More Mental Health Support for Police Officers
Police Amendment (Police Officer Support Scheme) Bill 2024
Legislative Assembly
Legislative Council
Assent
Topics
death benefits disability payments occupational insurance officer support scheme police officers
Introduced by: The Hon Yasmin Catley MP (ALP); The Hon Tara Moriarty MLC (ALP)
Links to official parliament websites
Effects of this bill
If this bill passes, it means that:
The Debate
What different members said when this bill was debated:
Abigail Boyd GRN
“As I was saying, the payments will be made by the NSW Police Force, enabling a smoother payment process and easier tax time for injured officers. The Police Amendment (Police Officer Support Scheme) Bill 2024 creates the framework for the new Enhanced Police Support Scheme [EPSS], but no detail of the scheme is included in the bill. The Greens have concerns about this.”
Rod Roberts IND
“I contribute to debate on the Police Amendment (Police Officer Support Scheme) Bill 2024. I do not oppose the bill. I point out some issues that have arisen as a result of the introduction of this new scheme. Policing is a unique profession. It is hard for somebody to imagine unless they have walked in those shoes. Policing comes with inherent risks in terms of injuries and illnesses.”
Sarah Kaine ALP
“I contribute briefly to debate on the Police Amendment (Police Officer Support Scheme) Bill 2024 for a couple of reasons. I take a keen interest in workers compensation and how we deal with workers when they have had some type of injury or event at work. I am one of many members who have spoken in this second reading debate.”
Tara Moriarty ALP
“I particularly acknowledge the comments of the Hon. Susan Carter, Ms Abigail Boyd, the Hon. Rod Roberts and the Hon. Dr Sarah Kaine. I also acknowledge Deputy Commissioner Dean Smith and Mr Darren Bark from the NSW Police Force, who are both present in the public gallery today. I make the following comments in response to certain matters raised during the debate.”
News articles and press releases
Second Reading Speech, Police Amendment (Police Officer Support Scheme) Bill 2024
Ms YASMIN CATLEY, Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism — 2024-09-18
The Government is pleased to introduce into Parliament the Police Amendment (Police Officer Support Scheme) Bill 2024, which amends the Police Act 1990 and the Personal Injury Commission Act 2020. The bill enables a comprehensive police officer support scheme for police officers who die or become permanently or temporarily incapacitated for work. Put simply, the bill provides a safety net of payments for police officers who need it most. New South Wales police officers will be covered for on- and off‑duty injuries, with the scheme ensuring that support will be provided when officers need it most.