Police Minister Liza Harvey’s announcement on workers compensation for WA police last month was welcomed by serving officers but president of the Medically Retired Western Australian Police Officer’s Association David Bentley says it does not go far enough.
The former Gosnells and Armadale officer and veteran of 30 years said the newly proposed workers compensation scheme did not cater to the medically retired.
“They already have a workers comp scheme,” he said.
“But what about the medically retired?
“You only get a month’s wages with no reengagement policy and nothing to help you after you are medically retired.”
Mr Bentley said he had an emotional breakdown in 2007 leading to him being medically retired.
“You are taught to hide your emotions,” he said.
“You have to be professional otherwise you loose your objectivity.
“I was psychologically impaired.”
Mr Bentley described the proposed scheme was ‘smoke and mirrors’ and said it was a desperate plea by the government to garner support in the lead up to the state election in March.
Police Minister Liza Harvey said she had spoken to the Medically Retired Officers Association ahead of the announcement and it had been agreed it was a significant first step.
“I have always said after I have established workers compensation for serving police officers I would turn my attention to what could be done for medically retired officers in the community and this work is already underway,” she said.
“A police officers’ workers compensation scheme will be established without removing existing entitlements, such as 168 days of sick leave and keeping the medical benefits scheme, which covers medical costs and rehabilitation services paid for even when injured off duty.
“This has been talked about for 30 years and I’m extremely proud the government has taken this decision to support our police officers.”
Ms Harvey said if re-elected the Liberal government would introduce the legislation immediately into Parliament and aim to have workers compensation operational by 1 July 2017.
