November 2002 Volume 83 Number 11 "serving the protectors"

Association the membership

Dear Andy

As a former member with continuing links to PASA, I read with interest the declaration of results of the recent ballot for committee vacancy left upon the retirement of Ian Hills. I should declare that I am married to unsuccessful candidate, Peter Schulze.

Trevor Milne must be congratulated on his successful election, and members, I am sure, will be well served by his dedication to the union. My interest in this particular election isn’t with the candidates, however. I was concerned, and deeply so, at the statistics that were returned from this most recent ballot.

Of the 3,886 ballot papers issued, 2,263 were not returned. This means that for every 10 PASA members sitting around the meal table at any given workplace, on any given day, only four participated in the election by marking and returning their ballot slips.

“So what?” I can imagine some members thinking. Well, I’d ask these members to consider this. Wandering around the Federal Parliament where I now work from time to time, I risk crossing paths with Federal Workplace Relations Minister Tony Abbott. This bloke would get a great deal of joy at seeing figures like I’ve just discussed, and would not hesitate, I’m sure, to use the poor ballot return as an example of the irrelevance of trade unions in a modern workplace.

Some PASA members may well agree with him, but remember there are those within our state industrial affairs system who will try hard to exploit any crack in the solidarity of PASA members at future negotiations for their next enterprise agreement.

When I was a PASA member years ago, I was forever hearing people asking: “What is the association doing about...?” From what I understand, it appears that little has changed on that front. The same answer applies for the present as it did in the past. The association isn’t just some “suits” occupying office space in Carrington Street. It might sound cliché, but the association is, of course, the membership.

The best thing that the membership can do for itself in this context is to get interested, get active and participate. There is another chance coming up with the opening of the ballot in November for delegates’ positions for 2003-04. New members unfamiliar with candidates should take the opportunity to become informed about the process and the identities involved. Delegates deserve better support than a 41 per cent return. Honour these people for their dedication by marking and returning the ballot papers.
Karen Schulze (née Baker) JP

Proud branch president

Dear Andy

The ACTU Indigenous Unionists Conference was held in Brisbane from September 9 to 10, 2002.

I, along with Trish Maling and yourself had the honour of attending the initial IUC sponsored by the ACTU in Melbourne in October, 2001. As you know I am a proud unionist and particularly proud to be a member of our association. My chest filled with pride when we all had to do the round-the-conference intro and I announced to one and all that I was the ATSI branch president of PASA. The ACTU president, Sharan Burrow, made comment that PASA can and should hold its head high because of our branch structure.

The initial conference was, I consider, very successful, considering that other unions represented at the conference have taken a page out of PASA’s book and formed ATSI branches in their respective unions.

Sixty ATSI unionists attended the Brisbane conference from all over our great land. I personally got a lot more out of this conference than the first (which is to be expected). On the first day we held workshops relating to improving working conditions for people on such schemes as CDEP, which is another word for work for the dole. I had some input into this because I was involved with the first CDEP in the 1980s, when I was in Port Augusta for DEIR, as it was known then.

Day two was an eye-opener. The keynote speaker was Joan Kirner, who gave an inspirational speech (she put the fire in the guts of all in attendance) – what a great person to have as a guest speaker. We also had another workshop and shared information about what our respective unions were about and achieving for our members. Some good ideas came from the NT branch of the AEU that we have and are discussing within the ATSI branch in terms of a future EB.

On day three (Sept 11), the return flight from Brisbane was non-eventful, however, once in beautiful Adelaide, I discovered that my flight to Lincoln was RT No. 504. I was a little concerned, with good reason, because the aircraft’s engine had gone 504 prior to our boarding so, as you can see, I got back home safe and sound (thanks to the great architect in the sky).

Please accept my heart-felt thanks for assisting me in attending the conference. And be assured that our beloved association is held in high regard by all who attended.
Yours truly
Gil Green
President
ATSI Branch
Police Association of South Australia

Seeking international contacts

Dear Andy

I need your help. Do you have an e-mail address for the Police Federation of England and Wales? If so, can I have it?

I wish to start a collection of police memorabilia from around the world. It has always been an interest I’ve wished to pursue, and I figure it is time to start.

If any Police Association members have any contacts in the police forces around the world, I would ask that they contact me. I can be reached at either Holden Hill Crime Scene (44) or by e-mail (stully@chariot.net.au).
Regards
Steve Tully

Editor’s note:
The Police Federation of England and Wales
15/17 Langley Road – Surbiton
Surrey KT6 6LP England
E-mail: CorporateAffairs@jcc.polfed.org

Ten-year-old supporter

Dear Editor

After hearing about Lyn White (Saving True Victims, Police Journal, January 2001) and her crusade to help the Asian bears, my 10-year-old daughter would like to send Ms White a letter, offering her support.

Could you please tell me where she should send her letter?

Thank you in anticipation.
Yours sincerely
Anne-Louise Dubrawski
Bunbury, WA

Editor’s note:
Supporters should address mail to:
Lyn White
Animals Asia Foundation
PO Box 1, Woodside, SA, 5244, or
E-mail: lwhite@animalsasia.org

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