The Australian Government is investing $11.5 million in mental health services to support emergency services workers and their families impacted by the unprecedented bushfire disaster of 2019-20.
Federal Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan has welcomed the funding which is designed to complement existing State and Territory measures which assist Emergency Service workers in managing their mental health.
“Emergency service workers and volunteers bore the brunt of the bushfires last spring and summer as they put their lives on the line to fight to protect people and properties,” Mr Conaghan said.
“And these fires were unprecedented in their size and scale, so I know, from having worked as a police officer in the past, the mental toll that was inflicted on our first responders was huge.
“One of my aims as the Federal Member for Cowper is to get more services to help our first responders better manage mental health challenges and post-traumatic stress.
“I thank Minister Littleproud for providing this funding and I look forward to continuing to work with him and with Fortem Australia to improve the lives and mental wellbeing of emergency service workers and their families in Cowper.”
Emergency Management Minister David Littleproud said ensuring quality mental health care and support for those impacted by the 2019-20 Black Summer bushfires is a priority for the Government.
“Our emergency services workers faced extremely challenging and dangerous situations,” Minister Littleproud said.
“Providing this $11.5 million in grants to specialist support organisations will ensure post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and mental health support services can be delivered to them and their families.
“PTSD is one of the most prevalent injuries suffered by those who have faced such destructive events, yet some are reluctant to seek support.
“Establishing a support and mental health literacy network will encourage individuals in the emergency services sector to connect, talk, and seek help.
“The network will also connect those in need of clinical services in relation to PTSD, suicide and other mental health issues.
“Investing in the best mental health outcomes is critical to providing the care our emergency services workers have earned and deserve.”
This mental health support funding is part of more than $100 million committed by the Federal Government towards mental health support for emergency personnel, individuals and communities impacted by the Black Summer bushfires.
Black Dog Institute will receive $6 million and Fortem Australia Limited $4 million. Fortem Australia has been invited to apply for a further $1.5 million.
Media Contact:
Mr Littleproud – Douglas Ferguson 0455 448 985
Mr Conaghan – Liz Spry 0418 928 744
