‘Being held ransom’: NTPA calls for Hersey to stand aside from Police Consent Agreement negotiations
The NT Police union is demanding the Chief Minister remove Public Employment Minster Jo Hersey from her role overseeing negotiations for an agreement determining pay and conditions.
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The NT police union has demanded the Chief Minister intervene in stalled negotiations over pay and conditions, accusing the Public Service Minister of “a complete lack of interest” in reaching an agreement.
The Northern Territory Police Association (NTPA) said it was frustrated by Public Service Minister Jo Hersey’s inaction in resolving critical issues facing police, and said negotiations for the 2025 Police Consent Agreement were at a complete standstill.
The agreement is negotiated by the NTPA and government to determine conditions of service, wages, allowances and other industrial entitlements for Territory police, and the current three year contract is due to expire mid this year.
Last month the NT government announced its new wage policy, limiting public servants – including police – to a three per cent pay rise each year.
NTPA president Nathan Finn warned the wage policy would have “devastating consequences” for the force’s ability to recruit and retain officers.
“Right now, police feel like they are being held to ransom; accept an insulting three per cent pay rise by April 30, or receive no back pay at all. This is disgraceful,” he said.
“The 2025 Police Consent Agreement should be at the forefront of (the minister’s) agenda. Instead, it is obvious she has zero interest in the recruitment and retention of Northern Territory Police Officers.
“We are calling on the Chief Minister, who is also the Police Minister, to take control of these negotiations alongside the Office of the Commissioner for Public Employment and finally show our police that their government values them.
“The government is sending a loud and clear message that they do not care about police officers and that they think they are just another public servant. They are unwilling to put forward a fair and competitive wages package that acknowledges the higher demands and safety risks faced by police.”
Ms Hersey shut down the union’s demand for her to stand aside, confirming the negotiations would remain in her portfolio.
“The NTPA negotiations have only just begun, and discussions are ongoing,” she said.
“The Territory’s finances are in a deep hole, and our wages policy — set above forecast CPI — is fair and responsible.
“As Minister for Public Employment, I’m committed to maintaining a skilled, professional public service with wages that are affordable.
“This matter will remain within my portfolio.”
The current 2022 to 2025 police agreement was signed after an 18-month stand off, which also largely centred around pay.
It resulted in a four per cent pay rise in 2022 and three per cent pay rises for the following three years.
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Originally published as ‘Being held ransom’: NTPA calls for Hersey to stand aside from Police Consent Agreement negotiations
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