NTPA - March 2017

Police news The Independent Voice of Police in the Northern Territory

March 2017

On patrol on Groote Eylandt this month:

Alongside

2017 CA negotiations underway

Welcoming our newest members

Would you like to Win a Heli-Tour?

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Firstly, the seats. These are said to be the best seats in any Toyota. They are not only comfortable, but they look amazing.

You would be thrilled to see them in a car with a six-figure price tag, let alone one which is suspected to start in the mid to high $20,000s (pricing will be confirmed early 2017).

Realistically, the Toyota C-HR is not going to fit five adults, but despite initial appearances of zero headroom in the rear, drivers were pleasantly surprised by just how much room was present. The rear seats are positioned rather low and deep into the car, giving a great deal of both head and leg room. Overall, though, it’s a vast improvement on the inside than something like a Corolla.

Powering the Japanese built vehicles destined for Australia is an efficient four-cylinder 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine that produces a respectable 85kW of power and 185Nm of torque. It can either be purchased as a front-wheel drive with a six-speed manual or as an all-wheel drive with a continuously variable transmission.

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EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Paul McCue Phone (08) 8995 9520 www.ntpa.com.au ADVERTISER ALERT Boo Media is appointed by the Northern Territory Police Association as the authorised publisher of Northern Territory Police News. For enquiries regarding advertising in this magazine, please contact the publishers:

Contents March 2017

PUBLISHER: Boo Media PTY Limited PO Box 19, Narrabeen, NSW 2101 Phone: (02) 8004 8612 Fax: (02) 8004 8611 info@boodigital.com.au ACN: 153 128 860

07

President

08

Field Officer’s Report

10

IR/Legal – another year older – another year wiser?

14

Health & Wellbeing 14 Alongside

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS must be supplied on computer disk with hard copy (or by email to reception@ntpa.com.au) addressed to The Editor, Northern Territory Police News, GPO Box 2350, Darwin Northern Territory 0801.

16 Wellbeing team's news 18 Technology & your health

Northern Territory Police News is published by the Northern Territory Police Association Inc., Level 2, Suite 209 ‘Spirit on The Avenue’ 12 Salonika Street Parap NT 0820. Contents are subject to copyright.

Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission of the publisher is prohibited. Organisations which represent sworn police officers’ industrial interests, however, may reproduce any part of the content of Northern Territory Police News without written permission of the publisher.

Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the editor.

22

Graduations Squad 129 and ACPO Squad 23

19 Dietary advice 20

Annual Conference update

22

Graduations – Squad 129 and ACPO Squad 23

27

Successful outcomes

28

PFA – Paid parental leave

The publisher accepts no responsibility for statements made by advertisers.

29

NTPA Member benefits

DISCLAIMER Boo Media (“Publisher”) advises that the contents of this publication are at the sole discretion of the Northern Territory Police Association, and the publication is offered for information purposes only. The publication has been formulated in good faith and the Publisher believes its contents to be accurate. However, the contents do not amount to a recommendation (either expressly or by implication) and should not be relied upon in lieu of specific professional advice. The Northern Territory Police Association make no representation, nor give any warranty or guarantee concerning the information provided. The Publisher disclaims all responsibility for any loss or damage which may be incurred by any reader relying upon the information contained in the publication whether that loss or damage is caused by any fault or negligence on the part of the Publisher, its directors and employees.

30

Association history

32

The joys of the wet

34

The town with no police

35

From Parliament

38

Farewell to members

42

Caption competition

42

Retirements and Resignations

14

Health & Wellbeing Support for the supporters

32

The joys of the wet Out of the bog

COPYRIGHT All advertisements appearing in this publication are subject to copyright and may not be reproduced except with the consent of the owner of the copyright.

ADVERTISING Advertisements in this journal are solicited from organisations and businesses on the understanding that no special considerations other than those normally accepted in respect of commercial dealings, will be given to any advertiser.

The NT Police Association is proudly supported by:

Cover photo: On patrol at Groote Eylandt, as captured by member Travis Dungey.

MARCH 2017 05

president's Message

REGIONAL DELEGATES ACPO REGION

DARWIN

Chairperson Trudy Grenfell Vice Chairperson Derek Williams Secretary Vacant Ordinary Member 1 Debra Carter Ordinary Mem. 2 Vanessa Martin

Chairperson Vacant Vice Chairperson Mark Henderson Secretary Steven Bott Ord. Member 1 Michael Valladares Ord. Member 2 Derek Hartshorn

ALICE SPRINGS AND CENTRAL DESERT REGION

GOVE

Chairperson Brodie Anderson Vice Chairperson Damien Barbe Secretary Gregory Burns Ordinary Member 1 Michael Swain Ordinary Member 2 Adam Swift

Chairperson Troy Harris Vice Chairperson Vacant* Secretary Vacant Ord. Member 1 Vacant Ordinary Member 2 Vacant

EXECUTIVE MEMBERS

president's Message PRESIDENT

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT

COL GOODSELL

CHRIS WILSON

NTPA Office

TISD

Alice Springs Station

New year – more assaults

BRETT COTTIER

In past editions of this magazine, in interviews with media and in various communication to our members, I have made specific mention of the increase of feedback our office has received regarding assaults on members, some of a very serious nature.

