Victoria Police Mental Health Review

Shadow Minister for Police, Edward O’Donohue

The Liberal Nationals welcome the release of the Victoria Police Mental Health Review.
Last year, the Liberal Nationals called for the implementation of a comprehensive support program for police members facing mental health and other welfare issues.
An issue of major concern raised by the Report is the increased workload of police members on the front line is a significant contributor to mental health issues.
The Report states, “Whilst operational incident exposure is an important contributing factor to mental health risk, organisational factors (particularly leadership style, management practices and workload pressures) as well as personal relationship difficulties, are also significant contributors.”
Daniel Andrews must now acknowledge that his cuts to frontline police numbers at police stations and his government’s lack of action to address a crime rate spiralling out of control, is leading to significant mental health issues amongst police members.
Daniel Andrews must provide Victoria Police with the resources to fund the 800 additional frontline sworn police the Police Association says are desperately needed to address the current law and order crisis facing Victorians and to assist in reducing mental health pressures on police members.

Media Contact:  James Duncan   0457 758 018    james.duncan@opposition.vic.gov.au