Cash incentives and housing to lure NSW police to regional areas

Police officers who go bush will get cash incentives worth tens of thousands of dollars, subsidised housing and more career opportunities under a major bid to lure more cops to remote areas of NSW.

Police officers who go bush will get cash incentives worth tens of thousands of dollars, subsidised housing and more career opportunities under a major bid to lure more cops to remote areas of the state.

The Daily Telegraph can reveal that officers will be offered up to $36,000 in extra payments if they move from Sydney to selected regional locations.

The $7.5m scheme – which as a decision of government will go ahead regardless of who wins the election – will be rolled out from July 1. Incentives will also include housing at a rate of three per cent of an officer’s salary.

Officers who go bush will also have greater ability to move around with reduced mandatory tenure periods at specific locations.

The incentive scheme will apply to officers transferring to communities classified as remote, special remote and remote offshore locations including Broken Hill, Hay, Moree, Wee Waa, Walgett, Wentworth and Coonamble.

Police officers searching bushland for a missing person.

Officers already attached to remote and special remote locations who have been there for more than five years will get a one-off payment of $4300.

Under current arrangements, an officer who transferred to Broken Hill Police Station would receive a one-off payment and additional incentives up to the value of $9000 over five years.

Police removing marijuana crops scattered through bush and national parks.

Under the new scheme, this will increase to $36,000 over five years split into annual payments.

The increased incentives are designed to get more cops into regions that desperately need them.

“These new incentives aren’t just about encouraging officers to move to the bush, it’s about encouraging them to stay in these communities for up to five years, building their capabilities and gaining incredible career experience in a job that is like no other in the Force,” Deputy Premier and Police Minister Paul Toole said.

Police Commissioner Karen Webb said the new scheme would provide a great opportunity for officers looking to make a change.

“Policing in regional NSW brings a whole new set of skills to learn, and the rewards gained from working closely with small and unique communities is an experience you just can’t get in the big cities,” Ms Webb said.

Amid a competitive labour market, Ms Webb said the NSW Police force “will continue to strive towards providing the best benefits and working conditions possible to nurture and develop our officers”.

Police Association President Kevin Morton welcomed the move as a “significant financial win” for officers.

“This is about getting police in the right place at the right time. Our members operate at the heart of these remote communities and go above and beyond to protect and serve,” Mr Morton said. “For too long, police stations in remote areas have struggled to attract police officers. These improved incentives will go a long way to attract officers to serve these rural communities.”