New EBA under negotiation with Police Service

16/2/99

The State Government is committed to improving pay and working conditions for Western Australia's 4,800 police officers by negotiating a new Enterprise Bargaining Agreement, Police Minister Kevin Prince said today.

Mr Prince met with representatives of the WA Police Union this morning to discuss a pay rise of seven per cent for police officers subject to productivity improvements.

The pay offer includes:

+ a pay increase of 3.5 per cent on acceptance and the balance payable six months from the date of acceptance; + the introduction of more flexible rostering arrangements to allow police officers to be rostered on two shifts (day/afternoon) in the same week to eliminate the need to recall personnel (from afternoon/night shifts) for court commitments; + the abolition of rotating weekly day, night and afternoon shifts; + the introduction of a shift disturbance allowance equivalent to the shift penalty payment that is paid to an officer recalled to day shift for court commitments; + the doubling of the allowance paid to officers-in-charge of country police stations to $4,680; + the introduction of a $2,340 payment to officers-in-charge of metropolitan police stations; and - + the ability to salary package on an individual basis.

"The State Government has acknowledged, through this latest offer, that police officers in this State deserve to be paid more and improvements are needed to their working conditions," the Minister said.

"The WA Police Service has one of the most restrictive rostering arrangements in the country and we need greater flexibility to ensure better service and response to community needs.

"Vicarious liability should also apply to any police officer acting in good faith but that requires a change in legislation which I will progress in State Parliament in the near future.

"I have also recently received a report detailing proposed changes to workers compensation arrangements for police officers which I have accepted and am in the process of implementing.

"As with any workforce, I am sure some police officers would like to be offered more money but I am of the view that the offer of seven per cent is fair and reasonable.

"If accepted, it will mean the State Government has increased pay rates for police officers by 24 per cent since 1996."

Mr Prince said the meeting with union president Mike Dean had identified sticking points and key negotiating teams would now meet to resolve areas in dispute.

"It is regrettable that an agreement has not been finalised as quickly as the Government had hoped but we are confident of a resolution in the near future," he Prince said.

"I would like to make clear to all police officers that the State Government is committed to improving their working and salary conditions so that they can continue to deliver an outstanding service to the people of WA.

"I would also urge police officers to be fully informed of the offer before making a decision. I am certain they will find it acceptable."

Media contact: Kirsten Stoney 9 220 5000