A coalition of rural and healthcare organisations are calling on the federal government to address mental health problems in agriculture
More than 30 rural and healthcare organisations have joined forces for the first time, launching a joint statement to address mental health and wellbeing challenges in agriculture.
The coalition is calling on the federal government to make an immediate investment of $50 million over five years to deliver a comprehensive plan which addresses the problem.
To help meet this need, the coalition is also calling on the federal government to invest in line with five key high-level principles, which the joint statement outlines:
Collaboration
Addressing this crisis will depend on collective effort, with governments, industry, service providers, and the community working together on a basis of mutual respect, transparency and trust.
Tailored Services
The farming community needs improved access to services which meet their specific needs. Mental health professionals must have awareness of the unique challenges facing those in the agriculture sector and services must be built in consultation with those with lived experience.
Community Engagement
Centre agricultural communities in the policy development, planning, and implementation processes. Recognise the unique needs and strengths of rural communities and actively engage community members in co-design, including mental health consumers, families, and local leaders, to ensure their voices are heard and their perspectives are considered.
Evidence-based
Invest in mental health and wellbeing initiatives that are supported by, and consistent with, best available evidence, in consultation with individuals and institutions specialising in this research and clinical practice.
Holistic
Promote an integrated approach to wellbeing, recognising the linkages and interplay between mental, social, and physical health. Foster collaboration and coordination among different stakeholders, including healthcare providers, community organisations, government agencies, and local communities. This approach should encompass prevention, early intervention, treatment, and ongoing support.
These principles emerged from the National Forum on Mental Health and Wellbeing in Agriculture in March 2024, which was attended by over 60 participants representing a broad range of stakeholders and interests.
A steering committee emerged from the National Forum – which was hosted by the National Farmers’ Federation – to bring together experts in research, practice, and advocacy.
Tim Driscoll, Royal Flying Doctor Service Queensland Section’s state manager – mental health, and chair of the steering committee leading this initiative, says the statistics are sobering.
“A farmer dies by suicide every 10 days. That’s up to twice the rate of the general working population,” Driscoll says.
“Poor mental health and suicide is having a devastating impact on rural families, communities and businesses right now, and we need federal help to fix it.
“The wellbeing of people in agriculture is impacted by increasingly complex and compounding events like weather and natural disasters, financial stress, and geographic or social isolation.”
National Farmers’ Federation president David Jochinke says farming can be tough and there needs to be the right resources in place to help farmers deal with the challenges thrown at them.
“A farmer’s greatest asset isn’t their land, livestock or produce, it’s their own wellbeing and the wellbeing of the people around them,” Jochinke says.
“It’s clear the unique mental health needs in agriculture are not being met by existing services and we need government to give us a leg up so we can turn these devastating statistics around.”
One of the organisations which has endorsed the joint statement for urgent action is ifarmwell – a free online tool kit to help farmers cope effectively with life’s challenges.
Associate Professor Kate Gunn, a clinical psychologist and founder of ifarmwell, based at the University of South Australia, says it is a crucial time to invest in the wellbeing of Australian farming communities.
“There is an urgent need for coordinated, farmer-friendly, evidence-based approaches to address this critical issue,” Gunn says.
“As someone who has worked in the field of farmer wellbeing for more than 15 years, this is the closest we’ve been to finding a meaningful way to bring together farmers, industry bodies and other organisations to address farmer mental health.
“While the philanthropic sector has been generous to date, support from the Australian government is crucial to quickly and impactfully reach farmers with evidence-based initiatives, on a national scale.”