Thursday, 30 May 2024

Adjournment

Victoria Police

Brad BATTIN (Berwick) (17:18): (691) My adjournment is to the Minister for Police. The action I seek from the minister is to meet with Victoria Police officers who are currently seeking assistance for post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental health issues relating to traumatic events and hear firsthand their experiences in and concerns about a system that continues to fail them.

Many in this house were present at the time of the motion to honour Senior Constable Bria Joyce. It was a deserving and heartfelt motion. In this motion there were many mentions of Leading Senior Constable Thomas Kinnane. Thomas has served his community since 2001, when he went through the academy in squad 25 of 2001, my sister’s squad. In his time he served many years in Mildura, a place he loves to live and work. Since the tragic accident Thomas has had many health issues, including surgeries, and required support for his mental health, but he continues to have a battle that impacts on him each and every day. The impact is not just on him but on his family, his community and his former colleagues.

It is sad to say that Thomas is a former member of the police force, as he had to leave and fight to stay mentally healthy. I know many of his work colleagues have supported him locally, but Thomas has not had the support he requires financially or emotionally to get into ward ‍17, a treatment facility at Austin Hospital to help police who require inpatient services for mental ill health. Thomas could not get support from Gallagher Bassett, who are contracted to support people like Thomas. There are other circumstances where police officers requiring support have also failed to receive it. Thomas went through a period when all support stopped for him for two weeks and he could not access any financial support for prescriptions. His gym access and rehabilitation have also been stopped. Thomas and the many others in his position deserve support.

The tragic events that saw the loss of life of an amazing local community person in Senior Constable Joyce have impacted Thomas, his family and his community and must never be forgotten. But more than not forgotten, we must support everyone who needs it through these events. I am proud of Thomas for taking the courage to stand up and call this out. Minister, please meet with these victims and make sure they are given the support from us that they deserve after they have given us protection for so many years. There are many Thomases, and we must protect them all.