THERE is little doubt our police officers spend their lives in the toughest workplace in the State.
They are first to every crime scene, protect us from crims of all persuasions, and are there when we need them the most. At times they have the heart-breaking job of telling someone’s partner or parents the worst news they will ever hear.
Given this, it is astonishing that our police officers are not properly covered when hurt on the job. Workers compensation for police has been on the agenda since the 1990s.
Both sides of politics have talked a big game, but our medically retired police officers have been left in the lurch time and again.
In 2006 former police officer and Member for Murray-Wellington Murray Cowper questioned then Labor Minister for Police John Kobelke in Parliament, demanding workers compensation for police. The same year, union leader now Leader of the Opposition in Canberra Bill Shorten addressed a rally of police officers at State Parliament demanding action on their behalf.
To their credit the Liberal Party, then in opposition, proposed a scheme that would’ve done the job. But instead the then Labor Government passed a makeshift proposal that deliberately excluded officers with serious physical injury or mental illness.
This week, Labor’s Michelle Roberts revived the debate. Mrs Roberts accused the Barnett Government of dragging its feet on workers compensation for police officers.
“We ask our police to put themselves into extremely dangerous situations on a daily basis, both physically and mentally,” Mrs Roberts said.
“We need to back up this sentiment with real financial support,” she said.
She is right, but the time for talk from both sides of politics is over.
Medically retired police officers are not a political football. It is time to give our police the workplace protections they deserve.
Hear from two former local officers fighting for compensation in next week’s Mail.
