New strategy comes amid high incidence of mental stress claims from first responders
The New South Wales government has released a new mental health and wellbeing strategy for first responders amid the high incidence of mental stress claims from these groups.
In a statement, the government said the strategy outlines priority actions that agencies can implement to help workers better manage the psychological challenges that come with their work.
As part of the strategy's first phase, the government has introduced the following measures to key agencies in the state, including the Forestry Corporation of NSW, National Parks and Wildlife Service, and Transport for New South Wales. They are:
Requirement for agencies to implement psychological first aid training for all employees, including managers, to better support individuals impacted by emergencies, disasters, or traumatic events
Giving employees impacted by traumatic incidents with timely and appropriate referrals to clinical care
Establishing a peer-support service that is informed by evidence-based, trauma-informed training programmes tailored to the specific needs of first responders
"We ask our first responders to run towards distressing scenes, so we need to support them with policies like this one," said NSW Premier Chris Minns in a statement.
"This is about giving more first responders more support. We are promoting mental wellbeing and preventing psychological injuries for these essential workers."
The new strategy has been rolled out in the wake of high incidence of mental stress claims from first responders.
SafeWork Australia reported in 2024 that a third of all serious claims for exposure to traumatic events came from employees in the public administration and safety sector, including those working in police services, investigation and security, fire protection, emergency services, and correctional and detention services.
"Workplace mental ill health is estimated to cost Australian businesses up to $39 billion each year, due to lost participation and productivity," said Work Health and Safety Minister Sophie Cotsis in a statement.
"The NSW Government is committed to preventing psychological harm and promoting mental health as part of a mentally healthy workplace."
New South Wales recognises personnel in Ambulance NSW, Fire and Rescue NSW, NSW Police, NSW State Emergency Service, and the NSW Rural Fire Service as first responders.
It also recently announced that it is recognising the following workers as first responders:
Forestry workers
National park employees
Road and transport workers
"Our first responder road and transport workers help ensure community members are kept safe each and every day," said Roads and Regional Transport Minister Jenny Aitchison in a statement.
"It's important we look after all workers who do so much to look after everyone on our road and transport networks. By developing the new mental health and wellbeing strategy, the government is ensuring worker safety is made an even higher priority."