PAUL McCUE

VICE PRESIDENT

GROOTE EYLANDT REGION AUXILIARY REGION Chairperson Elizabeth Garwood Vice Chairp. Cameron Charrington Secretary Laurise Dickson Ordinary Member 1 James Green Ord. Member 2 Ferdinand Cheam

BARKLY REGION Chairperson Kieron Weller Vice Chairperson Evan Kelly Secretary Vacant Ordinary Member 1 Amelia Scott Ordinary Member 2 Carl Marcic

BERRIMAH Chairperson Jakson Evans Vice Chairperson Patrick Carson Secretary Sinead Stubbs Ordinary Member 1 Stuart Short Ordinary Member 2 Vacant

CASUARINA

Chairperson Brodie Pardon Vice Chairperson Vacant Secretary Vacant Ordinary Member 1 Steven Langdon Ordinary Member 2 Vacant

JABIRU REGION Chairperson Kim Chambers Vice Chairperson Vacant Secretary Adam Goldsmith Ordinary Member 1 Vacant Ordinary Member 2 Vacant

ALEX BRENNAN

TREASURER

EXECUTIVE MEMBER

EXECUTIVE MEMBER

Drug & Organised Crime Squad

Nhulunbuy Station

Crime Division

Chairperson Vacant Vice Chairperson Steven Downie Secretary Vacant Ord. Member 1 Vacant Ordinary Member 2 Vacant

SPECIAL OPERATIONS & SUPPORT REGION Chairperson Craig Garland Vice Chairperson Vacant Secretary Bryan Atkinson Ord. Member 1 Tim Hatton Ordinary Member 2 Vacant

CENTRAL REGION

SUPERINTENDENT’S REGION

MARK TURNER

DAVE CUBIS

EXECUTIVE MEMBER Water Police

KYLIE PROCTOR

EXECUTIVE MEMBER

EXECUTIVE MEMBER

Palmerston Police Station

PFES College

Chairperson Vacant Vice Chairperson Kris Evans Secretary Vacant Ordinary Member 1 Jody Nobbs Ordinary Member 2 Vacant

LEE MORGAN

CONTRACT OFFICERS REGION

EXECUTIVE MEMBER

Chairperson David Proctor Vice Chairperson Kate Vanderlaan Secretary Brent Warren Ordinary Member 1 Vacant Ord. Member 2 Vacant

Crime Division

SIMONE PETERKEN EXECUTIVE MEMBER Ramingining Police Station

LISA BAYLISS

EXECUTIVE MEMBER Operational and Field Intelligence Section

Regional Delegate nominations and elections taking place as NT Police News went to print.

EXECUTIVE SUB COMMITTEE & PANELS 2016/2017 FINANCE COMMITTEE

WELFARE COMMITTEE

Treasurer Crispin Gargan (Chair) Paul McCue, Col Goodsell, Chris Wilson, Alex Brennan, Simone Peterken, Lee Morgan

Paul McCue, Crispin Gargan, Terry Simpson, Kylie Proctor, Brett Cottier, Lee Morgan

INDUSTRIAL COMMITTEE Paul McCue, Col Goodsell, Alex Brennan, Mark Soligo, Chris Wilson, Rob Perry, Lisa Bayliss

GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE

SELECTIONS/TRANSFER PANEL OBSERVERS COMMITTEE

PROMOTIONS APPEALS BOARD

Paul McCue, Col Goodsell, Kylie Proctor

Crispin Gargan, Dave Cubis As at 09/06/2016

06 NT POLICE NEWS

TERRY SIMPSON

EXECUTIVE MEMBER

EXECUTIVE MEMBER

Alyangula Station

Alice Springs Field Intelligence Section

NTPA STAFF MEMBERS

Chris Wilson (Chair), Brett Cottier, Dave Cubis, Simone Peterken, Terry Simpson

Rotation all Executive Members

UNIFORM & EQUIPMENT COMMITTEE

OWEN BLACKWELL

LEGAL ASSISTANCE COMMITTEE

Col Goodsell (Chair), Kylie Proctor, Crispin Gargan, Lee Morgan, Rob Perry, Mark Turner

