Hodgman Government must get on board and recognise trauma experienced by first responders
Majority Labor Government would work towards presumptive PTSD legislation
Deeply personal stories released today cannot be ignored
The Hodgman Government can no longer ignore the serious issue of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder affecting Tasmania’s first responders with the release of a comprehensive submission today by the Health and Community Services Union.
Labor Leader Rebecca White said the submission calling for presumptive Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder legislation for Tasmania’s paramedics, police and fire fighters and others at the frontline contained workers’ raw and honest first-hand experiences.
“The trauma witnessed and experienced by our first responders has for too long now been allowed to go unrecognised,” Ms White said.
“The report released by HACSU today makes for confronting reading but it is essential reading and the Hodgman Government should study it closely and then act.
“A Labor Government would implement on-the-job mental health checks, improving workplace support and training and encouraging staff to come forward and ask for help.
“We will also work towards introducing presumptive PTSD legislation for first responders.
“We ask our first responders every day to confront scenes that most of us cannot imagine or comprehend.
“They are the people who care about each and every one of us when we need help the most.
“The Liberal Government must recognise that and work to take better care of our first responders.
“Good mental health is as important as good physical health and we need to ensure that we are supporting our workforce so they get the care they need before, during and after responding to traumatic emergency events.”
Rebecca White MP Labor Leader
