Premier Roger Cook has ignored calls from WA’s peak emergency service organisations to provide presumptive Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) protections to more than 28,000 fire and emergency service volunteers.
Following the Premier’s announcement last month that PTSD protections would soon be expanded to WA Police, Shadow Minister for Emergency Services Martin Aldridge MLC called for emergency service volunteers to be similarly safeguarded.
“On International Volunteer Day, it is disheartening that the Premier has disregarded calls to extend PTSD protections to our fire and emergency service volunteers,” Mr Aldridge said.
“Given that career firefighters, paramedics, and police will now be afforded this coverage, it’s only right that this same level of protection is granted to our volunteers.
“Recent WA research has highlighted volunteers face increased risks of PTSD development after exposure to unpredictable and dangerous situations, whilst also having less support and access to services compared to their paid counterparts.”
Mr Aldridge said the Premier’s dismissal was disappointing for emergency service volunteers.
“While the Premier poses for photo-ops alongside volunteer firefighters who have endured challenging conditions battling fires in Wanneroo, he is not prepared to take action to safeguard their health and wellbeing,” Mr Aldridge said.
“It’s a poor approach from the Premier and a State Labor Government as we head into what is already proving to be a devastating fire season, and it sends a disheartening message to those volunteers who often put themselves at great risk.
“Our volunteers deserve to have equitable access to PTSD coverage alongside their career counterparts – it’s just that simple.
Last month, an open letter to the State Government co-signed by each of WA’s five emergency service volunteer associations called for PTSD protections to be expanded.
Mr Aldridge called on the State Government to act on the concerns raised by the peak bodies.
“The toll that responding to emergencies can take on volunteer mental health is immense, yet the Premier has shrugged that off and claimed only paid emergency service personnel should be entitled to a higher level of PTSD protection.
“Denying our volunteers the same protections as their paid counterparts is an injustice to our volunteers, their families, and the communities they serve.
“Ensuring the wellbeing of those who we rely on to respond to emergencies and protect our communities is also vital to ensure our State is prepared and resourced for future disasters.”
In September, Mr Aldridge moved amendments to the Workers Compensation and Injury Management Act 2023 to introduce PTSD protections for volunteers. They were voted down by Labor and the Greens 19 votes to 10.
