Expanding support and care for first responders

A Liberal Nationals Government will protect those that protect Victorians, says Matthew Guy.

That’s why an elected Liberal Nationals Government will provide expanded mental health support for members of Victoria Police, emergency services and ambulance workers.

A Liberal Nationals Government will make it easier for our first responders to get the urgent support they need if they have been involved in traumatic events in the line of duty.

An elected Liberal Nationals Government will provide up to $10,000 for medical expenses for each first responder for PTSD and depression treatment while their WorkCover claim is processed. A Liberal Nationals Government will establish a $6 million First Responders Support Fund to implement this which will be managed by WorkCover.

Our police, emergency services and ambulance workers are working under enormous pressure and stress. Ambulance workers have been victims of violent, unprovoked attacks while performing medical treatments in emergency cases.

Under Daniel Andrews, violent crime rates are up but frontline police numbers are down and that is putting tremendous pressure and stress on our serving police.

According to Police Association figures, frontline police numbers have fallen under Daniel Andrews with 190 fewer uniform officers than in 2013 despite Victoria’s population increasing by over half a million.

Daniel Andrews has also overseen the closure of suburban police stations or those that have had their opening cut.

All of this is already putting enormous pressure on our serving police and emergency services which is compounded by the distress of being first responders to traumatic events.

Comments attributable to Leader of the Opposition, Matthew Guy:

“A Liberal Nationals Government will protect those that protect us.

“First responders put their lives on the line and risk everything because they know there is no time to lose. That’s why there’s no time to lose when it comes to supporting those first responders who then need our support.

“I don’t think it’s acceptable for first responders who are suffering from work-related Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and depression to have to wait for 13 weeks or sometimes months for treatment. Under my government we will show them the same urgency and care they show Victorians every single day.”

Comments attributable to Shadow Minister for Police, Edward O’Donohue:

“Police and emergency services risk their safety and lives but are getting no support from the Andrews Labor Government.

“Since Daniel Andrews was elected Victoria’s population has grown by around half a million, but frontline police numbers have been cut.

“A Liberal Nationals Government is going to put more police on the beat, give police more resources and more support like early treatment for first responders which is critical to a quick recovery.

“Only the Liberal Nationals will provide police and emergency services with support for early treatment and intervention for first responders.”

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