Funding boost aims to improve mental health in disability workplaces
![Waist-up view of Black client and healthcare worker standing with arms around each other and laughing during routine house call. [Sourc exavierarnau, iStock]](https://agedcareguide-assets.imgix.net/news/articles/wp/iStock-1406942073.jpg?fm=pjpg)
Victoria invests $1.6m to make disability and aged care workplaces safer, with new rules on managing psychosocial risks coming by year’s end.
New partnerships to prevent harm
The Victorian Government is investing $1.6 million to help create safer, mentally healthy workplaces in disability and aged care. Announced on 12 September, the money will expand WorkSafe’s WorkWell Communities of Practice program.
The funding will support partnerships with peak bodies. The Australian Primary Health Care Nurses Association (APNA) will run workshops and coaching in residential aged care, while National Disability Services (NDS) will lead work in the disability sector. The aim is to share strategies, tools and policies that stop harm before it happens.
Deputy Premier and WorkSafe Minister Ben Carroll said: “Disability and aged care workers support some of the most vulnerable people in our community, so it’s vital that employers support them by providing mentally healthy workplaces that actively prevent harm.”
Why mental health risks are high
Disability support work can take a heavy toll. Risks include violence and aggression, bullying, exposure to trauma, harassment, long hours, high demands and fatigue.
The numbers tell the story. In Victoria, health and community service workers made up more than a quarter of all mental injury claims in the past five years. In disability services alone, there were 292 accepted claims – alongside 362 in residential aged care.
Union surveys also paint a worrying picture. In 2025, more than 60% of disability support workers reported feeling burnt out most of the time. Nearly half said they often worked without enough staff on shift, and over half had thought seriously about leaving their jobs.
Mixed reaction from the sector
WorkSafe Chief Health and Safety Officer Sam Jenkin said addressing psychological hazards benefits everyone.
“Having a workplace that actively identifies and addresses work-related psychological health hazards has huge benefits for workers, employers and for the community.”
Disability providers and peak bodies welcomed the new funding as a step in the right direction. NDS says the collaborative approach will help develop and share best practice across the sector.
But unions argue the challenges run deeper.
Health Services Union National Secretary Lloyd Williams said: “These workers are the backbone of the NDIS. Right now, they’re burnt out, underpaid and under-resourced. The people they support feel the consequences.”
Others warn the funding will only scratch the surface unless staffing shortages, low pay and unsafe conditions are also fixed.
New regulations on the way
This investment comes as new Victorian safety laws are about to take effect. By the end of 2025, all employers will be legally required to identify and manage psychosocial hazards like bullying, violence, harassment and overwork – treating them as seriously as physical risks.
For disability service providers, the change means being proactive: assessing risks, preventing incidents, and putting systems in place to protect workers’ mental wellbeing.
Why this matters
The WorkWell program has already supported over 16,000 workplaces since it launched in 2017. By focusing now on disability and aged care, the government hopes to “care for the carers” and keep skilled staff in the sector.
Creating mentally healthy workplaces isn’t just about meeting new rules. For many workers and advocates, it’s about making sure disability support staff are safe, supported and able to continue the vital work of caring for people with disability.