A mental injury at work can change someone's life.
We know how important it is to recover, but getting the right support can be difficult.
That's why the Allan Labor Government is finding new ways to help injured workers get back on their feet.
Deputy Premier and Minister for WorkSafe and the TAC Ben Carroll today announced eight projects will receive up to $500,000 to trial new approaches as part of WorkSafe's Return to Work Innovations program.
Research shows that spending too long away from work is bad for mental health.
Focusing on early intervention, the trials will find new ways to support workers when they need it most.
The trials target sectors like transport, healthcare, emergency services and retail.
The successful funding recipients are:
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health - intensive trauma treatment program with AI-informed virtual reality to help paramedics recover from PTSD.
- LC Dyson's Bus Services - using immersive VR therapy to support drivers with mental injury.
- Lifely - piloting flexible recovery options for regional health workers and training for leaders to better recognise and respond to mental injury.
- Marsh Risk - fast-tracked mental health support to three workplaces with high rates of mental injury.
- Navigator Group - an app to get injured healthcare workers the support they need, quicker.
- Opposite - personalised mental health recovery via an AI-powered tool, SmartRTW, for transport, customer service and health sectors.
- Royal Melbourne Hospital - rapid and tailored mental health support for injured workers.
- Utility Creative - designing and implementing a 24/7 digital return to work hub for Victoria Police.
The Victorian Budget 2026/27 also invests $5.8 million for free training and tailored help for businesses supporting injured workers return to work.
Only Labor will always back workers with real support when they need it most.
Jess Wilson's $40 billion in cuts can't happen without cutting support for workers.
She needs to come clean- will she support workers or cut their jobs and support services?
As stated by Deputy Premier and Minister for WorkSafe and the TAC Ben Carroll
"Advances in technology are helping injured workers get back on their feet and back into rewarding work."
"Whether it's through AI, Virtual Reality or digital technology - we're investing in ground-breaking solutions to help workers with a mental injury."
