Backlash against the decision to relocate the Penrith Radio Operations Centre to Surry Hills continues to build.
On Tuesday 23 November, Shadow Minister for Police Walt Secord made a statement to Parliament condemning the decision. You can read that statement HERE.
The PSA subsequently wrote to Police Minister David Elliott to request he review the decision to rip jobs out of Western Sydney. You can view that correspondence HERE.
On Wednesday 24 November, while your PSA Industrial Officer was in the Industrial Relations Commission regarding the “proposal”, the PSA General Secretary was interviewed by Ray Hadley on 2GB, with Ray expressing bewilderment with the decision. You can listen to that interview HERE.
With momentum building, the PSA urges all affected staff, together with their families and friends, to attend the Community Meeting at Penrith RSL at 5:00pm on Thursday 25 November.
Staff from all centres are welcome, as this will affect everyone. A large turnout will show Police and the public just how determined and disgusted Communications Officers are at this outrageous decision, and keep the pressure on the elected representatives to review the decision and intervene.
Industrial Relations Commission: Consultation extended, Police to provide business case
On Wednesday morning, the PSA and the Police Association appeared before Commissioner Muir to hear our dispute. The Police Association formally joined the PSA’s dispute and supported our case.
The unions argued that the Police Force had failed to comply with Government and Police policies for consultation. After conciliation, the Police Force has agreed to hold meetings with the unions and provide a briefing on the business case and business continuity planning, as well as receive union submissions.
The dispute has been listed for Report Back on 7 December 2021 and the Police Force has agreed not to close the consultation process before then. This win at least forces the Force to provide a detailed business case, as opposed to eight dot points in an email. It also allows us to progress our considered arguments against this decision.
New Police Commissioner
The PSA welcomes incoming Police Commissioner Karen Webb, and will be seeking a meeting to discuss this, and other issues facing our members.