T13104
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TASMANIAN INDUSTRIAL COMMISSION
Industrial Relations Act 1984
Police Association of Tasmania POLICE AWARD
Award variation – annual salary increases – competencies/qualifications - conditions – allowances – application approved - consent order – operative date ffpp 6 March 2008 REASONS FOR DECISION [1] On 4 March 2008, an application was lodged by the Police Association of Tasmania, pursuant to Section 23 of the Industrial Relations Act 1984, to vary the Police Award. [2] When this matter came on for hearing on 6 March 2008, Mr M Kadziolka appeared for the Police Association of Tasmania. Mr T Martin appeared for the Commissioner of Police. [3] Mr Kadziolka explained that the application before the Commission reflected the outcome of extensive negotiations over several months. The key aspects of the agreement are contained in a document titled In Principle Agreement Between The Department of Police and Emergency Management And The Police Association of Tasmania.[1] This document describes the objectives of the Agreement as follows:
Provide conditions of employment which facilitate the Department’s achievement of its Strategic vision and mission.
Promote policing as a profession through the appropriate recognition of tertiary qualifications.
Provide a framework which supports skills development and leadership advancement within the organisation. [4] The major areas in which the application seeks to vary the award include: Incorporation of the pre-existing Front Line Competency Allowance in the salary structure. Annual salary increases of 3.2%, 3.3% and 3.5% over the life of the agreement. Increase in the 24 hour Shift and Penalty Allowance from 26.25% to 27%. Competencies/Qualifications. Conditions of Employment for Inspectors. Increase in Availability and Standby rates. Carer’s Leave. Extension of items available for salary packaging. Improvement to provisions relating to attendance at Court whilst on leave. Rostering and shift and penalty provisions for Physical Surveillance Services and Police – Technical Support (Surveillance) Services. Sick leave [5] The agreement provides for a No Extra Claims commitment until 30 June 2010, subject to the exclusion of Travelling Time.[2] [6] Mr Kadziolka referred to a number of other award changes aimed at enhancing clarity and/or removing redundant provisions. [7] Mr Kadziolka said that the agreement had been the subject of extensive consultation amongst PAT membership. [8] Mr Martin submitted that the Commissioner for Police was pleased to endorse the agreement. In particular he referred to the additional pay points to reflect higher education qualifications as being consistent with the objectives of promoting policing as a profession and providing a framework which supports skills development and leadership advancement within the organisation. [9] This application was presented as being entirely consistent with Principle 11.3 relating to public sector employment. [10] I am satisfied that the application is consistent with both the Wage Fixing Principles and the public interest requirements of the Act, and does not disadvantage the employees concerned. [11] The application is approved operative from the beginning of the first pay period to commence on or after 6 March 2008. [12] The Order reflecting this decision will follow.
Tim Abey
Appearances:
Date and Place of Hearing: |