Louise Jorgensen, Tony Henrys, Michael Hebb

Paul McCue, President

PALMERSTON REGION

Chairperson Vacant Vice Chairperson Vacant Secretary Vacant Ordinary Member 1 Steven Rankine Ordinary Member 2 Vacant

Chairperson Matt Ridolfi Vice Chairperson Nick Byrne Secretary Jason Dingle Ordinary Member 1 Adrian James Ordinary Member 2 John Tickner

CRISPIN GARGAN

TESSA PRINGLE

ROB PERRY

GEORGINA MURPHY

Office Manager

Industrial & Legal Officer

Communications Officer

NTPA ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON TRAINING AND CAREER ADVANCEMENT

We must all continue to do all we can, internally and externally to prevent and detect early onset of mental injuries in our workplace.

INABILITY/DISCIPLINARY APPEALS BOARD Louise Jorgensen, Tony Henrys, Michael Hebb

Disappointingly, the trend has continued for the start of 2017. The effect of assaults can be overwhelming, on the officer, their family and their colleagues.

That’s why it is imperative that we continue to push for harsher penalties for those who take it upon themselves to have a go at one of our own.

It is also important to remember, that it is not always the ‘one offs’ such as these that have a negative impact on the wellbeing of our Police, but also, the ongoing, systematic exposure to dangerous environments, no matter where you’re working.

More and more evidence is being presented to demonstrate that a cumulative effect of exposure to harm can play a big part on long term health.

An article titled ‘A Mental Health Check’ and published in the December 2016/ January 2017 Company Directors magazine, provided the following startling points as a reminder: • In Australia alone, untreated mental health conditions are costing employers $10.9 billion each year • People with mental health difficulties are more likely to take time off work and accomplish less than they would like to when they do go to work • Psychological injury claims are far more expensive than physical claims, primarily because of the longer recovery times

MARK SOLIGO

ZOEY KELLAWAY

Field Officer

Acting Officer Manager

All organisations will benefit from taking a proactive approach to putting staff wellbeing front of mind.

Harriet Egar, Minter Ellison

Read more about member wellbeing on page 14, including the work of Alongside and the department’s Employee Support Services.

CRIME STATISTICS, POLICE NUMBERS AND POLITICS

The year has started with considerable media coverage on recent increases in crime, changes to the current youth justice system and the Territory’s alcohol issues.

We’ve had some success in these areas, which are covered on page 27 and we have an open letter to you from both the Minister for Police and Shadow Minister for Police on page 35.

FLEXIBLE WORKING ARRANGEMENTS

Police Federation of Australia (PFA) commissioned an Australian and New Zealand wide member survey to gather feedback on flexible working arrangements.

More than 11,400 Police Officers (16.5 per cent of the total Police Forces combined) completed the survey, the largest survey the PFA has ever undertaken.

As we know from our own member’s feedback, more recently in our Consent Agreement specific survey

(conducted last year), flexible working arrangements and ‘family friendly work practises’ mean different things to different people. Put simply, there is no one defining term or ‘silver bullet’ to satisfy everyone’s requests or demands.

When introduced with success, flexible working arrangements can be beneficial for both the individual employee, the employer and the workplace. It’s a recipe worth getting right and this survey will pave the way for best practise across the country.

The PFA’s final report will be provided to all jurisdictions and available to members once complete.

2017 CONSENT AGREEMENT

Negotiations are now in full swing for the 2017 Consent Agreement. We’re working hard for positive outcomes and will keep you updated on the negotiations process via eNews and Broadcast newsletters, at Regional meetings and on our website.

As we look to streamline the voting process for the 2017 Agreement with electronic voting, it is more important than ever to ensure your details are up to date with us – log on to the member’s section of www.ntpa.com.au to check your contact details are correct.

MARCH 2017 07

Field officer's report

A busy year ahead Mark Soligo, Field Officer

As we kick off 2017 it already looks like it’s going to be a big year.

By the time you read this we will be in negotiation with the Commissioner’s representatives for the 2017 Consent Agreement which kicked off in early February.

A lot of work has been done in preparing our log of claims and we thank all members who contributed both at the information sessions we held at stations, as well as via the email address. The CA email address 2017CA@ntpa.com.au will remain open to answer any questions or receive any final thoughts from members throughout the negotiation period.

Once we have a deal on the table and are ready to put it to members for a vote, we plan to travel to most, if not all stations and hold information sessions to inform you of the details. We will be continuing to keep members updated via regular and special newsletters and emails, as the negotiations progress.

Please take the time to read them as they come out and keep yourself informed an update on the Agreement negotiation progress.

