The Police Association Executive today endorsed emergency workplace meetings with members to discuss the proposed changes to the Police Regulation Act.

Under the proposed changes, members’ rights will be severely compromised, and the Association is determined fight this draconian bill, which includes,

"Chief Commissioner’s Confidence" provisions – in which the Chief Commissioner seeks the power to dismiss any member in whom she ‘loses confidence.’

Private Interest Declarations for members and their families.

Compulsory Transfer of members – whereby any member could be compulsorily transferred to any position.

Drug & Alcohol testing.

Police numbers – the power to set and maintain numbers, across the Force and at any rank, would be taken from the Governor in Council and given to the Chief Commissioner.

The Police Association will schedule urgent meetings with members around the State to provide members with an opportunity to hear about the proposed changes and how this will affect you and your family.

The meetings will also enable members to discuss a Members’ Charter of Rights and on further action to be taken by the Association, including the consideration of a mass meeting of members and their families.

The Association is determined to resist these offensive changes proposed by the Chief Commissioner and the Government to prevent our members from being treated as second class citizens.

PAUL MULLETT