The PSA along with your delegates attended the Joint Consultative Committee (JCC) last week on Wednesday, 27 September 2023.

Please see the below updates:

Uniform  and Protocol

Long Service Medal The Command has advised us that everything has been finalised and approved up to AC level. Command is waiting for Commissioner of Police approval. Once this is done then we can expect further details of the roll-out.

Recognition of Service The PSA enquired as to whether staff receive certificates upon receiving promotions, the Command has advised us that this does not occur.

Rank structure The Command has advised us that the supplier is currently low on materials for cobalt blue epaulettes. They expect the rollout to commence late this year/early next year pending stock.

Softshell jackets The Command noted our comments that jackets are different to what was given to members for sizing. The Command advised us all staff with sizing issues reach out to the Command for a replacement jacket.

Training

Certificate IV The Command has advised us the Certificate IV is progressing, and it recently had a meeting with the Australian Federal Police to discuss more details about the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) requirements.

It is expected that there should be more movement on the RPL kits by Christmas. Officers will follow the RPL process and further support from the Command will be given if required. The RPL will not be mandatory.

Recognition of previous qualifications For members such as those transferred from GDs or Academy, the Command has advised us that usually any driver qualifications cannot be transferred over. However, prior learning can be recognised and transferred – anyone who might need previous learning to be transferred onto their new profile should reach out to the EDO who will assist. An endorsement process from the EDO is required, otherwise qualifications will not be transferred over.

Award (Entitlements)

Incidentals (Travel) Allowance The Command has clarified that any members who have travelled to the Academy for shifts are entitled to an incidentals allowance. Claims should be submitted to SAP. If you believe that you have a backpay claim, please contact us or your delegate for further support.

Notification of Progression The Command has clarified that they have not updated the Police Monthly with a gazette list of promotions for quite a while. The Command has advised us that they will reach out to Police Monthly to source the contact details and look at how this can be restarted again as per the Award requirements.

Operational matters

Standard Operating Procedures and patrols We requested an update on Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Potts Hill. The Command advised us it is in the process of finalising the SOPs. We have reiterated that members should not patrol one out, and that the SOPs should be finalised as soon as possible if they do not intend on rostering a third member on night shifts.

Taser roll-out The Command informed us the T7 Taser roll-out has commenced.

Rostering

Rostering Nights leading into REC Day The Command noted our item before the JCC and has ceased rostering people on night shifts leading into their REC period. They advised that this will not happen in the future and has been fixed. Of course, if members are happy to work nights leading into their REC days, reach out to rosters and advise. However, this will not be standing practice.

Rostering REC Day on requested days off The Command noted our item before the JCC and has ceased rostering people on REC when requesting rostered days off. They advised that this will not happen in the future and has been fixed. To date, the PSA has noted 16 people who were impacted. If you are impacted and want to discuss the matter further, please contact the PSA or your local delegate.

Night shift waivers The Command clarified that members are not being asked to sign any waiver or Flexible Working Agreement from the Command. Anyone on a flexible working agreement can be rostered three nights a week depending on the agreement in place.

The next JCC has been moved to March as the scheduled December date was not practical.

The PSA will write to management for a meeting request before then if required.