The state government will pump $150,000 into a new support program for construction workers battling business pressures and mental health challenges.
The ‘RISE’ program will give builders free access to mentors and coaches who can help with everything from cash flow problems to personal wellbeing.
It mirrors a successful South Australian initiative that has supported hundreds of tradies since its launch.
Master Builders Tasmania CEO Jenna Cairney said the industry was under enormous strain.
“In the last year we’ve seen the most companies go into administration in more than a decade in Tasmania,” she said.
The program targets the 98% of construction businesses that are small, family-run operations.
“Often mum and dad are both working in that business,” Cairney said.
“You can imagine the stress at the dinner table, while the wife or the husband might be doing the books, the other person’s doing the reception and on site all day.”
Minister Kerry Vincent said many builders were doing their paperwork “on the kitchen table or on their knees on the couch at night”.
“That puts a lot of pressure on husbands and wives trying to develop their families as well as their business at the same time,” he said.
The 12-month pilot will offer free coaching sessions by phone, online or in person.
Support areas include business pressures, drug and alcohol issues, bullying, and specialist help for women and First Nations workers in construction.
Mentors will be experienced industry professionals. South Australia’s program has about 15 to 20 coaches on its books.
Cairney described it as a “phone a friend” for builders who are experts at their trade but need help running a business.
“If we can help these businesses be more resilient, manage their cash flows better and support them mentally and emotionally … they don’t have to worry about survival, they just worry about growth and thriving,” she said.
The program is open to all construction workers, not just Master Builders members.
Tasmania’s building industry employs about 10% of the state’s workforce and faces pressure to meet housing accord targets of nearly 6,000 new homes per year.
Master Builders will finalise the grant details with government in coming days before launching the program.