This year there will also be a number of new departmental policies and initiatives anticipated to be rolled out including the long awaited updated Pursuit Policy and the new My Career Policy, which will include the ‘My Career’ on-line program to replace the much maligned ‘Performance Plus’ system that we all know and love.

We also expect to see an Operational Response Policy that we hope will address some of the issues and concerns our Association has raised

8

NT POLICE NEWS

about members working ‘one-up’ out bush and performing POSI duties.

NEW DARWIN GENERAL DUTIES ROSTER COMMENCES

General Duties members in Darwin, Casuarina and Palmerston will have commenced working their new roster, after the majority of members voted in favour of commencing the roster trial.

The new roster, which is based on a version of the current roster worked

by Alice Springs GDs, will also see an alignment of the roster cycle period with Alice Springs and it is hoped that changes will also be made to the Katherine roster cycle, so it too can align, bringing the three major centres all with rosters running the same in terms of roster cycles.

This should assist members when it comes to transfers, courses etc. The new Darwin Metro roster will be reviewed over four consecutive roster cycles/periods by the Roster Review Committee (RRC), of which I am the NTPA Representative.

All members working the new roster are encouraged to provide feedback, both good and bad, to the RRC during the trial period. You can do this through your station RRC representative, your OIC or direct to me via email. After the four roster cycles are completed, it is anticipated that the roster, subject to any changes or issues identified, will be permanently adopted by Darwin Metro Command. The process has been fast tracked as quickly as possible by the RRC, in an effort to get the trial underway.

Thanks go to Superintendent Hege Burns who has driven this project at the request of DMC members and to those members who volunteered their time as RRC representatives for their respective stations.

protection and that stations, particularly remote stations, are adequately resourced with staff to ensure that members are not faced with the situation where they are forced to put themselves or their communities at risk, by not being able to attend or by attending to incidents one up.

If you are in the situation where you are feeling pressured to attend incidents one-up, where you feel you are putting yourself at risk, rest assured that you will have the full support of your Association for any decision you make about attending or not.

NTPA SUBS – PART TIME, MAT LEAVE, HALF PAY LSL OR LWOP

Each year a number of members commence Part Time employment, take half pay Long Service Leave, Leave Without Pay (Career Breaks) or commence Maternity Leave.

You may not be aware that under some circumstances your NTPA membership fees can be suspended or the fees adjusted to reflect this change in your income. If one of these circumstances applies to you, please get in contact with our office staff to discuss your options and make the appropriate arrangements to ensure that you are paying the correct fees and there is no disruption to your membership.

Contact the office staff on 08 8995 9520 or via email to reception@ntpa.com.au for more information.

Change will not come if we wait for some We rely on members to keep us informed of these things so that we can not only keep track of how regularly these types of practices are occurring, but also take up the issue with Police management to ensure that proper process is being followed when it comes to member welfare and safety.

other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.

Barack Obama

SINGLE OFFICER PATROLS

As you are aware during 2016 our Association dealt with a number of issues surrounding members being left alone to work in remote bush stations without the assistance of a second or relief member there to back them up.

We also continue to highlight issues and dangers surrounding members who are working one up at bottle shops (POSIs) with limited support and back up.

The aforementioned Operational Response Policy, currently being developed by the Police Force, will incorporate rules around single officer patrols and duties, amongst others. A working group has been established with the NTPA represented by President Paul McCue and me.

A number of interstate policies and models are being looked at, with the

If you are in a situation where you are working one up at a remote bush station or know of this occurring, please let us know the details.

hope that the NTPF can develop its own best practice model to suit the Territory’s unique operational environment. From an NTPA perspective, our priority is always to ensure that the new policy affords members maximum safety and

Main photo: Berrimah Region delegates (from left to right) Kyle Ferricks, Sinead Stubbs, Patrick Carson and Jakson Evans with Mark Soligo; inset: 2017 Consent Agreement negotiations are underway

MARCH 2017 9

Industrial/legal

Welcome to 2017 and the Chinese Year of the Rooster.

Rob Perry, Industrial & Legal Officer

Another year older – another year wiser?

As you are probably aware, the Northern Territory Police Association was formed in 1939, so in terms of the Chinese zodiac, your Association takes on the shape of the Rabbit. In as far as the zodiac predictions for Rabbits in 2017 can apply to an incorporated entity, the prediction for the NTPA this year goes something like this: Expect challenges because the Rooster is the Rabbit’s exact opposite. Prepare for all sorts of difficulties in 2017, especially financial. Hard work is foreseen, bringing frustration and anger. Stay calm, dear Rabbit.

Given this year is also the year of Consent Agreement negotiations, the above predictions indicate robust discussions are on the cards.

