Tuesday, 16 August 2022

Police Veterans Victoria

Mrs McARTHUR (Western Victoria) (19:48): (2049) My adjournment matter this evening is for the Minister for Police and concerns Police Veterans Victoria, a not-for-profit organisation which supports police veterans and their families. Despite PVV’s important work, the organisation receives little support beyond the secondment of a specialist public servant from Victoria Police. While I am an enormous advocate for volunteer-driven organisations, Police Veterans Victoria delivers important mental health services to veterans, and there is a basic need for administration and continuity of service provision, which some core funding or grants might secure. This is not an obscure charity serving a minority interest, and it is not as if there are other bodies already doing the work. Minister, all serving officers will one day become veterans, and we are aware of the dedication of their work and the scars many bear on their retirement or resignation. The Department of Veterans’ Affairs exists to support armed services personnel, and while I would not suggest an equivalent body is needed, surely some form of official support should exist.

I would like to highlight some of the great work which has been done in the organisation’s name by my friend the former member for Ballarat East and 30-year police veteran Barry Traynor. Working with retired senior constable Sharon Watson, Barry has done a great deal to bring together the police veteran community in Ballarat and to offer serious practical help to those in need as well as create a social network which brings former colleagues together. Barry and Sharon are volunteers, but their efforts show what can be achieved in the wider framework of an organisation like Police Veterans Victoria.

As a peer support officer, Barry has assembled a comprehensive list of former officers and their families and supports them in a variety of ways. This included an initial survey of their views and needs and now includes publishing a newsletter as well as having one-on-one chats and organising large social functions. I know Barry has also spent much time bridge-building with disillusioned veterans and working with local psychologists and chaplains to provide much-needed support—and on practical measures too, like volunteer maintenance assistance and creating a list of tradesmen who will do handyman jobs for veterans. Striking a deal with the RSL to provide associate membership for $40 seems particularly inspired, and I know Barry recognises that it is creating a lasting network among members rather than support from him or the organisation directly, which will make the difference long term. So, Minister, the action I seek is for you to consider how Police Veterans Victoria may be supported to allow volunteers like Barry and Sharon to continue their invaluable work.