Police union’s Shane Tilley says reverting to old rostering system will put public safety at risk

The Police Association of Tasmania is angry that management plan to go back to an old rostering system they say will lead to officer fatigue. Read their concerns.

Shane Tilley, president of the Police Association of Tasmania at the offices in New Town. Picture: Linda Higginson

The police union has slammed a management decision to go back to a 30-year-old rostering system describing it as a “betrayal of frontline officers” which will jeopardise public safety.

Acting Deputy Commissioner Adrian Bodnar confirmed all 24/7 stations would return to the award compliant Ottawa roster on July 7 and said all members had been “consulted extensively”.

But Police Association of Tasmania president Shane Tilley says it is a “regressive step” and the decision should be immediately reversed.

Two years ago, police began trialling a modern “6 on 6 off” and “4 on 4 off” roster.

“To abandon modern roster reforms and revert to a 30-year old scheduling system is more than just a bureaucratic misstep — it’s a betrayal of the frontline officers who put their physical and mental wellbeing on the line every single day for the safety of our communities,” Mr Tilley said.

Shane Tilley, president of the Police Association of Tasmania. Picture: Linda Higginson

“These trial rosters weren’t just workplace preferences, they were foundational to improving officer health, boosting retention, and recruiting the next generation of police.

“The return to the Ottawa roster — a five-week rotating cycle culminating in seven consecutive night shifts — is a regressive step.

“This isn’t just about comfort or convenience, it’s about public safety.”

Mr Tilley questioned whether it was a way of saving money.

“With pressure mounting on the state budget, it’s hard not to see this as a cost-cutting measure disguised as operational necessity.

“But it’s a false economy.

“Whatever short-term savings are made by reverting to outdated rosters will be eclipsed by the long-term costs of burnout, turnover, and rising workers compensation claims — already nearing a staggering 16 per cent.

“The people paying the price will not just be our frontline police officers but every Tasmanian who depends on them.”

The association has challenged in the Industrial Commission the Police Commissioner’s authority to end the trial of the new roster.

Mr Bodnar said while the decision from the Commission was still pending, the current roster trial would expire on July 3.

Tasmania Police Assistant Commissioner Adrian Bodnar and Minister Felix Ellis. Picture: Tasmanian Government

“We need to ensure rosters are focused on safety of our members, are sustainable and demonstrate a business benefit including service delivery to the community,” he said.

“A timely decision has been required in order for our member’s certainty and planning around their lives outside work, including, but not limited to, childcare or other caring responsibilities.

“The executive have taken on board member feedback that rosters need to be teams-based and foster a collegial ‘one police service’ environment, as well as the value and importance of consistent management and supervision.”

Mr Bodnar said management wanted a roster that “can maximise our policing service and our response to the community, the ability to manage shift numbers to achieve frontline staffing numbers and the ability to manage member fatigue risks (both immediate and cumulative)”.

“Tasmania Police’s executive is committed to working with areas to continue to explore roster reform and will shortly establish a working group which the Police Association will be invited to be a part of,” he said.

Mr Tilley said police who were “well-rested and mentally fit” were more effective in a crisis and less likely to require time off due to stress or injury.

“The trial modern rosters were hailed as ‘nation leading’ and were a centrepiece of Tasmania Police’s own recruitment campaigns.

“You can’t serve and protect the public if you are running on empty.”

Originally published as Police union’s Shane Tilley says reverting to old rostering system will put public safety at risk