- Compensation for police officers medically retired due to work related injury or illness
- A first for the police officers of this State
The landmark police compensation bill introduced by the McGowan Labor Government has today passed both houses of Parliament and is on its way to becoming enshrined in law.
The Police Amendment (Compensation Scheme) Bill 2021 passed Western Australia's Legislative Council overnight, marking a historic day for the police officers of this State.
For more than a century, there has not been a compensation scheme for WA's medically retired police officers who suffer a work-related injury or illness.
The compensation scheme has been specifically tailored for police, and ensures there is no reduction to existing in-service and post-service entitlements for work-related illness or injury.
The scheme will also provide payments for vocational support enabling officers to pursue further education and retraining.
It completes a suite of initiatives delivered by the McGowan Labor Government to support medically retired police officers, including:
- a $16 million redress scheme with payments of up to $150,000 to acknowledge the circumstances and treatment of some former medically retired officers;
- reforms to the Police Act to ensure a separate and more dignified process for medical retirement; and
- delivery of a Western Australian first Police compensation scheme.
The Government is now working to bring the scheme into operation as soon as possible in 2022.
Comments attributed to Premier Mark McGowan:
"This is a historic day for Western Australian Police. A day that sees my Government deliver on a promise to support our police officers.
"For more than a century, police have been putting themselves at risk for the Western Australian community but there hasn't been a compensation scheme for medically retired officers. From today, that is changing.
"I am proud of what we have achieved in Parliament to make sure we recognise the people and the profession with the respect and dignity they deserve."
Comments attributed to Police Minister Paul Papalia:
"Finally, police officers who can no longer serve our community due to work-related injury or illness will have certainty that they and their families will receive financial support, on top of their post service medical benefits.
"Many Governments before the McGowan Government have either ignored or tried but failed to address this issue.
"I want to thank all Members of Parliament, and the Police Union, for supporting this very important legislation which history said couldn't be achieved."
Premier's office - 6552 5000
Police Minister's office - 6552 5600
