Thursday, 2 November 2023

Victoria Police Death and Disability Benefits Contingency Fund

Anthony CARBINES (Ivanhoe – Minister for Police, Minister for Crime Prevention, Minister for Racing) (09:48): Victoria’s hardworking police and protective services officers and their families will have better financial protection and peace of mind should anything tragic happen thanks to support from the Allan Labor government. Last month I announced the establishment of the $15 million death and disability contingency fund, which delivers on a 2018 pledge from the Labor government recognising the critical role of police in keeping Victorians safe. The fund provides operational members aged between 55 and 59 with access to a lump sum payment if they sustain a total and permanent disability. The lump sum will be calculated based on the member’s age and final average salary, decreasing with age. If an eligible member passes away before they reach the maximum benefit available under the current emergency services defined benefit, then their estate will be eligible to make a claim on the contingency fund.

The fund ensures our longest-serving police officers are not financially disadvantaged compared to their younger peers in the event of a tragic accident. It will also ensure that our hardworking police officers receive comparable benefits to other emergency services workers. The fund will be administered by the Department of Justice and Community Safety, which will work with Emergency Services & State Super and Victoria Police to provide a streamlined process to claimants. The government has worked closely with the Police Association Victoria, Victoria Police and ESS Super to develop the contingency fund payment structure and service model. I would like to also thank the Treasurer for his collaboration to bring the fund to fruition. The fund will start taking applications immediately and will offer great peace of mind to police members and their families.