Ex-Territory cop’s victory in fight for mental health inquiry

A FORMER Territory cop has won a crucial victory in his fight for a uniform national approach to addressing the mental health needs of police

A former Territory cop has won a crucial victory in his fight for a uniform national approach to addressing the mental health needs of police.

A FORMER Territory cop has won a crucial win in his fight for a uniform national approach to addressing the mental health needs of police.

Steven Isles has been pushing for the end of the current “piecemeal” approach to safeguarding the mental health of emergency services personnel, which results in different approach in each state and territory.

Now, following recent lobbying in Canberra, the Federal Government has announced an inquiry into the role of both levels of government in addressing the high rates of mental health conditions experienced by first responders, emergency service workers and volunteers.

“What we’re saying is it’s not right to have one approach in Tasmania, another approach in the Northern Territory and an improved approach, now, in New South Wales,” Mr Isles said.

“We’re saying no longer should there actually be a piecemeal approach across Australia, Australian police are Australian police.

“They have the privilege of earning national medals and they also should have the privilege of being treated as national service and we’re simply rallying the federal government to become involved.”

The inquiry is due to report by December.

A federal health department spokesman said while emergency services personnel were primarily employed by state jurisdictions, mental health organisation beyondblue received some Commonwealth funding.

For help, call beyondblue on 1300 22 4636.