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Retired police officers in Tasmania have publicly criticized the state’s police minister, Felix Ellis, over delays in implementing a long-awaited mental health support pilot program for former officers. The Retired Police Association of Tasmania (RPAT) has accused the minister of failing to follow through on promises made during parliamentary discussions, leaving retired officers without critical psychological assistance. According to the RPAT, the 12-month pilot program, intended to provide six retired police officers with 12 psychology sessions each, has not yet begun, despite assurances from Mr. Ellis that it would start this year. The association claims it has been unable to secure a meeting with the minister since he promised to address the issue by the end of June. RPAT president David Plumpton expressed frustration, stating, “Don’t wrap yourself in the blue and then turn around and do nothing for us.” He added that Mr. Ellis appeared supportive of police officers during public appearances but failed to deliver on his commitments. John Mikulski, a volunteer wellbeing officer with the RPAT, echoed these sentiments, noting that Mr. Ellis’ actions did not reflect genuine concern for retired officers. “He says that he cares for us and so forth. He certainly doesn’t show it in any way at all,” Mikulski said. The association emphasized that many retired officers suffer from severe trauma related to their work and require timely professional help. Mikulski explained that current volunteer-led services are insufficient, as they lack the capacity to respond promptly to urgent cases. “We have people who are almost falling off the edge, who need to see someone fairly quickly. We cannot get them before someone or a psychologist,” he said. Specialist psychologists are essential because of the unique nature of trauma experienced by former officers, according to Mikulski. “We’re talking about lots of people who have done 30-plus years of service, who have gone to incidents that most of us wouldn’t want to go to,” he noted. These individuals often struggle silently, reluctant to admit vulnerability even though they face significant emotional challenges. While Tasmania Police provides adequate support to serving officers, the RPAT argues that the department has a duty to assist retirees as well. “Our whole mantra is very simple. That is, if they break you, they fix you,” Plumpton said. This sentiment underscores the growing concern among retired officers that their needs are being overlooked. The issue of mental health support for retired police officers was first raised in parliament in March 2025, when a motion was passed calling for immediate establishment and funding of ongoing mental health services. The motion, introduced by former Jacqui Lambie Network MP Andrew Jenner, was supported by the lower house. Mr. Ellis attempted to amend the motion to propose consultation rather than direct action, but the amendment was not accepted, and the government did not oppose the original motion. In November, Mr. Ellis informed a parliamentary committee that a pilot program had been established. However, the program has not yet commenced, and the RPAT remains without a formal meeting with the minister. A government spokesperson stated that the Department of Health is currently developing a First Responders Mental Health Support Service Pilot, suggesting that the initiative may take longer than initially anticipated. Independent MP Kristie Johnston has condemned Mr. Ellis’ handling of the situation, describing his actions as “despicable.” She criticized the minister for prioritizing photographs with serving officers over the welfare of retirees. “Minister Ellis likes to pose for photos with serving police officers but forgets all about them the moment they retire,” she said. Despite repeated calls for transparency, Mr. Ellis has declined on-camera interviews and refused to answer written questions regarding his treatment of retired officers.