NSW Forum Targets Psychosocial Risks and Safer Public Sector Workplaces

The Minns Labor Government is reinforcing its commitment to safe, healthy workplaces by hosting a dedicated People and Risk forum to support the nation’s largest employer, the NSW Government, in protecting its 450,000-strong workforce.

Held at Sydney Town Hall, the Risk Education Express (REX) People and Risk forum brings together NSW Government agencies to access the latest programs, services and resources aimed at safeguarding workers, critical assets and essential public services across the state.

With psychological injury claims continuing to rise, the forum places a strong emphasis on contemporary work health and safety (WHS) practices, including whole-of-government strategies to prevent harm, manage psychosocial hazards and promote both physical and psychological wellbeing at work. Agencies are being encouraged to embed robust WHS management systems, clear policies and Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) to support consistent risk control.

The forum will provide agencies with updates on best practice in mental health and wellbeing, workplace safety, and evidence-based approaches to improving return to work outcomes. This includes practical guidance on early reporting, early intervention and structured rehabilitation planning to reduce the impact of work-related injuries and illnesses.

A centrepiece of the Minns Labor Government’s approach is the $344 million Workplace Mental Health Package, which includes a $127.7 million investment to strengthen the state’s WHS regulator. This funding is designed to enhance the regulation of psychosocial risks, bolster compliance activities and support stronger enforcement of safe work practices across public sector workplaces.

As part of this reform, 51 new SafeWork NSW inspector positions are being introduced, with 20 inspectors dedicated specifically to psychosocial health and safety. These specialist roles will focus on issues such as work-related stress, occupational violence, fatigue, bullying and exposure to traumatic events, and will support agencies in reviewing their WHS policies, risk assessments and control measures.

The Minns Labor Government has also allocated $20 million to help icare improve support for workers suffering psychological injuries. This investment is aimed at enhancing access to appropriate treatment, improving claims management and promoting sustainable, safe return to work for injured workers.

At the forum, icare is outlining how it uses data-driven insights to identify high-risk sectors within the NSW public sector and to target injury prevention initiatives where they are most needed. This includes tailored programs for agencies with elevated rates of psychological injury, musculoskeletal disorders and other common workplace harms.

icare is also showcasing programs designed to reduce psychological risk for customer-facing and frontline staff, including a 12-week Psychosocial Risk Bootcamp. This initiative focuses on identifying psychosocial hazards, implementing practical control measures, and embedding stronger WHS management systems and procedures at the local level. Agencies seeking to formalise their WHS frameworks may consider structured WHS policies and procedures, such as those available commercially, for example via providers like Bluesafe.

Minister for Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis emphasised the scale of the Government’s responsibility, noting that the NSW Government is the largest employer in the State, the nation and the Southern Hemisphere. She reiterated her commitment to ensuring safe workplaces for all public sector employees, improving return to work rates and achieving strong workers compensation outcomes for both workers and employers.

icare Group Executive of General Insurance and Care, Sarah Johnson, highlighted that icare is working closely with Government agencies and partners to build capability, strengthen early intervention and support safer, healthier public sector workplaces. She noted that educational forums like REX are essential in translating strategy into on-the-ground action.

SafeWork Commissioner Janet Schorer underlined the importance of whole-of-government collaboration to achieve better outcomes for the people of NSW. She confirmed that SafeWork NSW is pleased to partner with icare on this initiative, building on existing joint projects such as the silica worker register and the Paralympian Speaker Program, and looks forward to continuing this partnership to protect workers across the state.

The forum reinforces that effective WHS outcomes rely on proactive risk management, strong leadership and consistent implementation of WHS management systems, SWMS and policies. By coordinating effort across agencies, the Minns Labor Government aims to deliver safer, healthier and more resilient workplaces for all NSW public sector employees.