Shadow Corrections Minister Edward O’Donohue said the party would commit an additional $1 million to the current $6 million First Responder PTSD and Psychological Injury Provisional Support Program, which would also be opened up to include front line prison officers.

Member for Ripon Louise Staley said the announcement has local significance.

“Langi Kal Kal Prison provides essential jobs for the region and we must take care of our prison officers who are faced with challenging conditions every day,” she said.

“Prison officers in Ripon electorate at Hopkins and Langi Kal Kal prisons play an important role in community safety and deserve our respect and support.”

The Coalition also announced a further $500,000 to establish a Companion Therapy Assistance Dogs Prison Training Program at two Victorian prisons, Langi Kal Kal near Beaufort and the Tarrengower Women’s Prison, at Maldon.

Rescue dogs would be trained in Victorian prisons and donated for use as companion therapy assistance dogs for former police, as well as emergency management and defence personnel in need of PTSD support.

Companion therapy assistance dogs have proven to be effective in helping former defence and first responders to manage PTSD and other psychological injury, the Coalition said.

It’s anticipated approximately 30 assistance dogs per year would be trained once the program is established.

The dogs trained would be rescued from pounds and shelters.

The program would be managed by Corrections Victoria, and approximately 10 minimum security prisoners at each prison would be trained and have the responsibility as an inmate dog trainer.

A similar program has been in existence at the Bathurst Prison since 2012.

This announcement builds on the commitment that a Liberal Nationals Government would provide $1 million over four years to the Retired Police Association of Victoria for the expansion of peer support programs for former members with PTSD.