The NSW Government has launched a new mental health and wellbeing strategy for first responders which now recognises forestry workers, national park employees, and road and transport workers.
This is in addition to emergency services personnel including Ambulance NSW, Fire and Rescue NSW, NSW Police, NSW State Emergency Service and the NSW Rural Fire Service.
The new strategy sets out 15 priority actions that agencies are implementing to improve the mental health and wellbeing of these workers and help them to better manage the psychological challenges associated with their vital work, said Premier, Chris Minns.
“We ask our first responders to run towards distressing scenes, so we need to support them with policies like this one,” said Mr Minns.
“This is about giving more first responders more support.
“We are promoting mental wellbeing and preventing psychological injuries for these essential workers.”
The strategy requires agencies to ensure mental health services are accessible, particularly for those in regional and remote areas, providing holistic and tailored support for first responders throughout their careers.
This Strategy takes a proactive approach, setting a new high baseline for mental health and wellbeing support across first responder organisations and providing training for managers to better recognise and support workers, said Minister for Work Health and Safety, Sophie Cotsis.
“I welcome this strategy that ensures road workers, national park employees and forestry workers all have access to the same psychological support offered to other first responders,” said Ms Cotsis.
“Workplace mental ill health is estimated to cost Australian businesses up to $39 billion each year, due to lost participation and productivity.
“The NSW Government is committed to preventing psychological harm and promoting mental health as part of a mentally healthy workplace.”
To support employees at key NSW agencies including Forestry Corporation of NSW (FCNSW), National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), and Transport for NSW (TfNSW), the Government has introduced the following measures:
- Psychological First Aid (PFA) Training: The agencies will be required to implement PFA training for all employees, including managers. This training aims to better support individuals impacted by emergencies, disasters, or traumatic events by connecting them to appropriate support services;
- Referral to Clinical Care: Employees impacted by traumatic incidents will receive referrals to timely and appropriate clinical care, ensuring they have access to the necessary resources to address their mental health needs;
- Peer-Support Services: The strategy includes the establishment of a peer-support service that is informed by evidence-based, trauma-informed training programs tailored to the specific needs of first responders. These services will incorporate the principles of PFA to provide ongoing support.
“It’s incredibly important that our frontline workers are given appropriate training and support for their mental health and wellbeing,” said Minister for Mental Health, Rose Jackson.
“Unfortunately, some of these essential jobs can expose workers to highly stressful or traumatic events, and we want to protect people from experiencing psychological harm at work.
“That’s why this initiative is firmly based in evidence-based and trauma-informed measures and will ensure people can lean on their peers and managers to prevent injury.”
The First Responders Mental Health Strategy can be found on the NSW Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy for First Responders web page.
