Opposition calls for lift on capped police counselling sessions – but government denies cap exists

The state government is facing calls to provide more mental health support to police by increasing the availability of a valuable resource.

The state government is facing calls to provide more mental health support to police by lifting a cap on the number of free counselling sessions available under SAPOL’s Employee Assistance Program.

But the Police Minister says the cap does not exist, and an application can be made for extra sessions.

Opposition police spokesman Jack Batty said the EAP provided officers with an external professional counselling service, but most officers are only allowed access to six free sessions over a two-year period.

He said that limit should be abolished, and the number of sessions should not be restricted.

“Our police are constantly putting themselves in dangerous and traumatic situations. The least we can do is provide them with adequate support to maintain strong mental health and wellbeing,” he said.

Police Minister Dan Cregan. Picture: RoyVPhotography.

Opposition police spokesman Jack Batty. Picture: Morgan Sette

“Six counselling sessions over a two-year period looks like mere lip service in tackling mental health issues. We need to walk the walk on health and wellbeing.”

Mr Batty also called for a wholesale review of the EAP amid an ongoing parliamentary inquiry into support and mental health services for police.

“The current Employee Assistance Program and other mental health services offered to police, former police, and their families is clearly insufficient and needs to be reviewed,” he said.

“We need to make sure that our police have access to confidential, external, gold standard mental health support services that they actually feel comfortable using.”

Police Minister Dan Cregan said the number of sessions available to officers was uncapped.

“I am advised participants are not limited to six sessions and additional sessions can be applied for. To suggest there is a cap is plainly wrong,” he said.

“SAPOL acknowledges that many employees and their families continue to benefit from additional sessions, with requests made processed quickly and confidentially.

“The government recognises the significant trauma officers can face and is committed to supporting SAPOL to deliver the mental health services required.”

Mr Cregan said the EAP played a crucial role in supporting police.

“The Employee Assistance Program is a vital part of a wide network of support available and is accessible to all employees and their families,” he said.

Earlier this week, the opposition said frontline police officers are missing out on annual psychological reviews because they are “run off their feet”.

But SAPOL said only a handful of reviews – which are mandatory for officers working in certain roles – are outstanding.

As of November 11, there were seven mandatory annual psychological checks outstanding.