September 1998 Volume 79  Number 9 "serving the protectors"
President's Message

The Police Association and SAPOL have been involved in debate about enterprise bargaining and the new police bill in recent months. This debate has drawn public comment which, at times, has been understandably acrimonious. The Association makes no apology for pursuing these issues, at all levels, as a means of representing members' interests.

For its part, SAPOL has expressed concern about public comment by some members regarding such issues. There can be no doubt that any such comment should be responsibly made and reflect relevant circumstances fairly.

The right of free speech is something which democratic countries consider fundamental. Nowhere is this more evident than in the right to debate publicly issues before our Parliament(s). Amendments to the Police Act are just such an issue. To deny police officers the right to debate publicly such an issue is a fundamental breach of their democratic rights.

Equally, the State Industrial and Employee Relations Act provides that employees may not be prejudiced in their employment for participating in an industrial dispute. Logically, this must include commenting about such a dispute.

Discussions with the Police Department have already commenced regarding appropriate protocols for public statements concerning industrial issues. We acknowledge the desirability of achieving an agreed position on public statements.

The Association will, however, do whatever is required to ensure that the right of any member to express legitimate opinion is protected.

Neither veiled threat nor intimidation will weaken our resolve in this regard.

Peter Alexander   President

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South Australia Police
"Creating a safer community"

 

To all PASA delegates and committee members

Dear ____

I am writing to you personally to express my concerns at the practice of some Police Association delegates in making public statements, reported in the media, on industrial matters related to SAPOL.

SAPOL values the role of worksite representatives in producing positive employee relationships. It is because of this that SAPOL supports your efforts locally, expects managers to positively respond to issues raised by you, and approves attendance at delegates' conferences in paid time.

The conduct of police officers regarding public statements to the media is regulated by General Order 2590 and I expect any statements relating to SAPOL by paid employees to comply with that Order.

There will be times when industrial matters will be discussed in public forums. When this occurs I expect that public comments will be made by paid officials of the Police Association. The role of Police Association delegates is to represent their members in relation to local worksite issues and this assists both SAPOL and the Police Association in managing employee relations.

These views have been conveyed to the Police Association. I would be pleased to address any concerns you might wish to raise on this topic and can be contacted by telephoning 8204 2955 (or Superintendent Trueman on telephone 8204 2254).

Yours sincerely

Joan Russell
DIRECTOR, HUMAN RESOURCES

13 August 1998