Treasurer of Victoria Urges Police to Assist During Industrial Action

Victoria’s treasurer has urged police to consider the consequences of their actions as officers ramp up industrial action ahead of the Australian Football League (AFL) Grand Final.

Tim Pallas accused the police union of penalizing the community due to their own failure to ratify a previous pay offer.

“I would encourage police to reflect on the impact of their actions,” he told reporters on Sep. 20.

“The police association is well aware that they had agreed in principle with the government, but were unable to secure approval through a membership vote.

“It seems counterintuitive that they are taking action against the community and its interests as a result of their own shortcomings.”

Pallas indicated that the state would seek mediation from the Fair Work Commission to address disparities in the negotiations.

“We’re not treating this as a mere bargaining tactic in an ongoing negotiation process,” he said.

The verbal attack came after 15,000 officers voted to intensify efforts for improved pay and working conditions, including refraining from issuing on-the-spot traffic fines to drivers starting on Sep. 20.

This action is in addition to officers refusing to work at major and local events on their days off from Sep. 25, just three days before the AFL Grand Final.

Police are demanding a 24 percent pay raise over the next four years and the adoption of 8.5 hour shifts.

Police Association of Victoria secretary Wayne Gatt mentioned that officers typically volunteered for duty at major events, which carried lower penalty rates, but would now opt out as part of the protest.

“You will still see police at events like the grand final, but when you see that yellow vest, understand that the government will be paying the full amount, as it should, for their services on those days,” he informed reporters.

The same approach could apply to the Spring Racing Carnival, including the Melbourne Cup, if the protest continued into early November.

A police spokesperson assured that the grand final would be guarded by the usual number of officers as in previous years.

“Victoria Police will have an ample number of personnel at the AFL Grand Final Parade and AFL Grand Final,” the spokesperson stated.

A spokesperson for the state government stated that discussions between all parties were ongoing.

Earlier this month, police began warning motorists about speed camera locations, writing slogans on police cars, and parking outside government buildings.

The wage dispute elicited similar actions late last year, but they were paused during negotiations.

In May, a preliminary agreement was reached, with officers securing a transition to a nine-day fortnight and a 16 percent pay raise over four years.

However, police union members rejected the proposal.