Cape York on-call officer allowances stripped by Queensland Police
The police union had delivered a scathing rebuke of a decision to strip on-call officer allowances they claim will deliver poorer outcomes for remote communities, however the top brass says changes are aimed at managing fatigue and wellbeing of staff.
The police union had delivered a scathing rebuke of a decision to strip on-call officer allowances they claim will deliver poorer outcomes for remote communities, however the top brass says changes are aimed at managing fatigue and wellbeing of staff.
On-call allowances for all Officers in Charge across Cape York police stations and Thursday Island have been removed, however the decision does not mean officers can’t claim overtime when recalled to duty for an emergency situation.
Coen, Lockhart River, Pormpuraaw, Aurukun, Weipa, Kowanyama, Thursday Island and Bamaga police stations are understood to be impacted by a decision that has only been applied to the Far North Police District.
Queensland Police Union industrial manager Dion Readman said changes to on-call pay was a “low blow” to some of Queensland’s most remote communities.
“Currently OICs who live and work in these rural and remote communities are paid just $3.62 an hour to be constantly available to respond to any issue or crisis that develops in the community,” he said.
“Often their experience, intervention and direction calms tensions before they become dangerous or people are harmed.
“This decision to rip money out of the hands of police is only affecting OICs in the Far North,
“Police in the Far North should not be robbed to cover for budgetary mistakes made by some QPS bureaucrat with a calculator in Brisbane.”
It’s understood officers can no longer be contacted by their communities outside rostered shifts without incurring overtime costs and the Cairns-based District Duty Officer is now expected to fill gaps in calls for service.
Queensland Police Service stated officers in the Far North District remain available 24-hours a day seven days a week to serve the community and respond to incidents while maintaining there has been no change to community access to police services.
“The Far North District utilises a 24/7 roster of District Duty Officers at senior sergeant rank, to supervise and manage major incidents across the district,” a spokesman said.
“Mayors in the Far North District can contact the executive officer (of the) Cairns Disaster Management Group out of hours in relation to weather events.
“The QPS is committed to ensuring the wellbeing and managing fatigue for all staff members.
“Officers are entitled to the right to disconnect and enjoy recreational time when off duty, ensuring they remain healthy, resilient, and able to provide the highest standard of service to the community.”
Originally published as Cape York on-call officer allowances stripped by Queensland Police
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