It's time for - The Police Association Victoria

photos by gregnoakes.com
Resounding call for action
More than 2,000 members of The Police Association sent
a clear message to the government when they voted
unanimously to endorse planned industrial action at a
special general meeting held earlier this month.
It was standing room only at Dallas Brooks
and there was no doubt in the mood of the
meeting. The ‘ayes’ rang out through the
hall as members rejected the disgraceful
pay offer that would see them earning less
over coming years.
"The time to talk is over. The time for action is
here," said Secretary Greg Davies. The message
to government was clear. "If you want a fight
we will give you a fight. It won’t be one we
started and it won’t be one we wanted ... but
it will be one we will finish. Send the message
that you are sick to death of politicians
destroying the police force of this state and
treating its members with contempt."
Discussing tradeoffs called for by the Force,
members at the meeting showed their
disgust at how the Force plans to treat
its people who cannot be OSTT qualified.
Sergeant Phil Cleggett, who has policed from
a wheelchair since a car accident in 1985
said the plan to rid the Force of members
who are not OSTT qualified "must be
discriminatory".
A member of the Highway Patrol told
the story of his life in the months
since an accident on duty left him dependent
If you want a fight
we will give you a
fight. It won’t be
one we started
and it won’t be
one we wanted ...
but it will be one
we will finish.
> Greg DAVIes
on drugs to get through the work day and
fighting to retain his position. "This can
happen to you," he said. "It just doesn’t
impact on your work life. It impacts on your
home life and the lives of your family."
There was never any doubt of how the
members felt. They are appalled by the
pay offer put on the table by the Bailleau
Government. The intention of the industrial
action strategy, that was also discussed at
ABOVE: The bike patrol arrives at the meeting.
the meeting, won’t put public safety at risk
but will cost the government money - and
lots of it.
"The tactics in the industrial action strategy
are designed to allow most members to
participate and to have an impact on the
Government and Victoria Police Command
rather than the public. The action will
not compromise community safety,"
said Greg Davies.
BELOW: Members arrive at the meeting.
BELOW: Sergeant Phil Cleggett at the meeting.
08 Protect Represent Support. www.tpav.org.au