Safety Watchdog Keeps Eye on MAFS Concerns

Married At First Sight is facing increased scrutiny, with SafeWork confirming this week that it is continuing to monitor the Channel Nine reality juggernaut.

The admission was made in the NSW Parliament this week after controversial MP Mark Latham tabled questions regarding the show and the death of participant Lachlan Rofe.

Rofe appeared on the original season of MAFS and later Farmer Wants A Wife in 2016, and died suddenly, aged 45, in September last year.

Latham, who was a friend of Rofe's, tabled a series of questions on notice in parliament last month to the Minister for Work Health and Safety, Sophie Cotsis.

He asked:  'What further investigations has SafeWork NSW conducted into the TV programme Married At First Sight (MAFS) in light of the suicide death of its first male contestant Lachie Rofe?'

Latham also questioned if the watchdog had launched any investigations into the 2026 series, as well as the results of any investigations into the 'mental health consequences of MAFS'.

He also accused the producers of 'taking fragile, vulnerable young women and exposing them to a high-profile TV and media environment that changes their public image into that of ranting, unhinged nutters, simply for the sake of confrontational TV and ratings.'

In her response, which was tabled to parliament on Tuesday, Cotsis revealed that she had been advised by SafeWork NSW that it was continuing to monitor the series.  

'I am advised that SafeWork is continuing to investigate psychosocial concerns at MAFS, due to a Request for Service (RFS) made in early 2026,' Cotsis said.

It was also confirmed by Cotsis that SafeWork NSW had previously responded to four separate complaints relating to 'psychosocial concerns raised during the filming of MAFS'.

She said that, following investigations, the watchdog issued three improvement notices relating to the reporting of notifiable incidents, systems of work to manage physical and psychosocial hazards, and work health and safety training.

'During the investigation, SafeWork became aware of a dedicated psychologist on set, and other psychosocial services that show participants could use,' she wrote. 

'SafeWork takes these matters seriously and will continue to inquire.' 

Gia Fleur, who was dubbed the 'villain' of the 2026 season, told the Saturday Telegraph that, despite support services available to cast members, she never felt genuinely supported.

Gia Fleur, who was dubbed the 'villain' of the 2026 season, told the Saturday Telegraph that, despite support services available to cast members, she never felt genuinely supported