Doubt not the PFA’s resolve
What might the founding fathers of Australian police unionism have
envisaged all those years ago, for the future of their unions and
associations? Could they ever have imagined that, 90-odd years later,
a Canberra-based national representative body – led by police themselves
– would successfully take its place in the federal industrial arena?
Maybe even those who came after the founders would have strained
to picture not only the Police Federation of Australia, but also its
success in representing 47,000-odd cops across the nation.
It has succeeded, of course, through cross-border unity, wise decision-making
and the strength of its massive membership. As well, the federation’s
close association with its New Zealand counterpart remains an added
support.
Those who observed the recent opening by the Prime Minister of the
PFA’s Canberra offices likely felt proud and inspired, not just as
police and unionists, but also simply as Australians.
The scene on that evening was a true illustration of the result of
Aussie ingenuity, courage and commitment. And it had all been brought
to fruition by this nation’s cops. Fortunately, not one of the architects
of the PFA had ever been prepared to give up on the goal. The dream
of national representation had, for some, been Martin Luther King-like.
Political allegiances aside, one could scarcely deny the light of
importance in which the PFA shone through the presence of the PM.
The time John Howard made to attend – in his then busy legislative
session – spoke volumes of the PFA’s standing in national industrial
relations.
And, with that good standing, the PFA is now primed to forge ahead,
toward more industrial victories. Mr Howard himself made it clear
that he expected the organization would lobby his government vigorously.
His expectation was well-founded. Neither adversary, nor federation
member, should ever doubt the PFA’s resolve.
Long live the culture
In his address at the opening of the building, Mr Howard applauded
association members for raising $130,000 to assist the relatives of
US police killed on Sept 11. “Extraordinary generosity”, he said the
contribution showed.
And, the follow-up story, Cops’ miracle-kid daughter, told of a police
officer who called on a grieving colleague – whom he did not know
– to say he, too, had suffered, and that hope did exist.
To think that, over time and with invective, some have attacked the
police culture. They were, and are, ill-informed. One can hear the
collective cry of the many beneficiaries of the culture: long may
it live.
