The National Approach provides a standard to ensure that all first responders with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), regardless of jurisdiction, are able to access appropriate support, including treatment and leave, through workers’ compensation arrangements. The National Approach was developed by the interjurisdictional First Responder Mental Health Working Group and endorsed by Ministers responsible for workers’ compensation in 2022.
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The Working Group was created in 2020 in response to recommendation 8 of the Senate Education and Employment References Committee report ‘The people behind 000: mental health of our first responders’ (Triple 000 Committee Report). The Triple 000 Committee Report noted that first responders are most commonly professionals such as paramedics, police officers, firefighters and other emergency personnel trained to provide assistance in time-critical, often life-threatening situations. Given the nature of their duties, first responders are more likely to be exposed to potentially traumatic and distressing incidents that may contribute toward suboptimal mental health. The National Approach is available on the DEWR website.
On 10 May 2024, Ministers responsible for Workers’ Compensation agreed to reinstate the Working Group as per the Communique. Ministers also noted progress in implementation of the National Approach across jurisdictions.