New deal on table: Police pay row end in sight
The stoush between the NT Police Force and NT Government over a new pay deal may soon be over with the NT Police Association unanimously agreeing to endorse the latest offer.
The stoush between the Northern Territory Police Force and NT Government over a new pay deal may soon be over with the NT Police Association unanimously agreeing to endorse the latest offer.
All that stands between sign-off is a vote of members.
The latest four year offer on the table gives Territory officers a 5 per cent pay increase in the first year followed by 4 per cent in the second year and 3 per cent in each of the following two years.
The offer also includes a one-off 5 per cent structural increase to the base salary of the Aboriginal Community Police Officer (ACPO) classification from the first year of the agreement.
The new pay deal, if accepted, will be paid from August 8 when the NT Government commenced discussions with the NT Police Association executive members.
The new deal will cement NT Police as the highest paid in the nation.
The pay row looked to be headed to arbitration earlier this month after Northern Territory Police overwhelmingly rejected the government’s 14 per cent salary increase offer over four years.
Police Association president Nathan Finn said 1120 members participated in the consent agreement ballot, with “a staggering” 81 per cent voting no to the offer.
At the time Mr Finn said members were angry and exhausted and he accused the NT Government of undervaluing their commitment and sacrifice.
The NTPA is expected to make a formal announcement about the offer today.
Minister for Public Service Jo Hersey said the agreement locked in the Territory’s position at the top of the national pay scale.
“NT Police are already the highest paid in the country, and this deal ensures Constables, Senior Constables, Sergeants and Senior Sergeants remain number one, with Superintendents second highest nationally,” Ms Hersey said.
“This pay rise is about recognising the difficult work our police do every day, retaining our experienced officers, and attracting more to the force,” Minister Hersey said.
“We want police right across Australia to know the NT offers the best pay, a rewarding career, and a unique Territory lifestyle.”
