Mick Cummins had a long career with Victoria Police, with postings at local stations including Alexandra, Yea and Mansfield.
In 2018, he is working to bring some change into the way police, paramedics and firefighters (first responders) are treated when they lodge a claim for a mental health injury.
Mick is heavily involved in a peer support program for those that are struggling.
“The current system is designed to defeat you when you are at your absolute lowest,” Mick told The Local Paper.
“For those that become unwell years after they have left policing you are basically pushing shit up hill. “I am not talking about financial compensation, just the basics of getting treatment, getting better for yourself and your family and work
“Research shows early intervention gives an unwell person a greater chance of getting better, delay it and the chances decrease.”
Mick, like many emergency service workers, was also vitally involved in community projects. He was involved in Rotary International Exchange projects.
“The current system of supporting first responders who need help for mental health injuries is failing frontline veterans who serve the community, Mick said.
“When help is needed the system discourages first responders from seeking help.
“The insurance company will do anything to delay and deny claims so their bottom financial line is not impacted.
“If you are a veteran who has left an emergency service then the ability to lodge a work cover claim becomes more difficult.
“The system makes unwell people worse. The insurance companies and in particular the Victoria Police Insurance company, Gallagher Bassett, can direct you to see multiple psychiatrists.
“On each occasion you tell your story to justify the request for assistance, it is nothing to do with getting better.
“If you have been separated from your service organisation then the claim process is even harder.
“The current system has been criticised by an Ombudsman’s report but any change has been minor with nothing legislated.
“The Canadians over the past four years, province by province, have introduced a presumptive legislation component that means any claim for PTSD is accepted without argument and the treatment commences immediately.
“It is centred on the wellness of the claimant, not protecting insurance company dollars.
“It would be fantastic for state politicians protect first responders on a bi-partisan approach that had the legislation introduced immediately.
“Any of the treatments become cost neutral when early intervention gets workers back to work.”
Mick says that legislation change is needed because:
• Current system is counterproductive to getting better
• Current system takes too long before treatment acknowledgement is accepted and recovery begins
• Current system can have the claimant telling their story numerous times to psychologists/psychiatrists that are not interested in starting the recovery process just establishing the bona-fides of the claim
• Current system impacts on claimant’s self-worth and respect as he is continually defending the claim rather than be treated.
• Current system can lead to self-medicating with alcohol prescription and no prescription drugs
• Current system significantly raises the risk of self- harm suicide ideations
• Current system increases the potential for family breakdown and violence within the home
• Current system can have a significant impact on rational decision making regarding finances
• Current system causes unwell people not to seek treatment due to the barriers faced
• Current system can cause loss of job satisfaction resulting in sub-standard work/complaints
• Current system enables payments to opinions for hire and surveillance companies to make an un-well person worse off.

Canada
finds answers
Mick Cummins says that Canada has introduced legislation to give rights to emergency workers who face mental health challenges.
“(It) means any claim for PTSD is accepted without argument and the treatment commences immediately, Mick says.
• Treatment is commenced immediately
• Chances of recovery back to work greatly increase
• Claimant has confidence in the system that is geared towards recovery
• Claimant has a decreased potential for self -harm
• Self -medication is not the preferred option
• The family unit will potentially stay stronger
• Workmates have confidence in a system that they see working and may in-turn seek treatment with confidence
• The workplace has a more satisfied and committed work force, less sick days/less complaints