Nothing new, then. This year will be the fourth Consent Agreement negotiations that I will have been part of. Each negotiated outcome has had its own challenges and battles and there is every indication this year will be no different. The predictions put forward in the Chinese Zodiac are certainly reflective of the challenges we envisage over the next three months or so.

Whilst negotiations are undertaken on a “without prejudice” basis and are largely subject to the Chatham House Rules, I don’t think it would be a surprise to anyone that we are going to have work hard to ensure we get to a position where we are comfortable in presenting a proposed Agreement that provides real and fair outcomes for you, our members. This will indeed require hard work and calm negotiations when facing determined restraint from Government – particularly from a financial perspective.

The NT Government has recently published its wages policy, which is restricted to a 2.5 per cent increase in salaries – inclusive of allowances and superannuation. We do not accept that this is a reasonable position to adopt when negotiating industrial outcomes for the men and women of our Police Force – those who are more than any other sector of the Government at the coalface, risking your lives on a daily basis to serve and protect the public.

The NT Government was not backward in coming forward and proudly claiming success over a negotiated outcome to a long-running wages dispute with the Fire Service, including a 3 per cent wage increase backdated by more than three years.

The NT News reported the Chief Minister to have stated at the time the concluded negotiations were made public that “it was a fair outcome for firefighters who provided a critical 10 NT POLICE NEWS

service to the community”. The NT News quoted Chief Minister Gunner as saying “I’m proud that firefighters who do the hard yards on the frontline now have certainty about their work conditions and levels of pay”.

The NT News also praised the outcome, observing in that day’s publication’s Editorial “a 3 per cent pay rise (above CPI) for those who risk their lives to safe (sic) ours seems reasonable”.

Your Association agrees with that sentiment and in our view it is even more relevant to members of the Police Force.

The NT Government of the day can set its general wages policy at whatever level it deems reasonable and can then argue its position in good faith with the relevant employee representative body/s. That said, good faith bargaining includes consideration of any number of variables that will affect the outcome of individual wage claims and it is our position that the Police Force – the absolute coalface of front-line engagement with the community – are worthy of terms and conditions of employment (including salary increases) that may not necessarily be afforded to other areas of the public sector.

We see relevance in the Chinese Horoscope predictions for our 1939 “baby”.

If you are interested in what the Chinese say is install for you in 2017, the following website is a pretty good brief summary http://www.rappler.com/life-and-style/arts-and-culture/156781chinese-zodiac-horoscope-2017-year-of-the-rooster.

FROM THE JUDICIARY

• Incessant, unwelcome and unsolicited texting of a work colleague amounted to harassment and bullying in the workplace to such an extent that the dismissal of the offending employee was upheld by a Full Bench of the Fair Work Commission - Soomro v Murray’s Australia Pty Ltd T/A Murray’s Australia [2017] FWC 768; • Inappropriate and sexually suggestive comments by a manager to a subordinate that caused the subordinate offence and upset was sufficient to warrant the manager’s dismissal – Mr Glenn Rogers v Allianz Insurance Australia T/A Club Marine Insurance [2017] FWC 537; • An employee has been awarded more than $600,000 in damages for an aggravation to an existing anxiety disorder after managers’ failed to properly consider her condition when addressing bullying and harassment claims made by the employee against her supervisor Wearne v State of Victoria [2017] VSC 25; and

I’m proud that firefighters who do the hard yards on the frontline now have certainty about their work conditions and levels of pay.

Chief Minister Gunner

• An employer has been ordered to reinstate an injured worker to his pre-injury duties after the FWC found the asserted inherent requirements of the role weren’t essential features of his duties. The FWC member referred to the decision in J Boag and Son Brewing Pty Ltd v Allan John Button [2010] FWAFB 4022 in finding that “(the) inherent requirements of a role must be essential features of the role, and must be reasonably and objectively assessed” - Martin v TNT Australia Pty Ltd T/A TNT [2017] FWC 440 (20 January 2017).

Finally, there is little doubt that sedentary posturing in the workplace is not very good for you. if you are standing up for too long at work (e.g. “POSI” duties), take a seat. Alternatively,

if you are somewhat desk bound, inclined to sit behind a screen for extended periods and not stretching your legs, get up and move around a little. This was the message that came out of a recent study into occupational sedentary behaviour published in the Applied Ergonomics Journal 60 (2017).

The report found that there was no strict policy development on how sedentary posturing risks should be tackled and that such a policy void should be addressed, however it did identify some simple practices to incorporate into the daily workplace routine: • Walk over and talk to workmates instead of emailing; • Take a break from the desk and get some fresh air (you can watch the smokers from a safe distance); • Use stairs instead of lifts; • Be active on the commute to and from work – even standing on the bus rather than sitting would help.

