A Victorian police officer suffering a serious anxiety disorder after Black Saturday has launched Federal Court action against the force over its refusal to allow him to attend work with an accredited assistance dog.

The case raises further concerns about Victoria Police's handling of mental health issues among its members, but could also have broader implications for the role of assistance dogs in other Victorian workplaces.

Stuart Wright, who suffers from accute PTSD, has launched Federal Court action against Victoria Police over its refusal to allow him to return to work with his assistance dog Frankie. Credit:Justin McManus

Senior Constable Stuart Wright filed a statement of claim last week that accused Victoria Police of discriminating against him on the basis that he suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder, which was first diagnosed after the Black Saturday fires in 2009.

In August 2016, Mr Wright was given a black labrador called Frankie by Assistance Dogs Australia to help him cope with his acute anxiety condition, which had forced him to take extended leave on several occasions under two separate WorkCover claims.