PASA the achiever
One of the most important dates on South Australia’s industrial calendar
is that of the Police Association annual delegates’ conference. It
is the symposium at which debate flows freely on the issues which
members most want their association to pursue in the ensuing 12 months.
It is also a forum for full-time officials to outline to hard-working
delegates all the union has achieved in the previous 12 months.
State political leaders and national keynote speakers play a part
in the conference, too, as they bring their particular perspectives
on various police industrial issues.
But the positive reports of the association president and secretaries
spoke volumes of PASA’s skills as an advocate, negotiator, lobbyist,
and financial and business manager.
Just 10 of the key points that delegates heard were that the association:
- Had, in EB4, secured a pay offer which would set up its members
at the mid-point level of police wages across Australia, and result
in an average increase of 18.9 per cent within two years.
- Had succeeded in various lobbying exercises, such as that which
brought about draft legislation to “protect police and their families
who might be subjected to intimidation that...arises from their
police duty”.
- Had marshalled key lawyers, accountants, actuaries and business
leaders for advice and support.
- Would continue to provide oral evidence to the Parliamentary Select
Committee examining the staffing, resourcing and efficiency of SAPOL.
- Continued to be in a sound financial position.
- Continued to expand its industrial services.
- Had prepared its city warehouse investment property for lease,
in order to bring about an income stream.
- Had enhanced its website with the launch of a members-only area
on PASAWeb.
- Had exceeded the success it had expected from its newly introduced
branch structure.
- Enjoyed a participation rate of 99.4 per cent.
Results such as these give the membership cause only for continuing
confidence in its association.
Front-liners’ sacrifice
Front-line police officers will continue to walk beats, patrol city
streets and respond to public crises throughout this festive season.
They will sacrifice - as they always do - precious time with their
families and friends on Christmas Day.
For some officers, this Christmas Day might well come as one of
many they have worked - even consecutively - in recent years.
The many communities that enjoy these dedicated officers’ service
should understand and appreciate just what they give up for them.
The Police Journal applauds these men and women for their
efforts, and wishes them Godspeed on the streets over Christmas.