Whilst not rocket science, it is probably something that is ignored to a large degree. There is some serious science going on in this space and ergonomists have highlighted sedentary workplace practices as a growing area of in recognised workplace related injuries. Definitely something to keep an eye on over the medium term.

MARCH 2017 11

Advertisement

How lack of sleep can kill Rotating shifts and irregular hours can play havoc with sleep routines and is a fact of life for most police officers.

Trying to switch off while your brain is still processing the events of a traumatic day is never easy.

If it's just the odd sleepless night – or day – that’s not too much of a problem.

Apart from feeling grumpy and a bit fuzzy headed you soon recover.

But some people believe they get used to coping with less sleep and even see it as badge of honour – and that’s a serious mistake.

We’ve got your back.

It’s critical that you adopt strategies to help you get quality shut-eye because the physical and mental impacts of long-term sleep deprivation are life threatening.

Lack of sleep can affect your memory, sex life, looks, weight and ability to function effectively. You end up with the reaction times of a drinker and impaired judgement.

Longer term you have a higher risk of serious medical conditions which will shorten your life expectancy.

Sleep loss misery Medical studies have shown that quality sleep of about 7-8 hours a day is as important as a good diet and exercise. This is what can happen if you skip your sleep: Reaction time cut a person who has been deprived of sleep for 18 hours reacts as slowly as someone with a blood alcohol level of 0.05. This jumps to an equivalent of 0.1 at 24 hours. Such sleep loss creates

Policing is all about looking out for other people, so it’s important to have someone looking out for you. At Police Health, not only do we stand by the force, we stand with it as well.

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a significant public safety especially on the roads.

hazard,

Sex drive hit a healthy 20-year-old male who manages with just five hours of sleep a day will find their testosterone levels plummet. Both sleep-deprived men and women report lower libidos and less interest in sex.

Fertility decline regular sleep disruptions can reduce the release of reproductive hormones and make it harder for men and women to conceive a child.

Memory loss cognitive processes critical for effective policing are affected. Sleep deprivation slows normal thinking and learning, and affects concentration, reasoning and problem solving. You become forgetful and struggle to remember what you experienced the previous day.

Judgment impaired you become confused and lose the ability to interpret events correctly, which affects decision-making. This can be a serious problem in a job where you are required to make judgement calls quickly and accurately.

Depression studies have found a strong link between sleep disorders such as insomnia and depression. The two conditions also feed of each other – sleep loss can aggravate symptoms of depression and depression makes it harder to fall asleep.

Early ageing more of the stress hormone cortisol is released when people are deprived of sleep and this breaks down skin collagen which keeps our skin smooth and elastic. At the same time the body produces less human growth hormone which helps promote increased muscle mass, thicker skin and stronger bones.

Weight gain the less sleep you have the more you want high-fat, high-carbohydrate food – and that leads to weight gain. One study found that people who sleep less than six hours a day are almost 30 per cent more likely to become obese than those who have seven to nine hours sleep.

Obesity can also trigger sleep apnoea, a breathing disorder which leads to even worse sleep stress.

Serious health problems over time sleep disorders and ongoing sleep loss can place you at serious risk of various other chronic health conditions leading to a premature death.

They include heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke and diabetes.

Catching up on lost sleep If you’ve had months of restricted sleep, recovery can take several weeks. Good sleeping habits are critical, so get into a routine of going to bed at the same time if possible, even on days when you’re not working.

The following proven strategies should help improve your sleep: • make sure your bedroom is quiet and dark, even in daylight • eat healthy and exercise often • try using relaxation techniques to relieve stress • transition to night-shift by sleeping in later in the morning • avoid caffeinated drinks and alcohol before bedtime • start having power naps of up to 30 minutes.

Did you know?

Our brains are very active while we sleep with some parts using more oxygen and glucose than when we are awake.

Police Health Ph: 1800 603 603 www.policehealth.com.au MARCH 2017 13

Health And Well being

Alongside

Support for those who support us Adequate support for partners and families of our frontline is a timely topic at present and Northern Territory Police is leading the way in strengthening services for those that stand beside our frontline. NTPFES has contracted not for profit organisation, Alongside as an external service provider to deliver proactive education, support and community services to partners and families of Police.

Alongside co-founders Paige Hobbs and Sarah Yates conducted a needs assessment co funded by the NTPA and Commissioner last April. The needs assessment clearly indicated that partners and families felt under resourced and unprepared for some of the unique challenges policing in the Territory can bring.

