Supporting the health and wellbeing of police officers has always been a priority of the Tasmanian Liberal Government. We are delivering on this priority by growing police numbers and we are on track to have added 258 officers compared to when we came to government in 2014.

The Government knows police officers and other emergency services workers are susceptible to post traumatic stress disorders and other mental health illnesses. We have already committed $1.5 million to a ground-breaking health and wellbeing program that provides a mix of proactive, preventative and intervention measures. However, as always we must look to do more.

Premier Peter Gutwein said, “That is why today, at the Police Association of Tasmania Bi-Annual Conference, I announced an additional $1.5 million per year to support health and wellbeing.

“Funding will commence from April this year and will allow a much greater level of support and faster access to psychological services across Tasmania,” Premier Peter Gutwein said.

We will employ an additional clinical psychologist to support increased demand in the north and north-west of the State. Other roles will include four additional wellbeing support officers, an education and training officer, and an organisational psychologist to assist with strategic oversight and recruitment.

This expert capability will mean better early identification of officers who are at risk of mental illness and it will mean faster response and intervention to support officers in acute need.

Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management, Mark Shelton said, “The Tasmanian Liberal Government’s additional investment of $1.5 million brings the total annual commitment to over $3 million per year to support those who protect us.

I would like to thank all of our police officers for their incredible efforts during these challenging times and for their ongoing commitment to keeping Tasmanians safe,” Minister Shelton said.