Thursday, 15 August 2019

 Mr GRIMLEY (Western Victoria) (18:30): My adjournment matter is for the attention of the Minister for Police and Emergency Services and it relates to recognising the lives and the service given by those police officers who have taken their own lives. I speak of the immeasurable service that police officers dedicate to our communities on a daily basis. Their commitment to maintaining the safety of all Victorians is something that I will always be proud to have been part of. In 2013 former New South Wales police officer Ashley Bryant made a harrowing call to 000 and stated the following:

… I’m about to take my life … I suffer post-traumatic stress disorder. I can no longer live with the trauma of it and I want this to go to the coroner. There needs to be more things put in place … for partners of those that suffer.

A 2018 study by Beyond Blue found that rates of post-traumatic stress-related injuries were alarmingly high within Australian police forces. Unfortunately the circumstances of Ashley Bryant’s death are far too common and police officers dealing with post-traumatic stress injury (PTSI) is far more common than you may think. More needs to be done to recognise the service and sacrifice these police officers have given to our communities over their careers.

Recently I read of the inclusion of Ashley Bryant’s name, among other officers who have taken their own lives after long struggles with PTSI, on the New South Wales Police Force Wall of Remembrance. This recognition of the mental health struggles endured by officers is a step in the right direction. I hope the New South Wales police force’s example of recognition is not overlooked by other states. The acknowledgment of their service and the difficult times they have faced as a result of their duties should never go unrecognised in this state. The current memorial wall in Kings Domain recognises police officers that have died in the line of duty. As the plaque on the wall states:

This memorial recognises the ultimate sacrifice paid by members of the Victoria police force in maintaining law & order in Victoria.

The action that I seek from the minister is to consider the inclusion of those officers on the wall of remembrance who have taken their own lives due to mental health issues sustained as a result of their duties performed within the police force. Irrespective of the way in which our police officers die, ultimately it is the job that takes their lives. Let us have one wall for all.