May 1999 Volume 80 Number 5 "serving the protectors"
Straight to the Point
By Trevor Haskell  PASA Executive Committee Member

Moving On

There is an interesting mix of emotions when colleagues with whom we have interacted make the decision to leave. It can bring a mix of positive and negative feelings that range from envy to happiness.

It was so for me recently when I heard that Bob Nash had decided to retire. During my years in Welfare, Bob and Peter Walsh worked at the Academy (and other places recently). They have been the dynamic duo in my eyes. They are professional trainers who together developed into a powerful, knowledgeable, competent team who bounced off each other. At the same time, they had time for people. They shared their enthusiasm, knowledge and ideas and helped energise others. I was one of those whom they energised.

While they developed as a team, they also expanded as individuals but always seemed to keep a focus on their core goal: helping others to expand their own thoughts and knowledge. I have often talked about the way organisations often fail to value the human resources that are within it. In Bob and Peter I have often lamented what might have been achieved if managers of the day had fully utilised their creativity, knowledge and skills. Similarly, I have not until now thanked them personally - I guess I thought they would always be around to help me when I needed a brain to pick or someone to point me in the right direction.

I wish Bob well. Peter remains with us and I hope he will for a while yet. I thank them for helping to develop me. I have enjoyed my journey with them. I hope to catch up with Bob the new publican at the Echunga Hotel for a quiet reflection from time to time.

Moving On - Post Script

Easter brought my eldest daughter home from the bush (is Pt Augusta the “bush”?). She hit me with a thought as I was writing Moving On. “Isn’t it a shame that Ron Linnane has quit. He seemed like a nice guy who was committed to his work.”

This got me to thinking about the tragic loss of highly trained and competent people who have decided to pull the pin. Those who have resigned and retired each have a tale to tell about “why now”?

I am not one who sees moving on as a bad thing for individuals and I have witnessed many who have done so positively. For the organisation they leave behind, it is often not so positive. Yes, we joke about another promotional opportunity being available, but each separation means a lag time where we run one down for six to 18 months (or in recent days never replaced). Lost skills and experience, unnecessary training costs and so on mean that the organisation is devalued with each loss.

The sadness is that we, SAPOL, and the broader community, do little to acknowledge the loss and rarely even say thank you. I say to all those who have moved on “thank you”, from a colleague and member of the community. I may have never met you, but you have provided a support for me and my family. I appreciate your efforts and I know of the sacrifices that are required in the policing field to get it done.

I hope that you enjoy your new life paths. I also hope that you can reflect upon the positive times that made the “job” an interesting place to have been and build on the strengths that you have developed in your time with us.

Damn Reviews

As I write, the Welfare Section and its role are being reviewed. My initial response to the review was predictably negative but I managed to get control of my emotions and by the time I had the first interaction with the review team I was less inclined to attack.

The review has come at a time when I am supervising a social work student. The two events have made me reflect on my own counselling style, my role and the wider role of Welfare Section. It has made me consider what we do and how we do it. I have reflected on past readings and sought current information on how other similar agencies do their business.

The Welfare team has also reflected and considered our wish lists. What could we do if we had more; what if we had less? It has even made me think about where my life might be if the role was dispensed with.

Over the years we have tried to assist many. I have a vision that we have been relatively useful. There have been times where I know I have not succeeded and have not been useful to individuals. I would like members to take a few minutes to consider the Welfare Section. Could we do it better for you? Did we get it right or wrong? Would you use our service - why or why not? Each of us at Welfare has a wish to provide good service. I would very much appreciate feedback at this time of our reflection.

A short note or a phone call would suffice. We are:

Welfare Section
291 Greenhill Rd
Dulwich 5065
Internal post code 58
Ph: 8364 1011
Fax: 8332 4232
E-mail (private) haskell@senet.com.au
Or, through the Police Association (8212 3055).