January 1999 Volume 80 Number 1 "serving the protectors"
The Readout

Rumour Abounds

In most large organisations one will always find rumours and innuendo circulating about one thing or another. SAPOL is no different - on occasion rumour and innuendo abound. Why is this so?

We are often told that we should not be the ones to spread unfounded opinions, which take the shape of rumours and spread through the workplace like wildfire. However, the department can sometimes be solely responsible for this occurring.

When the department fails to communicate with its members; fails to provide feedback or keep members informed, then they cannot blame members for spreading rumours. If members are kept in the dark as to what is going on in the organisation they will form their own opinions which quickly spread from member to member in the form of rumour-mongering.

As we are all aware, there has been a lot of criticism and rumours about our current selection process for promotional positions. Rumours have circulated about the unfairness of the whole process, with allegations of flaws and nepotism - the list goes on. Couple this with the time it takes to finally notify successful applicants and you may have the reason why something is definitely not quite kosher.

One can ask whether there is any truth to these rumours. Where there is smoke there is often fire, but I’ll leave you to form your own conclusions based upon your own experiences.

We can all probably think about positions that have dragged on through the selection process for months, and months... and more months.

One that currently comes to mind is the rumour about the three recent field training officer positions. I use the term “recent” rather tongue-in-cheek: the positions were advertised in the SAPG on 18 February.

The selection committee has met and interviewed several applicants who made it to the interview stage. I’m assuming that three applicants were chosen, after all, that is the purpose of the selection committee. So what has happened since then? At the time of writing - absolutely nothing.

When I say nothing, a little bird told me that the selections were in fact made by the selection committee and these went up to our HR chief, Ms. Joan Russell, and that is where the bottom appears to have dropped out of the barrel.

I have spoken to a couple of the applicants who made it to the interview stage and when asked: “Have you heard anything yet”, the reply has been a resounding “No”.

I formed the impression that members are just a little bit annoyed.

So, what is the hold-up you may ask? The selection committee made its determination and sent it up for endorsement by our HR head. So why hasn’t it received the rubber stamp of approval, and why haven’t all applicants been informed of their success or otherwise?

This, my dear friends, is where, and why the rumours begin. Members are getting a wee bit sick of having codes of conduct, statements of values etc shoved in their faces when rumours abound about the department itself not adhering to these principles. Such phrases as, “Well, so much for their so-called merit selections” and questions doubting SAPOL’s integrity are not so much whispered in the coffee room anymore but are now becoming more audible.

There may be a fair and legitimate reason for the hold-up on this particular selection (as with others in the past), but the problem is no one has bothered to tell the applicants formally, or anyone else for that matter, why these hold-ups occur and what is happening in the meantime. This breeds rumours and if they are in fact unfounded or without substance it does nothing but cause damage to the reputation and good name of SAPOL.

I have seen a draft copy of selection procedures for NCO positions which came before the PASA committee and which makes mention of the whole process being completed in a timely manner. It gives what I believe are realistic timeframes from when the position is first advertised in the gazette to the subsequent notification back in the gazette. This will shorten what has often been a long drawn-out process which has caused untold frustration to members and will go a long way in eliminating the negative rumour and innuendo surrounding the selection procedures. The sooner the draft eventuates the better in my opinion.

In the meantime members want to know the answer to the question, “What in the hell is happening with the FTO positions?”

Is anyone out there listening and able to give an answer? Don’t hold your breath.

Barbara Parfitt
PASA Executive Committee Member

Where to Holiday

Many of your readers will remember Rod Hall - formally of Technical Services, Community Affairs and Communications. When he received his package from “God” he and Maureen shifted camp to Bargara, Queensland, a small town a couple of kilometres from Bundaberg on the Coral Coast. I recently caught up with them and they asked me to send their kindest regards to everyone they know in SAPOL.

For those who don’t know, Rod bought a “Queenslander” in the centre of sugar cane and melon fields (a magnificent sight). He spent much money and energy converting the house into a “Bed and Breakfast”. The result is a credit to them and an apt reward was certification by the Royal Automobile Club of Queensland that the premises were rated four star, the highest award you can get. The house is beautifully presented with three double bedroom with ensuite upstairs and other suites downstairs. Of course, there is the mandatory swimming pool, bar and games room.

Bargara is a pretty little town about three-and-a-half hours’ drive north of Brisbane in the centre of everything Queensland is reputed for. There are two lovely beaches with on having a small coral reef just metres from the shore. Of course, it if is coral, fish and beautiful scenery you want, you can’t go past Lady Musgrave and Lady Elliott Islands only a short distance away. The resort areas of Fraser Island and Hervey Bay are just down the road and as most will know, this is the area for whale watching and turtle watching.

If you don’t like any of that, then the Bundaberg Rum Distillery is just a couple of kilometres away with visitors welcome; there are also arts and crafts workshops to be seen. If the women want to shop there are many large shops of all persuasions. If the blokes don’t want to see the damage to their wallets then they can go to Schmeider’s Cooperage and watch them make kegs - they also seel them cheap.

To say that Bargara is impressive is to say the least; it is one of the prettiest places I have been to. If your readers are travelling to Queensland in the near future or even looking for a great place to holiday then they would be mad if they didn’t at least stop by Bargara for a moment. If they are looking for magnificent accommodation at very reasonable rates then they would be silly not to ring Rod or Maureen on (07) 4159 0909 or even fax them on (07) 4159 0916 for details.

Parts of Rod’s heart are still with the members of SAPOL so be prepared to be asked many questions about the job and you won’t stop laughing at the reminiscing over a beer, wine or coffee. I have a few brochures so if anyone wants one just ring me on 8207 5316 or 8207 5301 or drop me a line or send me an e-mail.

Alec Hope
Adelaide Crime Scene
Technical Services