The NSW government is investing $5.4 million in a new national centre focusing on workplace psychological health and safety.

Mentally Healthy Workplaces Australia, established by Monash University, will drive research and innovation to improve return to work outcomes and strengthen psychological safety.

NSW says the centre has more than 40 partners, in-principal commitments of $58 million and is targeting more than $180 million in cash and in-kind contributions over seven years. 

“We know workers’ compensation claims for psychological injury at work have increased significantly over recent years, and these workers are away from the workforce for longer,” state Customer Service Minister Jihad Dib said. “This investment reflects our strong commitment to better understanding mental health within a workplace and making safety a priority.”

The government says the contribution responds to a parliamentary review of the NSW workers’ compensation scheme, which recommended greater collaboration among agencies’ research functions.