❓ The WA Police Force engages two self-employed psychiatrists, one under contract with Dr. Helena Piirto for $3.2 million over five years, to provide medical assessments and support for employee health and wellbeing.
AnsweredQoN 1527Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to Minister McGurk’s response during Consideration in Detail of the Police Compensation Scheme Amendment Bill, where she stated that two psychiatrists provide services to the WA Police Force as consultants or contractors, and that they are not employees of WA Police, and I ask : (a) How many psychiatrists currently provide services to the WA Police Force; (b) Of the psychiatrists identified in (a): (i) how many are employees of the WA Police Force; and (ii) how many are engaged as contractors or consultants, and what is the proper terminology to refer to their form of engagement; (c) For any psychiatrists who are not employees of WA Police, which organisation or entity employs them or holds their contract; (d) Do the psychiatrists providing services to WA Police work exclusively for WA Police, or do they maintain external practices; (e) Where are these psychiatrists based when performing work for WA Police (e.g. WA Police buildings, external clinics, or other locations); and (f) Is the WA Police Force party to a contract, service agreement, panel arrangement or similar procurement with any external provider for the provision of psychiatrist services, and if so: (i) what is the name of the provider or contracted entity; (ii) what is the term or duration of the contract; (iii) what services are required to be delivered under the contract; and (iv) what is the total contract value?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
17 February 2026
Responded by
Minister for Police
Response time
2 days
(a) 2.
(b)
(i) 0.
(ii) 2.
(c) The psychiatrists are self-employed.
(d) They do not work exclusively for Western Australia Police Force.
(e) WA Police Force buildings.
(f) Yes.
(i) Doctor Helena Piirto.
(ii) Five years to expire 5 December 2028.
(i) Providing independent written medical assessments on employees impacted by health and wellbeing issues who are absent from work on sick leave to assist the WA Police Force in determining the employee’s suitability to:
· Undertake a rehabilitation program; continue to receive paid sick leave and/or other medical treatments; their suitability for medical retirement;
· Conducting medical assessments to evaluate the fitness of potential new employees and those returning to work after an absence due to health issues;
· Providing comprehensive injury management and return to work programs for affected employees to support the WA Police Force’s Vocational Rehabilitation and Psychological Services Programs;
· Participating in case management processes within the Health Welfare and Safety Division, and may need to engage with other management services within the WA Police Force;
· Providing verbal and written advice on fitness for duty and conduct issues, programs and processes within the WA Police Force;
· Liaising with treating doctors and other relevant health service providers to ensure comprehensive and coordinated healthcare for the employees; and
· Providing advice and/or information in a legal setting related to their medical expertise.
(ii) The contract value over the five year duration is estimated at $3.2 million.
(b)
(i) 0.
(ii) 2.
(c) The psychiatrists are self-employed.
(d) They do not work exclusively for Western Australia Police Force.
(e) WA Police Force buildings.
(f) Yes.
(i) Doctor Helena Piirto.
(ii) Five years to expire 5 December 2028.
(i) Providing independent written medical assessments on employees impacted by health and wellbeing issues who are absent from work on sick leave to assist the WA Police Force in determining the employee’s suitability to:
· Undertake a rehabilitation program; continue to receive paid sick leave and/or other medical treatments; their suitability for medical retirement;
· Conducting medical assessments to evaluate the fitness of potential new employees and those returning to work after an absence due to health issues;
· Providing comprehensive injury management and return to work programs for affected employees to support the WA Police Force’s Vocational Rehabilitation and Psychological Services Programs;
· Participating in case management processes within the Health Welfare and Safety Division, and may need to engage with other management services within the WA Police Force;
· Providing verbal and written advice on fitness for duty and conduct issues, programs and processes within the WA Police Force;
· Liaising with treating doctors and other relevant health service providers to ensure comprehensive and coordinated healthcare for the employees; and
· Providing advice and/or information in a legal setting related to their medical expertise.
(ii) The contract value over the five year duration is estimated at $3.2 million.
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