Thursday, 30 May 2024

Police Veterans Victoria

Moira DEEMING (Western Metropolitan) (09:56): Recently I began meeting with representatives from an amazing organisation, Police Veterans Victoria. As we all know, our police and protective services officers put their lives on the line for us every single day. They are part of that very special group of people who run towards danger when everyone else is running away. But what often comes as a result is trauma and mental health issues, and as I found out yesterday at their brilliant annual fundraiser, this trauma is not actually evident until after their service is finished. Then they are isolated, and it takes a visit from a fellow retired police officer, someone who understands them without them having to explain a thing, in order for them to accept the help that they need to get back on their feet again. Just like our army veterans, we need to ensure police veterans are recognised and supported. That is why I was sad to hear that their promised $200,000 commitment from the government was overturned, and I do hope to see it restored. But I just want to put on the record my congratulations to Police Veterans Victoria for all its amazing work.