Victorian Police and Corrections Minister Wade Noonan will take three-months leave to seek support and counselling after being exposed to “unspeakable crimes and traumatic events” in his duties.

Noonan issued a statement on Monday, revealing he has sought professional counselling for trauma, and will be seeking leave from his cabinet role and member of parliament duties for three months:

“This has been a difficult decision but I believe it is the right one,” he said.

“It has been difficult to cope with the constant exposure to details of unspeakable crimes and traumatic events that are an everyday part of my role and the accumulation of these experiences has taken an unexpected toll.”

Premier Dan Andrews voiced his support for the decision, in the best interests of his health and his family” and commended Noonan for it:

“I support Wade in his decision to take leave while he receives the support that he needs. He has made a courageous decision that is in the best interests of his health and his family and I commend him for it.

“I wish Wade and his family all the best and look forward to him resuming his Cabinet and parliamentary responsibilities in due course.”

Robin Scott will replace Noonan as police minister in an acting capacity.

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Australia’s worker safety authorities have tips for early prevention, recognising and responding to signs of work-related trauma.