The Supreme Court today overturned the decision of the Chief Commissioner to dismiss members Eddie Robb and Paul Dale using her ‘no confidence’ powers under the Police Regulation Act.

Justice Tim Smith quashed the order dismissing the members after it was found they were not accorded procedural fairness in the making of the dismissal decisions.

The Police Association’s position from the outset has been that the members were denied procedural fairness / natural justice and the Supreme Court of Victoria has confirmed this position.

The decision of Justice Smith confirms the fact that procedural fairness is an integral part of any process which has the potential to adversely impact on members in their workplace.

Today’s decision is a victory for the two members concerned, for your rights as members and for common sense.

This decision also underlines the necessity for a police members’ charter of rights to safeguard a number of fundamental rights for our members that should not be tinkered with under any circumstances.

Paul Mullett

Secretary