Responding to incidents
People who work in Commonwealth parliamentary workplaces may encounter expected and unexpected incidents. This can be challenging for everyone. Below are resources that can help your office prepare and respond.
You may experience a range of events beyond your control, from challenging interactions with people to large natural disasters that may affect your entire community. It is normal for you and others to feel stressed by difficult events.
You may have different reactions or feelings to events, such as:
- feelings of anxiety, sadness, anger or that you are disconnected or distant from others
- physical symptoms like headaches, fatigue, stomach upset and difficulty sleeping
- feeling jumpy, numb or irritable or being unable to concentrate
- avoiding people, places, news or discussions after an event
It may be helpful to:
- check in with others who may be going through the same thing or who can support you
- share resources and information that could be helpful
- look out for signs that others may need more support
- seek anonymous help from a PWSS counsellor or call employee assistance
The PWSS Counselling & Support and PWSS Academy teams are available to consult with staff and offices who have particular needs to assist in finding quality, fit-for-purpose solutions. We offer bespoke debriefing and training to offices around Australia. Contact the teams at support@pwss.gov.au and training@pwss.gov.au- external site.
The resources below can also help manage unexpected incidents. Other resources such as guides to helping people vulnerable to self-harm are located in the Manager's Toolkit at the PWSS Academy.