Victorian Police Minister Anthony Carbines (second from left) has announced a new contingency fund for the state’s older officers. Photo: Anthony Carbines MP.
Victoria’s new $15 million Death and Disability Contingency Fund will be made available to the state’s longest-serving police officers in the event of a tragic accident.
The Victorian Government initiative covers police and protective services officers aged between 55 and 59-years-old who have sustained a disability and can no longer work.
It aims to ensure police receive comparable benefits to other emergency service workers and that older officers are not financially disadvantaged compared to their younger peers.
The announcement of the new fund this month by Victorian Police Minister Anthony Carbines delivers on a 2018 pledge from the state Labor Government recognising the critical role of police.
“Police go above and beyond to protect the community and save lives – it’s only right that we make sure they and their loved ones are supported in the event of their death or total and permanent disability,” Minister Carbines said.
“This will ensure all hardworking members and their families have greater peace of mind that they are financially supported if anything tragic should happen to them.”
Eligible officers will receive a lump-sum payment equal to 20 per cent of their final average salary per year of service lost between the age they terminated service (or passed away) and age 60.
This means eligible officers will receive a lump sum equal to one year of their salary if they are 55, reducing by 20 per cent each year until age 60. At age 60, the officer is no longer eligible for a payment.
If an eligible member passes away before reaching the maximum benefits under the existing Emergency Services Defined Benefit Scheme, then their estate will also be eligible to make a claim on the new fund.
The Police Association of Victoria secretary Wayne Gatt welcomed the announcement.
“This scheme offers crucial reassurance and security for our members aged between 55 and 60. It gives them peace of mind that if something should happen to them while serving the community in the course of the difficult and dangerous work they perform, that they and their family will have financial support,” he said.
“This has long been a pressing concern for our members and The Police Association commends the government for listening and acting on this issue.”
The Victorian Government worked closely with The Police Association of Victoria, as well as Victoria Police and ESSSuper, to develop the contingency fund payment structure and service model.
The fund is administered by the Department of Justice and Community Safety, in collaboration with Emergency Services and State Super and Victoria Police. It has immediately started accepting applications.
