Police union wins battle for nine-day fortnight, endorses new pay deal

Senior members of Victoria’s police union agreed to a new pay deal after months of negotiations, paving the way for a nine-day fortnight for frontline police.

The Police Association of Victoria and Victoria Police reached an in-principle agreement on a new industrial deal on Friday afternoon. During the week, Chief Commissioner Shane Patton had pushed back a planned holiday in a sign the deal was close to being resolved.

Police Association secretary Wayne Gatt announcing the industrial campaign.Credit: Luis Ascui

The deal was unanimously endorsed by the union, but must still go to a vote of members.

It delivers a key demand from the association – a nine-hour, nine-day fortnight that will be introduced in a staggered approach to minimise disruption.

Front-loaded pay increases will also provide an average wage hike of 4 per cent annually over the next four years.

Police voted to take industrial action in November, but this was suspended before Christmas following a breakthrough in negotiations. The suspension on industrial action was due to end on Friday evening.

A Victoria Police spokesperson said both sides had agreed to a “phased approach” that would protect community safety while accommodating the new nine-day fortnight.

It will begin with 8 hour and 20 minute shifts from April 1, 2025. This will rise to 8 hour and 34 minute shifts on October 1, 2026. Nine-hour shifts must be delivered no earlier than January 1, 2028 and no later than January 1, 2029.

“This phased approach means the community should be assured Victoria Police will have time to conduct the rigorous analysis and planning needed to ensure community safety is not impacted as extended shifts are gradually implemented,” the police spokesperson said.

“We have also agreed in principle regarding all other aspects of the enterprise agreement and will now work with [the union] to finalise this.”

In a letter to members, the police association said the new rosters would address concerns about unpaid overtime, providing for “corro days” for frontline staff to deal with administrative work.

“Negotiations over the last 12 months have been long and protracted but have ultimately led to an outcome that is good for Victoria Police, our members and the community,” union secretary Wayne Gatt said.

“Fair pay rises and better working conditions, including progression to a nine-hour shift pattern, will keep our members safe at work, and by extension our community safe at home.”

Police Minister Anthony Carbines said the deal builds on the “record investment” investment the Victorian government has put into the force for new officers and infrastructure.

“Community safety has been at the forefront of these negotiations,” Carbines said. “The new Agreement will ensure Victorians continue to be well-protected and that our hardworking police get the recognition and flexibility they deserve for keeping everyone safe.”

During negotiations last year, Patton had warned members in an email that the new conditions could jeopardise community safety by stretching the force’s resources.

“A move to nine-hour shifts for members working in regional operations – uniform alone, up to the rank of senior sergeant – would require an additional 1885 police officers to cover the vacant shifts created by an additional rest day,” he said on November 3.

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