TASMANIAN INDUSTRIAL COMMISSION

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

Commissioner of Police
(T13468 of 2009)

POLICE AWARD

Award variation and conditions - Clause 12, Transfer Expenses - application approved - operative date 9 July 2009

REASONS FOR DECISION

[1] On 30 June 2009, an application was lodged by the Commissioner of Police, pursuant to Section 23 of the Industrial Relations Act 1984, to vary the Police Award.

[2] When this matter came on for hearing on 8 July 2009, Mr T Martin and Ms H Jordan appeared for the Commissioner of Police, and Mrs A Smith appeared for the Police Association of Tasmania.

[3] Mr Martin explained that the Department was anxious to encourage interest in relocation. Whilst the existing clause covered the situation whereby property sale and purchase was involved, it was recognised that officers relocating on a temporary basis (up to few years) faced additional costs which were not contemplated in the existing clause.

[4] The proposed new subclause, Change of Residence Allowance, provides for the payment of a one-off allowance of $5000 to assist with meeting the expenses associated with a change of residence. The allowance is only payable when a member does not receive a Property Sale or Property Purchase expense.

[5] Mrs Smith commended the Department on this initiative but reserved the right to pursue a broader application of the allowance in the future.

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

[7] The application is granted operative from 9 July 2009. Any administrative issues arising should be resolved by reference to the transcript of this hearing.

[8] The Order reflecting this decision is attached.

Tim Abey
COMMISSIONER

Appearances:
Mr T Martin and Ms H Jordan for the Commissioner of Police
Mrs A Smith for the Police Association of Tasmania

Date and Place of Hearing:
2009
July 8
Hobart