Freedom of association – a vital principle

As members may have read in today’s Age and Herald Sun, the Police Federation of Australia and The Police Association yesterday issued a Federal Court writ on Chief Commissioner Christine Nixon under the freedom of association provisions of the Workplace Relations Act.

In essence, the writ alleges that the decision by Christine Nixon to suspend Mr Mullett was unlawful and in breach of the Workplace Relations Act.

The action seeks to overturn the Secretary’s suspension as a police officer and alleges that the real reason for the Chief Commissioner’s action was the Secretary’s activities in representing the Association and its members.

Under the Workplace Relations Act, the onus of proof is now with the Chief Commissioner to prove otherwise.

As an independent union, acting solely for the best interests of members, the Police Association vehemently opposes the Chief Commissioner’s attempts to influence how and by whom the Association should be run.

Freedom of association is a principle that is vital to the union movement. It is just as important a principle as any involved in the successful campaign against Work Choices. Senior Victorian peak union officials have been briefed on the legal action and we have received their full support.

This action is not just about Paul Mullett. It is about the rights and freedoms of any present and future Association official to represent you passionately and effectively. We are proud of what we have achieved for our members, but there is more to be done. We believe the many victories we achieved for our members have caused the Chief Commissioner to act in the way she has acted. And we say it is illegal.

Click HERE to view today’s Age and Herald Sun articles and a full version of the court documents via our website

While recent events relating to the OPI hearings have no doubt been turbulent, it has presented the perfect opportunity to look to the future and how the Police Association will best represent its members in the year ahead.

Following continued consultation with members, delegates and the wider community, there is no doubt that the safety of our streets is the number one issue and that we must throw our full weight behind what is fast emerging as a police resources crisis.

Next year, the Police Association will mount a vigorous campaign to tackle this problem by getting more police and getting them out on the street. 

We look forward to embarking upon this campaign in 2008 and enlisting the full support of the Victorian community.

Greg Davies

Discipline/Legal Manager