Retired Police Officers Criticize Minister for Delay in Trauma Support

Police officers are upset.

It is Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at 3:32 pm.

It is Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at 3:44 pm.

Some former police officers question Felix Ellis's commitment to police wellbeing.

In short:

A pilot program to help retired police officers with work-related trauma has not started yet.

The program would give six retired officers 12 psychology sessions each.

What's next?

Minister Ellis says the state's budget is a problem.

Retired police officers want to meet with Minister Ellis to start a mental health support program.

The 12-month trial would help six retired officers with 12 psychology sessions each, but it has not started.

The Retired Police Association of Tasmania cannot meet with Minister Ellis about the issue.

In November, Felix Ellis said a pilot program was planned.

A retired police officer said, 'Don't say you care about us and then do nothing.'

The association says retired officers need support for trauma from their job.

A volunteer said, 'He says he cares, but he doesn't show it.'

Two men from the association cannot meet with Minister Ellis.

A statement said the program would start soon, but it has not.

If you need help:

An independent MP wants Minister Ellis to meet with the association and start the program.

She said, 'Minister Ellis does not care about police officers after they retire.'

She also said, 'He likes to take pictures with serving officers, but forgets them when they retire.'

Minister Ellis did not answer questions about the issue.

A spokesperson said the government is working on a mental health support service.

Police officers have unique trauma that needs special help.

The association provides some services, but they are led by volunteers.

Over 100 police officers are off work due to mental health problems.

A man said, 'We have people who need help quickly, but we cannot get them to see someone.'

He said specialist psychologists are needed for former officers.

He also said, 'We are talking about people who worked 30 years and saw terrible things.'

The president of the association said Tasmania Police should help former officers.

He said, 'If they break you, they should fix you.'

Minister Ellis says the state budget is a problem for the trial.

The issue was first raised in parliament in March 2025.

A motion was passed to start mental health support services.

Minister Ellis tried to change the motion, but it was not supported.

In November, Minister Ellis said a pilot program was planned.

He said, 'The pilot will be tested for 12 months and a manager will be appointed.'

The trial has not started yet.

On June 4, an MP asked for an update on the trial.

Minister Ellis said the government is working on the program, but it is taking time.

An MP called Minister Ellis's actions 'despicable'.

Minister Ellis was asked why he had not met with retired officers.

He said, 'I will meet with them within a month.'

The meeting has not happened yet.

More news from Tasmania.

Topic: Prisons.

Topic: AFL.

Topic: Oceans.

Topic: Women's Health.

See more ABC news.

If you need to talk to someone, call:

Práctica de escucha