I think that the Defence Force attitudinal survey illustrates that some of the mental health techniques introduced over recent years seem to be working. It would be good to have a Defence Force representative talk about these techniques at next March\’s Safety In Action conference. Perhaps you can talk with the stream leader on that.

A parallel consideration on bullying and mental health was presented overnight by the Australian Bureau of Statistics that has received considerable media attention this morning. Sadly the statistics are a picture of societal erosion which rely on OHS professionals like us and others to implement new strategies.

I favour the broader social approach rather than focusing on workplaces. I aslo think there are greater opportunities by bringing together OHS people, sociologists, psychologists and social workers. Perhaps there is an OHS organisation out there with a suitable vision for such an approach

Effective people management can do much to reduce these hazzards. The military should be run with the same high standards of OHS management required in business and the Public Service.

Use of the words \”system\” and \”systemic\” to explain shortcomings is a fudge to cover management shortcomings.