Funding boost for national police mental health awareness campaign

The Coalition Government is increasing its support for those who protect us, committing $1 million for a nationwide mental health awareness campaign for police officers.

The funding will be provided to the Police Federation of Australia over two years, and will result in a campaign focussed on the early detection and destigmatising of mental illness to enhance law enforcement and crime prevention outcomes.

The campaign will promote awareness, understanding, prevention and early intervention of mental health issues through print, television, social media, Apps and workshops.

It will aim to educate police officers, and those around them, about the risk of social, emotional and psychological issues associated with policing.

Importantly, it will ensure that the avenues of support that are available to police are well known, so no one is ever on their own in their battles.

Minister for Justice Michael Keenan said mental health issues must be discussed, and not swept under the rug.

"Australia's police selflessly take care of us, and we must ensure we take care of them," he said.

"Officers can be exposed to horrific traffic accidents, serious crimes, sexual assaults, homicide and armed robbery.

"Every incident not only impacts a victim, but can take a toll on those police officers involved.

"When you couple this with a work environment that greatly values stoicism and self-reliance, this can have a devastating impact on the mental health of our officers.

"It is so important that we open up about mental health issues. We must acknowledge it, talk about it, and do something about it. This is why this campaign is so important."

President of the Police Federation of Australia Mark Carroll welcomed the Government's support of the public awareness campaign.

"Growing this awareness and understanding, and doing away with the stigma that surrounds mental ill health will require a significant cultural change right across our profession," Mr Carroll said.

"This sort of cultural change will require a comprehensive, sustained and integrated programme of work.

"The government funding will greatly assist the PFA in meeting that challenge."

The campaign will commence over coming months.