Fire and emergency services—Volunteers—Protections
226. Hon Rob Horstman to the minister representing the Minister for Emergency Services:
Recognising National Volunteer Week, I refer to question without notice 1266 asked the Legislative Council on 22 October 2024 by Hon Martin Aldridge MLC.
(1) Has the preliminary report mentioned in the answer to this question been completed?
(2) What further action is the department taking to address the lack of PTSD protections for volunteers?
Hon Matthew Swinbourn replied:
I thank the member for some notice of the question and congratulate him on his first question. The following answer has been provided to me by the Minister for Emergency Services.
(1) Yes.
(2) The Department of Fire and Emergency Services provides PTSD protections for emergency services volunteers. There are a range of initiatives, including access to comprehensive personal accident insurance policy that includes coverage for PTSD. In addition, the department provides assistance with the lodgement of claim, rehabilitation and recovery processes, ensuring coverage that is comparable to that provided to career firefighters under the Workers Compensation Injury Management Act 2023. In addition to insurance support, volunteers and their immediate family members are also eligible to access DFES's psychological support services, including confidential counselling. Further support is offered through the DFES peer support program wellness service—an array of mental health and wellbeing initiatives designed to promote resilience and psychological safety among its emergency service volunteers.
