IN THE TASMANIAN INDUSTRIAL COMMISSION

Industrial Relations Act 1984

PRELIMINARY

This application by the Commissioner of Police seeks to further amend the Police Award by establishing maximum rental payments by, or rental rebates for, police personnel who are seconded to the National Crime Authority and required to perform duty in Melbourne or Sydney.

Mr. R. Fisher, appearing for the Commissioner of Police, advised the Commission that a request had been received from the Chairman of the National Crime Authority for a member of the Tasmania Police Force to be seconded for a period of up to two years to assist with enquiries undertaken by the Authority. Investigative wings of the Authority are established in both Sydney and Melbourne and investigators include police personnel from all States.

It is proposed that a Senior Sergeant of the Tasmania Police Force be released to the Authority for this purpose.

During the period of his secondment the Senior Sergeant will be required to reside in Melbourne, but at sane future time it may be necessary for a member to reside in Sydney.

Mr. Fisher submitted that advice received from the Chairman and Executive officer of the Authority confirmed that all accommodation expenses incurred by the seconded member will be reimbursed by the National Crime Authority so long as they conform with the provisions of an industrial award of this State.

The Commissioner asked that an amount of $10 per week be fixed as the maximum rental to be charged.

Mr. McDermott, appearing for the Police Association, confirmed that the Association had no objection to the matter being included in the award, and suggested the application was in harmony with the present wage fixing guidelines.

DECISION

The Police Award at present provides that where a member is required to perform duty in Canberra with the Criminal Investigation Bureau he shall be charged a rental of no more than $10 per week whilst occupying accommodation of the standard approved by the controlling authority.

This application appears to be on all fours with the previous matter relating to Canberra. As the the allowance sought is in respect to new work and conditions not previously undertaken by a member of the Tasmania Police Force, I am satisfied that it complies with Principle 9(b)(ii) of the National Wage Principles. The agreed amount of $10 per week seems reasonable in the circumstances, and the provision sought will not involve any cost to the Police Department.

The application to amend Clause 15A - Rentals, of the Police Award is therefore granted. The award will be amended accordingly, and will operate from 3 September 1985.

L.A. Koerbin
PRESIDENT

4 September 1985