IN THE TASMANIAN INDUSTRIAL COMMISSION

Industrial Relations Act 1984

This application seeks the inclusion in the Police Award (the Award) of the following;

"1. That the following definition be included in Clause 7.1.

Unattached Trainees means a member sworn as a special constable to perform duties as directed until he/she is inducted into an initial basic training course at the Police Academy as a trainee constable.

2. That a new subclause be added to clause 8.1.5 to read:

d)  Unattached Trainee

Until inducted into and commenced an initial basic training course at the Police Academy as a trainee constable

Salary per Annum - $ 18066

3. That clause 20 be amended after clause 20.3 by adding the following subclause.

20.3.1 Unattached trainees whilst performing authorised duties at that rank shall be deemed to be shift workers for the purposes of this award for the period of their employment as unattached trainees."

The above new provisions reflect a change in the policy of police recruitment, which following this variation will be on the basis of replacing staff as they resign. The practice in the past has been to wait until sufficient resignations or retirements occur and a group intake engaged to immediately commence a training course at the Police Academy.

This practice has resulted in the loss of recruits, who were not prepared to wait for the next intake or in some cases the loss of continuous service for entitlements, such as long service leave. It has also created pressures on the job where officers have not been replaced for some considerable time.

I now confirm my intention, announced to the parties at the conclusion of proceedings on 2 September 1988, to vary the Award in the manner detailed above.

The proposed salary level is endorsed as I consider it to be appropriate having regard to existing salary levels in the Award and the requirement of the Commission's Wage Fixing Principles.

There are also important public interest considerations in this matter which support the granting of the claim.

The order reflecting this decision is attached, its date of operation is the first pay period commencing on or after 1 September 1988.

J.G. King
COMMISSIONER