Tuesday, 14 November 2023

Victoria Police enterprise bargaining agreement

Trung LUU (Western Metropolitan) (17:36): (591) My question is for the Minister for Police. The action I seek is for the minister to engage with the Police Association Victoria and come to an agreement that ensures that experienced officers stay in the force. I have spoken before in this Parliament about the number of police officers leaving the force. I am concerned that as the number drops, the level of service Victoria Police can provide will not meet the community’s expectations. Under this Labor government, stations are closing and investigations are piling up. Recent changes in government policy are making it harder for police officers to do their job. Morale is low and getting lower. More than half of serving police officers are thinking of leaving the job for alternative career opportunities; I was one of them. As people leave, the demand grows on those that remain. While their pay remains the same, their workload grows. They are overloaded and underpaid.

Working as a police officer is an honourable profession and a fantastic career path for those who want to serve our community. I had a great time in the police force, and I wish more people would put on the uniform and take the oath to prevent crime and preserve the peace. But the government needs to address the real concerns of currently serving police officers. The government needs to make sure pay matches the expectations of the job and the work–life balance is tailored for people who are committed to things such as raising a family.

Negotiations between the police and the government have broken down, but both parties must come back to the table. I urge the minister to listen to the association about the police officers’ concerns and come to an agreement to ensure that new officers are excited to join the police force and experienced officers are pleased to stay and serve our community.