It's time for - The Police Association Victoria

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Email journal@tpav.org.au or write to us at
PO box 76, Carlton South 3053
Ill-health retirement
It is with sadness that I find myself advising
you of my forced retirment from the Victoria
Police Force effective 12 March 2011. It still
amazes me that the job that most of us give
our heart and soul to can treat its members
so poorly once they are injured and unable
to be operation.
In December 1981 I was involved in a police
accident which caused an injury to my back. I
then re-injured my back on duty in 1983, 1985
and 2000. I took very little time off work and
put up with the pain and discomfort. Finally
the injury which, literally, broke the camel’s
back came in October 2005. After a period off
work, in which I worked hard to rehabilitate
myself, I returned to work on light dutires. As
with many members, I tried too hard too soon
and found myself off work again.
Now, after four years of non-operational
duties I find myself superfluous to the needs
of the police force. That fact that I am qualifeid in
prosecutions, speed measuring device instruction
and have a wealth of knowledge to assist
the younger troops all amounts to nothing.
I would like to take this opportunity to
thank Sergeant Warren Groves and Senior
Constable Tracey Prasser for their calls
and visits to keep my spirits up during the
rehab period. Thanks also to Mick and Carol
Mannix and a host of other workers who
kept in touch. The greatest thanks has to go
to my wonderful wife, Lee and my children
for putting up with the lows.
Thank you to Kaye Murphy of the Association
who assisted me greatly during the 2009 −
2010 period of the Force redeployment fiasco.
I could have uprooted my family from their
home in Swan Hill and moved to Melbourne
to take on a non-operational position. In a
job that puts a great deal of strain on any
relationship this was not an option.
It has been an honour and privilege to wear
this uniform and work with a number of
fantastic people, but the experience has
been soured by the last few years.
To those who remain to fight the good fight
take care, but most of all, be well.
Stuart Tompsett
Ex Senior Constable 22769
New Zealand
earthquake appeal
Kia Ora,
Thank you for your generosity in donating
to the NZ Police Association Charitable
Trust. Your contribution will go some way
to alleviating the financial and traumatic
effects of the earthquake on our colleagues
and their families.
Really moved by the generosity, Greg. Your
members here also contributed generously
from their allowances.
Greg O’Connor
President NZ Police Association
We welcome your letters to the Journal. In all
cases the writer’s name must be supplied.
Names will be published unless there is
a good reason for anonymity. The editor
reserves the right to edit, abridge, or decline
letters without explanation. Letters under
400 words are preferred
Flood Levy
Last month we informed you of an
anomaly that would mean people
receiving a lump sum payment in the
2011 − 2012 financial year would have to pay
the flood levy on that sum.
The PFA is in negotiations with the
Federal Government to attempt to remove
superannuation payments from the
Levy, but there is no immediate, tangible,
indication that Government will have done
so by the beginning of the 2011/2012
Financial year.
In spite of two submissions by the Police
Federation of Australia to House of
Representatives and Senate inquiries
regarding unintended consequences of the
Flood and Cyclone Levy Bill, the Bill passed
without addressing its concerns.
ABOVE: Brisbane CBD under water.
Therefore, people under 60 years of age
who retire or are made redundant in the
2011-2012 financial year may have their
benefits taxed by the extra amount of
the flood levy.
Any police officer in this situation would be
wise to seek financial advice on means of
ensuring they are not affected by the extra
tax on superannuation lump sums or on
payments like long service leave payments.
The Police Association Victoria Journal May 2011 29