Throughout 2017, Alongside will host proactive education and social events that have been specifically tailored to the Territory’s Police, the most notable of which is the Alongside Recruit School for partners and families. The Recruit School, which runs over two nights the week prior to the member graduating, prepares partners and families for their new policing journey, helping to offset some of the issues that can arise from frontline life such as adapting to shift work, relocations, remote policing and exposure to critical incidents.

The event will be a great opportunity for partners to form strong networks and will also provide insight into life as a cop through first hand interviews with NT Police, bridging the gap between work & home.

Other events Alongside will host across 2017 include Mental Health First Aid and Wellness Weekends across the Territory, the first of which will be in Katherine in April, Transition and Relocation support packs, online webinars & fortnightly activities such as cooking classes with some of Australia’s top chefs and Yoga classes for those posted remote, and monthly social events across the Northern Territory.

Alongside’s growth since officially launching 18 months ago, has been nothing short of astounding, with services offered nationally to Defence and Emergency Services and the opening of a second office, in Darwin, at the beginning of 2017.

Alongside aims to assist partners and families of our Police Officers.

Alongside will host Wellness Weekends across the Territory, the first of which will be in Katherine in April.

14 NT POLICE NEWS

MARCH 2017 15

Health and Wellbeing Continued

Wellbeing Team News: 2017 – a year in and still developing A year ago NTPFES Support Services established the Wellbeing Team after research by one of its psychologists, Julian Robinson, to see which peer support programs were working in Australia and overseas. He looked at the UK, USA, Canada and the other Australian jurisdictions. Not just at what their Police were doing, but their emergency services generally, other fire departments and how ambulance services support their staff and paramedics. With the backing of the .Commissioner and the NTPA we now have 78 peer supporters across the police, fire, emergency service and civilian sectors.

Top: HealthLab at Casuarina; bottom: Peer Support course in Darwin

16 NT POLICE NEWS

It started with the first Peer Support Course in November 2015 and the appointment of the Wellbeing & Health Officers (WHOs): two experienced police officers based in Darwin and one in Alice Springs. They have since become qualified instructors in Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) helping him to run the later peer support courses and begin to bring the two-day MHFA course to all members and volunteers of the PFES. Julian says, “This is quite ambitious, to offer it to everyone, but we have made a good start with 120 personnel now trained.”

He went on to say, “There is more to come.

We are running seven courses in the first half of this year – including in Katherine, Tennant Creek and Alice Springs – and will do as many in the second half.”

The Induction and Requalification Division made it possible to include the Course in the Recruit Program and Squad 130 is now trained, with the intent that every succeeding Squad will get the skills before they graduate.

“The College provides the management of the Course through ADAPT for members generally, but managers and supervisors can ask for additional courses for their people in regional areas. We will do our best to make that work,” says Julian. He notes that the courses are co-facilitated by a psychologist and a Police Officer, which provides a great mix of policing and mental health knowledge.

“It is not just about the operational value, it’s also about recognising issues with others, and with family and friends, too.”

DISC training at Alyangula

Top: Julian Robinson, Karen O'Dwyer, Brodie Anderson, Marcus Tilbrook; bottom: DISC Training at Borroloola Karen O’Dwyer, one of the Wellbeing and Health Officers (WHO) based in Darwin says, “As an organisation we are getting better at recognising that members live with a lot of pressure and that the old days of just getting “beer support” are past. Supporting members, and their families is beneficial to the individual and to the organisation.

“We work closely with the Chaplains, both north and south, connect people to our psychologists and to our fabulous peer supporters (think about becoming one!) and we have begun working with Alongside, who have just started supporting family members from their Darwin office.”

Brodie Anderson, the WHO for Southern Command, says, “It might be a long way from Darwin, but Julian is down here every few weeks and the other psychs visit regularly.

“A lot of my work was with the past Chaplain here, travelling a lot to the more remote stations. I love the job and it’s great to be working full-time in supporting members.

“It’s a pretty close group down here, and the Firies and NTES guys all work in well together.”

“Working with Karen is very useful,” says Marcus Tilbrook, the other Northern WHO. “We are quite different and people can choose who they feel comfortable talking to. Be sure though, that all of us will do our best to match anyone up with who is the best fit for them and for what they need – be that one of us, a psychologist, chaplain or peer supporter.

“We also provide training for small groups who can benefit from understanding how different personalities in their teams work together.”

This is based on the DISC (Dominance/ Influencing/Steadiness/Caution) model, but can be tailored to meet requirements of the work groups.

Julian says, “We will continue to support personnel, promote mental health and wellbeing initiatives, provide MHFA training and critical incident support.”

As to the future, there is a lot for us to do – getting out to the remote stations and supporting all members of the PFES and their families. We are also working towards the possibility of offering MHFA to retired personnel.

