TASMANIAN INDUSTRIAL COMMISSION

Industrial Relations Act 1984
s.23 application for award or variation of award

Police Association of Tasmania
(T11493 of 2004)

POLICE AWARD

Award variation - application granted - operative date ffpp 28/5/04

REASONS FOR DECISION

[1] On 13 May 2004, an application was lodged by the Police Association of Tasmania (PAT), pursuant to Section 23 of the Industrial Relations Act 1984, to vary the Police Award.

[2] When this matter came on for hearing on 28 May 2004, Ms A Bradford appeared for the PAT. Mr F Ogle and Mr S Gardner appeared for the Commissioner of Police.

[3] Ms Bradford explained that this application sought to incorporate a number of variations which had been negotiated with the agency. These variations included:

• All references to the Police Regulation Act 1898 are replaced with the Police Service Act 2003, with consequential changes in a number of areas.
• Definition of de-facto spouse includes recognition of same sex relationships.
• A new clause which sets out the formula for the calculation of salaries.
• A broader definition of the skipper's allowance.
• Expense related allowances increased to reflect the change in the CPI between March 2003 and March 2004 (1.98%).
• Provision for advance payment of the Plain Clothes Expense Allowance.
• Bereavement leave extended to 10 days in the event of the death of a spouse or child.
• Clarification and extension of defence leave arrangements.
• Special maternity leave and sick leave.
• Twelve weeks' paid adoption leave.
• Crediting arrangements where officers are required to resume duty whilst on recreation leave.
• Call-back provisions for part-time officers.
• Conditions of employment for officers engaged in the Specialist Capability Unit on a full-time basis.
• Conditions of employment for full-time dog handlers including the dog handler's allowance.

[4] Mr Gardner indicated consent to the variations and clarified the rationale behind the amendments to the Special Maternity Leave and Sick Leave clauses.

[5] I am satisfied that the proposed variations are consistent with both the Wage Fixing Principles and the public interest requirements of the Act.

[6] The application is granted and shall operate from the beginning of the first pay period to commence on or after 28 May 2004.

[7] The Order reflecting this decision follows.

Tim Abey
COMMISSIONER

Appearances:
Ms A Bradford for the Police Association of Tasmania
Mr F Ogle and Mr S Gardner for the Commissioner of Police

Date and Place of Hearing:
2004
May 28
Hobart