Police support pay pressure

By Melissa Donchi
VICTORIAN police say they are paid on average $500 less per month than their interstate counterparts and will consider taking industrial action against the State Government next week.
More than 20 police met in Lilydale recently to voice their concerns over the failed enterprise bargaining agreement which aims to improve pay and conditions, allocation of resources and professional recognition.
The Victorian Police Association manager Chris Kennedy said police had rejected the Government’s counter-offer of 3.25 per cent per annum and are now planning on taking industrial action.
“The Police Association will do whatever it takes to secure a fair and reasonable EB (enterprise bargain) outcome for our police officers,” Mr Kennedy said.
“If we must take industrial action to achieve the conditions police and the community deserve, then so be it.”
Police Association spokeswoman Bernadette Collins said the Government had made it clear before the State Election that it would support an enterprise bargaining agreement claim.
“We were in talks with the Government between July and August last year and came to an agreement of 4.1 per cent early this year,” Ms Collins said.
“Obviously we feel there offer of 3.25 per cent is still inadequate.”
But a statement from the Police Minister Bob Cameron said police members were showing their satisfaction with the organisation through an extremely low attrition rate and large numbers wanting to join.
“There are currently 800 people engaged in the recruitment process,” the statement read. “Since coming to government we have introduced 1400 new police and announced a further 350 new police in the last budget.”
Mr Kennedy said if the Victorian police accepted the government’s offer they would be the worst paid police officers in the country.
“Our members have expressed their disappointment at the government’s offer and are committed to pursuing fair wages.”
Sergeant Tony Van Gorp from Healesville Police said they were striving to achieve the best possible outcome for all police members.
“While none of our members were able to attend the meeting they are keen to show their support for the association,” Sergeant Van Gorp said.
“Resources permitting some Healesville police may attend next week.”