Friday, 28 August 2026

 Sonja TERPSTRA (North-Eastern Metropolitan) (09:44): Sixty per cent of respondents to this survey noted that their job has adversely affected their mental wellbeing, 40 per cent feel prevented from speaking out due to mental health concerns, 71 per cent rate their current workplace as the worst they have experienced and one in six have considered self-harm due to job pressures. Ninety per cent say far more is needed to support their mental health. ‘Who are these statistics about?’ I hear you ask. Politicians. As elected members we are well trained to be silent about the cumulative impacts being in public office take on our health and wellbeing, but these figures make it clear: Houston, we have a problem. That is why I am getting involved in the Better Politics Foundation. The Better Politics Study Australia 2026 is the largest study ever conducted on the mental health of Australian politicians, drawing on the experience of 289 representatives across local, state and federal government. Why does this matter? Because the public deserves healthy, supported representatives making the decisions that shape everyday lives. We cannot make sound choices for Victorians if the environment we work in breaks the people that are doing the work. I commend the work of the Better Politics Foundation, and I look forward to partnering with them on this important issue.