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Bipartisan pledge to overhaul Tasmania Police rosters for officer wellbeing

A significant shake-up is on the cards for Tasmania’s police force, with both major parties pledging to transform rosters. The police union’s response.

Tasmanian Labor leader Dean Winter with Police Association of Tasmania president Shane Tilley and Labor police spokeswoman Jen Butler. Picture: supplied
Tasmanian Labor leader Dean Winter with Police Association of Tasmania president Shane Tilley and Labor police spokeswoman Jen Butler. Picture: supplied

The Liberals have pledged to match Labor’s promise to overhaul the police rostering system, in a move welcomed by the police union.

Labor police spokeswoman Jen Butler announced on Saturday if elected to government, Labor would start to implement “6 on 6 off” and “4 on 4 off” rostering system by July 1 next year.

The system would replace the current Ottawa system that requires officers work five-week rotating cycles that culminate in seven consecutive night shifts.

Labor MP Jen Butler. Picture: Chris Kidd
Labor MP Jen Butler. Picture: Chris Kidd

“Over 100 offices are currently off work due to a variety of wellbeing reasons,” Ms Butler said.

“We owe it to them to deliver working conditions that support their mental and physical health.”

The Liberals responded by matching Labor’s commitment, with Police Minister Felix Ellis saying officer wellbeing was “front and centre” for the government.

“It’s all about backing in our front line officers so that they can get the work life balance that they need,” he said, adding the implementation would be a “staged” one.

Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management Felix Ellis, with Tasmania Police Acting Assistant Commissioner Specialist Support, Stuart Wilkinson Stuart Wilkinson at a media conference at Parliament Square in Hobart on Thursday, May 8, 2025.
Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management Felix Ellis, with Tasmania Police Acting Assistant Commissioner Specialist Support, Stuart Wilkinson Stuart Wilkinson at a media conference at Parliament Square in Hobart on Thursday, May 8, 2025.

“We will be moving in a sensible and sustainable way towards roster reform.”

The commitments were welcomed by the Police Association of Tasmania, with President Shane Tilley saying it was a “recognition from both sides”.

“They recognise that we need to keep police safe and well, mentally and physically,” Mr Tilley said, adding Labor had been “huge supporters of the Police Association and our advocacy to reinstate the rosters”.

Shane Tilley, president of the Police Association of Tasmania at the offices in New Town on Sunday 25th May 2025. Picture: Linda Higginson
Shane Tilley, president of the Police Association of Tasmania at the offices in New Town on Sunday 25th May 2025. Picture: Linda Higginson

“It is a recognition from Tasmanian Labor that we need to look after police.”

It comes after a survey of 800 police officers found the majority – even those not working the 24-hour roster system – supported the transition.

Mr Ellis made the announcement from Launceston where he was flanked by local business owner Robin Smith, who said knife crime in the CBD had become “quite overt” in recent years.

bridget.clarke@news.com.au

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Original URL: https://www.themercury.com.au/news/tasmania/bipartisan-pledge-to-overhaul-tasmania-police-rosters-for-officer-wellbeing/news-story/4d1cc151b29e4ceb5021663ecfe007ec