employees, their representatives and the community to proactively prevent inappropriate workplace behaviour,” Minister Johnston added.
