Comcare awards celebrate WHS excellence
14 November 2025
An APS-wide approach to managing psychosocial hazards, a program to mitigate vehicle risks for Inland Rail workers, and an early intervention initiative for injured Australia Post staff are among the winners of this year’s National Work Health and Safety Awards.
Comcare’s awards, now in their 20th year, were celebrated at an event in Canberra last night with attendees including Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations Amanda Rishworth.
Acting CEO Michael Duke said the biennial event rewarded outstanding work by organisations and individuals to improve safety across the diverse Commonwealth WHS jurisdiction.
“It’s essential that we recognise significant efforts to make our workplaces safer and healthier, highlighting best practice and innovation that creates positive impact,” Mr Duke said.
“Importantly, the awards are not only about preventing harm. Initiatives that help workers recover from injury and illness, and achieve safe, fast and durable return to work outcomes, have always been a significant feature.
“Congratulations to the winners and finalists, and the record number of organisations, teams and individuals who provided entries this year. These efforts shine a light on the importance of work health and safety, rehabilitation and return to work.”
The 2025 Awards covered five categories, including a new award celebrating the work of elected Health and Safety Representatives in Commonwealth workplaces.
More information on the winners and finalists: National Work Health and Safety Awards.
2025 winners
Category 1 – Prevention (joint winners)
- APS Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, Australian Public Service Commission
- Journey Management System Application, Inland Rail Pty Ltd
Category 2 – Recovery at and Return to Work
- Early intervention mental health program, Australia Post
Category 3 – Impact and Contribution
a. Outstanding contribution by an individual
- Chief Petty Officer Matthew Jacques, Royal Australian Navy
b. Outstanding contribution by a team
- Driver Safety Campaign, Telstra
Category 4 – Health and Safety Representative (joint winners)
- Tamsin Anspach, Electorate of Senator the Hon Penny Wong
- Siew Dyer, National Indigenous Australians Agency
Category 5 – Judges’ choice
- Metropolitan: Psychosocial Risk Management Framework, Western Sydney International Airport
- Regional: Ric Selim, Australian Border Force/Department of Home Affairs
Media Contact:
media@comcare.gov.au
0478 305 675
