New South Wales police are set to receive their highest pay increase in three decades making them the best paid officers in the country.
Under the four-year “once-in-a-generation” agreement, officers will receive a wage hike of between 22% and 39% – more than 10,000 officers will receive a pay rise of at least 25% during the period. The deal also includes back pay to 1 July.
“This offer exceeds any other police jurisdiction across the country,” said Kevin Morton – president of the Police Association of NSW. “This offer outstrips what we have seen accepted by other public sector agencies.”
The deal – which also includes allowances and accelerated pay scales – has been struck to bolster the force, which has suffered an acute shortage of officers over recent years. Indeed, NSW Police has an officer deficit of 2,000-plus.
In order to recruit and retain officers, the government has invested almost $678 million into NSW Police – the largest force in the country. “This is a transformative, once-in-a-generation offer for NSW Police,” treasurer Daniel Mookhey said.
Under the offer – which the PANSW has urged members to accept – a constable will be able to reach the level of senior constable within nine years, six years faster than the current system.
As well, senior officers will receive a one-off leadership retention payment of $5,400 for training new officers.
Other reforms include an abolishment of the wages cap, a scheme to pay students to study to become an officer, and programs to attract experienced officers and regional recruits to the force.
“We are proud to have reached an agreement that recognises the difficult and dangerous work police do to keep us safe,” police minister Yasmin Catley said. “The offer is now being put to the vote of members and I hope they are satisfied with what the government is offering.”
Acceptance of the deal will stave off any thoughts of industrial action by police officers – the Minns government is already dealing with a state-wide nurses strike over its reluctance to meet pay demands.
Speaking of Wednesday’s strike, health minister Ryan Park said: “I’m disappointed that the Nurses and Midwives Association chose to not follow through on what was asked of them, which was not to take industrial action.”
NSW train workers also engaged in industrial action this week in a battle for better pay and conditions.
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