Amy Hume
DISTRICT police officers have joined the fight for increased police wages across Victoria.
Graphic billboards depicting bruised and bloodied police officers made their way to Seymour and Kilmore last week as part of an advertising campaign for better police wages.
The Police Association is calling for an average increase of 4.5 per cent per annum, dissatisfied with the recent offer of 2.5 per cent.
Members from Kilmore, Wallan, Pyalong and Broadford police took a stand in East Street, Kilmore, on Thursday.
Police Association delegate for the Mitchell and Benalla area Darren Murphy said it was time for a change.
“The Police Association pay claim of an average of 4.5 per cent per annum across all police ranks is not over the top. In fact it is reasonable, credible, fair and affordable,” he said.
“A below-inflation offer of 2.5 percent per annum is an insult to our members.
“Our claim will not break the bank; it merely asked that police officers receive a decent wage for doing a job not many people want to do.”
Mr Murphy argued that police offers constantly put their lives on their line with more than 2000 police officers assaulted every year.
He said the current wages were not an enticing incentive for prospective recruits.
“Victorian constables are already the worst paid in the country. How are we going to attract 1700 new recruits while this situation continues?” he said.
Member for Seymour Cindy McLeish said the Victorian Coalition Government is “bargaining in good faith” with the Police Association and other employee bargaining representatives to reach a new workplace agreement.
“The government is confident that a wage outcome above 2.5 per cent can be reached if all parties are prepared to entertain reasonable compromises to improve workplace productivity,” she said.
“We understand that the negotiating parties are continuing to work constructively through the various issues that are yet to be agreed.”
She said at this time the government is conducting numerous negotiations towards new public sector enterprise agreements.
“The government believes that the new public sector enterprise agreements will reflect the valuable contribution that dedicated police officers and other public sector employees make to our community,” she said.
Mr Murphy said the campaign will continue around the state.





