The Victoria Police Force ("the Force") provided an undertaking in the Australian Industrial Relations Commission ("AIRC") on 21 December 2005 to pay our members for overtime worked during Operation Mercury 05.

Members in receipt of the commuted overtime allowance were advised in October that they would be rostered to work excessive periods of foreseen overtime during Operation Mercury. Following this advice, The Police Association ("the Association")  reached an agreement with the Force that allowed for members to be paid for overtime worked at this event.

After repeated assurances, the Force changed its original position and the Association immediately listed the matter for hearing at the AIRC.

At the AIRC yesterday, the Association was advised by Force representatives that the original undertaking to pay overtime to our members will indeed be met.

Whilst payment should not be expected before Christmas, the Force indicates that members will be paid for the overtime worked early in the New Year.

We are happy to advise our members of this successful outcome.

PAUL MULLETT
Secretary