The fifth in the current series of proposals put forward by the Chief Commissioner for consideration by Government, in their deliberations over a replacement for the Police Regulation Act 1958, IS THAT OF ‘CHIEF COMMISSIONER’S CONFIDENCE’ PROVISIONS.
Currently, members subjected to process under Section 68 of the Police Regulation Act 1958 must be judged on their integrity and the potential loss of community confidence in the force if the member was to continue as a member of the force.
Under the proposal put forward, the Chief Commissioner could dismiss any member of the force in whom the Chief Commissioner has lost confidence.
A member who was dismissed under this process would find success on review an almost impossible task, particularly with the watered down rights of review proposed by the Chief Commissioner.
Under the Chief Commissioner’s proposed review rights, members could only apply for review of the process undertaken – the merits of the matter would not be reviewable.
Under a full appeal system, members would have to prove that the Chief Commissioner had not lost confidence in them, or that the available evidence could not possibly support the decision to dismiss.
Under either system, this is an unfair and unreasonable power, typical of other calls for draconian powers in the proposed Victoria Police Bill.
The Association is scheduling urgent meetings with members across the State to provide you with an opportunity to hear about the proposed changes and how they will affect you and your family. Your views will be taken to Government
The Association is determined to resist the changes proposed by the Chief Commissioner and the Government, and further the aims of our members, to prevent our members being treated as second class citizens.
PAUL MULLETT
Secretary
