“Both officers involved in the arrest sustained injuries themselves, yet still provided care to the suspect, helping minimise his burns and very likely saving his life.
“Moments like this are exactly why police officers need a strong and genuine commitment from both the government and WA police when it comes to health coverage and sick leave entitlements.
Officers deserve the peace of mind that if they are injured in the line of duty, they will be properly supported. An injury can end a career and have a lasting impact on officers and their families.
“Unfortunately, the current police compensation scheme is falling short. It has not been increased since it was introduced almost a decade ago, and medical entitlements continue to be a constant struggle for many officers.
“That does not reflect the level of commitment our officers deserve. When those who serve are left feeling unsupported, it is no surprise that many within the ‘Blue Family’ are questioning whether the system is still looking after them.”
The 33-year-old man involved in the January incident has been charged with two counts of being a driver of a vehicle that failed to comply with a direction to stop, reckless driving to escape police, and one count of with intent to cause grievous bodily harm or prevent arrest, cast, threw or otherwise applied corrosive fluid or any destructive or explosive substance.
He will appear in Armadale Magistrates Court on March 24.