Focus on the follow-up
With its history of international keynote speakers, panel discussions
and lively debates, the Police Association annual delegates’ conference
always proves to be an enlivening experience. This year’s symposium
– held last month – was no exception.
Present were Premier Mike Rann, Opposition Leader Rob Kerin, Deputy
Premier and Police Minister Kevin Foley, Shadow Police Minister Robert
Brokenshire, and Deputy Commissioner John White.
The media had, for days before the conference, predicted that Mr
Rann would make a positive announcement on the police numbers issue.
But, even as he entered Fenwick Hall for the Tuesday morning opening,
no one could know for certain.
Nonetheless, the association building was abuzz, as TV news crews
– which later spilled out onto Carrington St for a media scrum – filmed
Messrs Rann and Kerin addressing a room full of fired-up delegates
and interstate police union officials.
As it turned out, Mr Rann had chosen the conference at which to announce
his commitment to increase police numbers – by more than any premier
had in the state’s history. His welcome statement earned applause.
The Police Association had run a vigorous campaign for increased
police numbers. Mr Rann’s announcement was the next stage in a continuing
industrial process. The association must now concern itself with the
follow-up.
It will wait to hear and assess the further announcement Mr Rann
has promised to make on the issue this month. Some of the key questions
before than are: how many recruits can be expected, and over what
period might they filter into the system?
Supreme contribution
Those who suffered most in the horrific Bali bombings of last year
were, of course, the victims. But among those who faced the next greatest
challenge were Australian police officers, flown in to help with the
most gruesome of tasks.
Many had only moments’ notice that they were headed for the overseas
crime scene. Once there, and in trying conditions, all contributed
their skills – but did so among human body parts, charred wreckage
and outpourings of grief.
Mr Rann, in his address to the Police Association annual delegates’
conference, rightly recognized the SA officers who distinguished themselves
through their efforts in Bali.
Among those he named, were OAM recipients Superintendent Andy Telfer,
Snr Sgt Michael Wright and Sgt Dianne Reynolds. He also acknowledged
Det Snr Sgt Maris Akermanis, Snr Sgt Philip Vincent, Sergeants Catherine
Gregory, Paul Sheldon, Marie Staffin-Gardiner, Christopher Hackett,
and Senior Constables Julie Brown, Ian Fisher, Janet Forrest, John
Lewis and Geoffrey Parker.-
The Police Journal, too, congratulates these officers on their
supreme contribution.
