Proposed leave embargo

Members of the TMU, RTTU, RSTF & TDAS have been advised by Assistant Commissioner Ken Lay that leave may not be granted during the Christmas/New Year and Easter period.

The Police Association has not been consulted about this recent proposal and is in the process of obtaining further information from the Force.

At this stage, we are endeavouring to find out if the proposal is intended as a temporary or permanent measure. We are also questioning if this proposal is simply an attempt to conceal resource shortages and manufacture the illusion of an adequate police presence. 

Force Command and the Association have previously negotiated a number of leave embargoes for special events, including the World Economic Forum and Commonwealth Games. However, this move by the Force to effectively introduce ‘structural’ changes to the way leave is taken is unprecedented.

The Police Association will be meeting with Assistant Commissioner Ken Lay later this week to seek more information.

We will investigate all avenues available to resolve this issue.

Update on Improper Associations

Last week’s landmark rally at Rod Laver Arena re-confirmed members’ concern and anger over the draconian Improper Associations policy.

The Police Association is still in the process of obtaining legal advice about this issue, including how the policy impacts upon members’ most basic civil rights.

As we continue to gather all the necessary legal advice, we urge members not to complete the disclosure form. At this time, there is no requirement for members to complete the form before the end of May.

The Police Association will continue to keep members updated on how this issue progresses. 

Paul Mullett

Secretary