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Chief Commissioner broadens attack on Association and members' rights
Members will recall that in a judgment handed down on 18 April 2008, Federal Court Justice Ryan decided: "I am satisfied that, if the evidence remains as it is, the [Association] will probably succeed in establishing that the investigation by Victoria Police of the Bullying Allegations against Mullett has been for a prohibited reason or for reasons that included a prohibited reason as described in s793(1)(a), (j) and (k) of the WRA [Workplace Relations Act 1996 – C'th]". Faced with a Federal Court decision that it is seriously arguable that the Chief Commissioner has broken the law, you would think Ms Nixon would have called a halt to the bullying investigation. Not on your nelly. It has now emerged in the Federal Court case that the Chief Commissioner is proposing to extend the investigation, demanding Association Executive members and Association officials submit to interrogation about what happened at a special delegates' conference on 10 May 2006 and at an Executive meeting on 6 June 2006. Ms Nixon wants all the members of the then Executive interrogated, of whom two are apparently in the gun, plus two other Association officials, both of whom are said to be targets of allegations. This is an unprecedented and outrageous interference by the Chief Commissioner in the internal affairs of your independent Police Association. Meanwhile, Ms Nixon and the State of According to the Chief Commissioner and the State Labor government, every single worker in Ms Nixon and the Brumby government want a subservient and docile police force and a tame cat Police Association so they can trample on our conditions and our rights. They should think again. Every step they take only hardens the resolve of members and makes your Association even more determined to defend and advance members' conditions, interests and rights.
Bruce McKenzie Assistant Secretary |
5 June
