TASMANIAN INDUSTRIAL COMMISSION

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

Police Association of Tasmania
(T11494 of 2004)

POLICE AWARD

Award variation - application granted - operative date ffpp 1/7/04

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 the intention of this application was to consolidate the existing award with the most recent round of workplace bargaining and the new salaries and conditions associated with that.

[4] The In-Principle Agreement1 provides for a total increase in base salaries of 27.5% phased in on the following basis:

• 1 July 2004 3.5%
• 1 December 2004 8.0%
• 1 December 2005 8.0%
• 1 December 2006 8.0%

[5] Other changes include the following:

• The title Superintendent has been replaced with Commander.
• Appointment provisions varied to reflect lateral entry.
• The existing barrier at Level 9 on the constable scale has been removed.
• Level 13 will be restricted to constables who have completed the Sergeants qualifying course.
• Specialist allowance is no longer available.
• Revision of competency arrangements.
• Advancement provisions for sergeants and inspectors.
• The term recruit replaced with trainee.
• Re-write of Availability and Standby clause.
• Reimbursement for additional child care costs in certain circumstances.
• Additional rostering flexibility.
• Salary sacrifice.

[6] Comprehensive explanation of these changes can be found by reference to the transcript.

[7] In indicating consent to the variations Mr Ogle noted that on any measure the wage increases and changes are significant. This he said was a reflection of the increasing professionalism of policing as characterised by advancement to higher levels for officers who obtain tertiary qualifications or equivalent.

[8] Mr Ogle also referred to the challenges of the changing environment, particularly trans-national counter-terrorism measures. In addition the Police Service Act 2003 had significant implications for employment issues with policing including alcohol and drug testing, integrity testing, fixed term employment for senior executives, and probation periods on promotion.

[9] Mr Ogle notes that the actual performance of police was demonstrated through significant improvements in crime reduction and clearance rates.

[10] I am satisfied that the agreement is consistent with both the Wage Fixing Principles and the public interest requirements of the Act.

[11] The application is granted operative from the beginning of the first pay period to commence on or after 1 July 2004.

[12] The Order [Correction Order] reflecting these changes 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

1 Exhibit A1