First responders to receive greater trauma support

Greater protections are required for frontline service personnel who witness trauma in their line of work, according to the Tasmanian Labor Party.

The party has committed to presumptive post-traumatic stress disorder legislation, which would include consideration of a range of roles and professions where workers are exposed to high levels of trauma.

“We know that first responders such as ambulance paramedics, police and firefighters are exposed to high levels of trauma in the line of duty, but we also need to consider whether protections need to be extended to other roles such as child safety workers and correctional officers,” said Labor Leader Rebecca White.

“In addition to introducing presumptive post-traumatic stress disorder legislation for frontline first responders, Labor will undertake a full review of the Acts around workplace health and safety.

“This will include a review of workers compensation step-down provisions in the public service.

“Importantly, a majority Labor government will undertake detailed consultation with industry and unions toward the introduction of industrial manslaughter laws.

“The vast majority of employers do everything they possibly can to keep their workers safe, but we need to send a strong message that willful negligence will not be tolerated.”

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