Tuesday, 15 October 2019

In reply to  Mr GRIMLEY (Western Victoria) (15 August 2019)

Ms NEVILLE (Bellarine—Minister for Water, Minister for Police and Emergency Services):

The Victorian Government supports Victoria Police by ensuring they have the resources they need to perform their roles, but more importantly the support they need to live healthy and fulfilling lives.

The government is supporting Victoria Police through a number of emergency worker mental health reforms, including the Provisional Payments Pilot Scheme. The Scheme allows eligible emergency workers, including Victoria Police employees, to access payments for reasonable medical treatment and like expenses for mental health injuries, while their WorkCover claim is being assessed. The Scheme will last for 12 months and is provided over a continuous 13-week period. I note your ongoing interest in and support of this important scheme.

In addition, the government has invested $6 million towards the Victoria Police Early Intervention and Prevention Fund to help expand on the ground mental health support and a further $6 million for the establishment of a specialist network of clinicians and a Centre of Excellence for Emergency Worker Mental Health, alongside founding partner Beyond Blue. Victoria Police has also launched a new website www.bluespacewellbeing.com.au for current and former employees, and their family and friends to access information about mental health and wellbeing issues.

The eligibility criteria for inclusion on the Victoria Police Memorial in Melbourne is a matter for Victoria Police. Currently, Victoria Police aligns its approach with that of the National Police Memorial Steering Committee which determines the eligibility criteria for inclusion on the National Police Memorial in Canberra. This position is also supported by the Police Federation of Australia and The Police Association of Victoria.

I note recent comments by Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police, Graham Ashton that there are good arguments from both sides of this discussion and that there may be an opportunity to develop a separate memorial to remember Victoria Police members lost to suicide.