Correspondence
Queensland Police Union
2.2 per cent wage increase for police vs
minimum $57,000 pay-out for politicians
Police Association Of
New South Wales
In a nutshell, Queensland Police were offered a 2.2
per cent wage increase per year over the next three
years, which is in-line with recent wage offers to other
Queensland public servants.
The QPU were also able to retain other hard-won rights
and conditions that were on the table for discussion,
such as six weeks leave for all members, when there
wa s some talk of only four weeks recreation leave for
non-operational staff. Although not exactly jumping for
joy with the pay increase, the QPU believes it is the best
offer available in these tight economic times.
It was a decision made in 2009 to curb politicians’
wages in the interests of austerity and it has been
deemed to be ‘illegal’. There was uproar from unions
and the public in general when they compared the 2.2
per cent wage increase offered to many public servants
with the resulting minimum $57,000 payout for MPs.
The Attorney-General stated an independent tribunal
assesses MP’s wages, yet the very same AttorneyGeneral has been instrumental in dismantling the
powers of the independent Queensland Industrial
Relations Commission (QIRC) to emphatically favour
employers and the Government. The QIRC’s framework
has been so hopelessly nobbled that a success similar to
that which was achieved in the last EB is impossible.
Unions and the community are thus perplexed by
the difference in these ‘independent tribunals’, and
they are also perplexed as to why legislation cannot
be considered to create a level playing field between
politicians and other government employees. Why not
legislate to ensure politicians receive a 2.2 per cent pay
rise like all other public servants?
The Attorney-General’s response was that retrospective
legislation is, ‘… repugnant to all parliaments and
political parties’, yet he seems to forget that his
government has recently introduced retrospective
legislation to target organisations that the LNP view as
their true opposition, Unions.
In any case, Premier Campbell Newman has now
returned from holidays and has vowed to review the
pay-rise for politicians. Meanwhile, members of the QPU
are in the process of voting on the enterprise bargaining
agreement and many have vowed to review their
preferences come the next election.
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NORTHERN TERRITORY POLICE NEWS
But Senior Constable Rixon was unaware of this
background as he approached the driver saying, “G’day
mate, how are you going? Just going to breath-test you
buddy.” These, his last words, were recorded on his in-car
recorder. There followed the sound of gun shots and then,
chillingly, the killer’s words, “Die... I’m sorry, sorry sir.”
Retirements
Despite being shot through the heart and lung, Senior
Constable Rixon returned fire, critically wounding
Jacobs, and then partially handcuffed him in a final
act of heroism. The 40-year-old Officer – and father
of six – later died at the scene of his injuries. He was
posthumously awarded the Commissioner’s Valour
Award for conspicuous merit and exceptional bravery
whilst under fire.
David Rixon murderer convicted
Executive members of the Queensland Police Union
(QPU) have spent the last couple of weeks travelling
throughout the state to as many stations as possible
to talk to members about the result of the enterprise
bargaining negotiations with the Queensland Police
Service (QPS) and State Government.
These ‘tight economic times’ have led to the slashing of
14,000 jobs in Queensland’s public service in the past 12
months, yet the Attorney-General Jarrod Bleijie barely
seems to have noticed. He recently announced a hefty
pay-rise for politicians after the overturning of a decision
made by ex Labor Premier Anna Bligh.
Jacobs, who was driving without a licence, potentially
faced jail time for the offence.
As a result, I wish to tender my resignation from the
NT Police Association effective from that date.
In the Supreme Court, Jacobs pleaded not guilty to
murder, instead laying the blame on a local drug dealer.
Outside the court, Mrs Rixon, who was clearly feeling
the strain of the proceedings, said, "I'm just relieved,
David deserved this... he really did."
I have resigned from the NT Police Force effective
from the close of business on Wednesday the 5th
June 2013.
I would like to thank the Association, its Executive,
ordinary members and the support staff who have
given so much help and support to the broader police
community during my 32 years as a serving police
officer. I leave with many fond and lasting memories
of my time as a member of this Association and the
NT Police Force.
I wish you and your members all the best for the future.
WAPOL reform agenda
Chris Lyndon
Sergeant 1180
Squad 34/81
On Monday 15 July, in front of a packed courtroom, the
murderer of NSW Police Officer Senior Constable David
Rixon VA was found guilty as charged by a jury of his peers.
Due to the expected scale of the reform, the Union has
engaged with the Agency in order to keep abreast of
the process as it unfolds.
It is with much regret that I tender my required 14
days’ notice of resignation today as Senior Auxiliary
of the Northern Territory Police Force.
There was a palpable sense of vindication while David
Rixon’s widow, Fiona, shed quiet tears as the verdict was
announced. There had been many harrowing moments
during Michael Allan Jacobs’s month-long trial in the
Supreme Court.
We have been in monthly talks with Deputy Commissioner
Steve Brown and his reform team to mitigate any potential
negative impacts on our Members.
I have met and had the privilege to work with many
lovely people of my 7 years with NTPol.
WA Police Union
David and Fiona Rixon in happier times
President of the Police Association Scott Weber said,
“David Rixon was a Police hero... he gave his life
protecting the community.
“He locked up his own murderer. Today we saw an
extremely quick judgment that came back from the jury
highlighting that this offender is guilty of the murder of
David Rixon.
“Police across the state and also family and friends are
extremely happy with this result and it highlights that
David Rixon did not give his life in vain.”
Jacobs will now be sentenced under legislation for
mandatory life without parole for murdering a Police
Officer. Mandatory cop killer legislation was passed by
the NSW government in June 2011, following a long
campaign by the Police Association of NSW.
Tragically, the circumstances surrounding Senior Constable
Rixon’s fatal shooting on 2 March 2012 highlighted the
dangerous and life-threatening situations Police encounter
each time they go out on shift.
A highly experienced highway patrol officer, Senior
Constable Rixon pulled Jacobs over for a routine
random breath test in Lorraine Street, Tamworth.
Since it was announced, the WA Police reform strategy,
Frontline 2020, has been heralded as the biggest shakeup to Policing since the Delta reforms.
These meetings have been positive and Deputy
Commissioner Brown has assured me that the Union
will remain a major stakeholder and be consulted at all
stages of the reform process.
I would like to remind Members, Frontline 2020 will be
a long and extensive process. Rumours about suspected
changes are not helpful and I have asked the Agency to
place a top priority on communication with Members.
Therefore, I hereby also relinquish my membership
with NTPA.
I appreciate all the assistance provided by NTPA over
that 7 years, as well as working together at times in
regards to medals for deserving members.
Leanne Atherton
Senior Auxiliary #4389
TADIS installation
There are still some operational Police vehicles that are
not equipped with TADIS.
The Tasking and Data Information Service is a necessity
for frontline Officers who use it to access Police computer
networks, including the national criminal database, to
check persons of interest and view offender photographs.
The Union is aware that isolated towns such as
Kellerberrin and Southern Cross have operational
vehicles that do not have TADIS units fitted. There are
no doubt many more.
I have since written to the Commissioner outlining our
expectation that as a minimum, all general duties and
traffic vehicles should be fitted with TADIS.
Do you have an opinion on any of the
stories you read in the NT PoliceNews?
Do you have an article you’d like to submit?
Or would you liketo write to us?
Send your letters or articles to
[email protected] or
The Editor, NTPA Police News,
PO Box 2350, Darwin NT 0801
I now await a response.
NORTHERN TERRITORY POLICE NEWS
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