15/10/2025

Law reform is needed to ensure police officers injured at work in Victoria can sue for compensation if they need it, says the Australian Lawyers Alliance.

“We urge the Victorian government to consult and consider law reform to address this matter,” said Susan Accary, Victorian President, Australian Lawyers Alliance.

“Recent court decisions that have allowed Victoria Police to avoid responsibility for injuries to police officers do not reflect the general understanding of the employment relationship between the police force and its officers. Police officers are employed by the state and are engaged in critical and sometimes, traumatic, work.

“It is unfortunate that the law as it currently stands allows the state to avoid their obligations to their officers. Police officers, who often work in a high-risk environment for the benefit of the community, should be able to rely on the state to provide them with the support they need if they are injured at work.”