Mental health concerns for remote police unable to get reprieve due to COVID-19 restrictions

THE NT Police Association is concerned for the mental health of officers working in remote communities unable to leave and get respite due to biosecurity border lockdowns.

The NT Police Association is concerned for the mental health of officers working in remote communities unable to leave and get respite due to biosecurity border lockdowns. Pictured is NTPA president Paul McCue. Picture: Emma Murray

THE NT Police Association is concerned for the mental health of officers working in remote communities unable to leave and get respite due to biosecurity border lockdowns.

Police, like all community members within the designated area, must isolate for 14 days if they leave the zone.

The measures remain in place until June 19.

NT Police Association president Paul McCue said the police were allowed to leave for operational or medical reasons under the COVID-19 police response team.

But he said the inability for cops to be able to leave for reprieve, whether it be to do a grocery shop or see family, was of greatest concern.

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“As an association, we hold concerns for the mental wellbeing of our permanently stationed members so we hope those restrictions ease soon,” Mr McCue said.

“Given their need to respond on a 24/7 basis, respite is a critical factor in ensuring the mental health of those officers is protected.”

Deputy Police Commissioner Murray Smalpage said the wellbeing of the force was of huge importance to management.

“So we are encouraging officers to remain out there to do the right thing to help their community where they work,” Mr Smalpage said.

“However if issues are raised with us where we can identify significant mental health issues we will take appropriate steps to look after the wellbeing of police officers and their families.

“If we need to we will bring them back to Darwin or another location where they can get some respite.”

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Chief Minister Michael Gunner said he had not been approached by other frontline workers or groups concerned about the mental health of staff.

He said he had spoken with Police Commissioner Jamie Chalker on staffing and rostering in remote areas.

“We want to make sure we’re doing the right thing by you and managing those rosters well and so I’ve had that conversation with the commissioner … and that is being kept front of mind,” he said.