You can make contact with the Wellbeing Team via: Brodie Anderson Wellbeing and Health Officer (Alice Springs) 0476 854 368 Karen O’Dwyer Wellbeing and Health Officer (Darwin) 0491 227 022 Marcus Tilbrook Wellbeing and Health Officer (Darwin) 0491 215 762 Julian Robinson Support and Wellbeing Coordinator/ Psychologist (Darwin) 0419 735 781 Upcoming Mental Health First Aid training dates are as follows: • 4-5 April 2017 – Darwin • 16-17 May 2017 – Alice Springs • 13-14 June 2017 – Darwin To apply to attend the Mental Health First Aid course, please visit myADAPT and select the course via the ‘Online booking’ tab.

MARCH 2017 17

Health And Well being

Health and Wellbeing Continued

Technology and your health The following article by Shayne Maxwell was published in the December 2016 edition of the Queensland Police Union (QPU) journal.

We have reprinted Shayne’s article ‘Is technology harming the health of Police Officers?’ with his permission.

In line with the ongoing advancements in technology that seem to be announced almost daily in our fast-paced society, Police Services across the world are constantly looking for timesaving devices that can assist police officers in their daily duty. We are seeing the issue of iPads and iPhones to police officers to assist in improving services to the community; these devices assist officers in performing basic daily duties such as allowing them to undertake street checks and take photographs. Where a device is personal issue, officers are allowed to take them home, and therein lies the problem.

If officers use their work iPads and iPhones at home, they are not allowing a clear break from their duties; there is no particular knock-off time if officers can take their work home with them.

While police officers are at home on rest days, they are now accessing these devices to read and reply to e-mails, and to view photographs taken during the course of their duties.

This allows the officer to clear their e-mails and to commence duty at the start of their next shift free to attend complaints.

However, in doing so, police officers are not allowing a clear break from their duties; there is no particular knock-off time if officers can take their work home with them.

We all know how police duties can take an emotional toll on an officer, day in and day out. This is why rest days should be for the officer to relax. It is so important to ‘switch off’ when you walk out of the station: to sleep, spend time with your family and friends, and participate in those activities that bring you enjoyment. You like to fish? Go fishing. You like to work out? Go to the gym. You like knitting? Go find your needles, and knit that jumper you always meant to. Put down your work iPad, and try to forget about everything that’s going on at your station.

You need to relax, recuperate, and recharge, so you’re firing on all cylinders at the start of your next shift. If you attended one

18 NT POLICE NEWS

In our 2015 NTPA member survey, we asked our members how much time off-duty they spend checking and responding to emails. Almost 60 per cent of respondents said they spend up to an hour a week or up to five hours a week, while 11.7 per cent said more than five hours a week.

of Doctor Kevin Gilmartin’s lectures recently, you’ll remember he talked about the emotional rollercoaster ride the average police officer experiences while preforming their daily duties and then clocking off to head home. Police officers are necessarily hypervigilant on the job; you are ready to act and react to anything the streets throw at you. It’s not surprising that it then takes officers so long to unwind, to get to sleep, and to actually enjoy some downtime.

Some officers report they never quite reach a state of complete relaxation between shifts, and this makes sense psychologically; it is very difficult to just flick that switch to turn your brain and reflexes into ‘sleep mode’. As a result, many police officers cannot fully recuperate between shifts, and this is why police need to have rest days and recreation leave to assist.

We do not want to create a culture of expectation that afterhours work on departmental devices is the norm.

At the recent New Zealand Police Union conference, a speaker identified this problem of police officers accessing their departmental devices while off duty, and the associated impact this could have on the mental health of officers. Some officers do see 24-hour access to their devices as a great thing: it does give them the ability to quickly check up on something if they happen to remember it while off duty, and allows them to catch up with a few bits and pieces before their next shift.

But the risks associated with constant stimulation and a work shift that never really ends are far greater than the benefits of being able to catch up on a few things at home.

While the introduction of these iPads and iPhones greatly assist officers in performing their duties, and save time by allowing police officers to more efficiently perform their duties for the community, we must ensure that our officers do not fall into the trap of using these devices at home. Nor do we want to create a culture of expectation that this type of afterhours

work is the norm. Yes, these devices are a wonderful tool that allow us to better perform our duties, but officers should be encouraged to remember that rest days and rec leave are also wonderful: in fact, they are sacrosanct. Use these days for their intended purpose of allowing yourself to properly recuperate from the rigours of the job. Switch off, unplug, and unwind.

Metaflammation the real killer?

From Darwin Dietitians

By Richard Sager, Senior Nutritional Biochemist

Many leading scientists now believe that our body’s protection mechanism, inflammation, may actually be the root cause of many chronic diseases that were previously blamed on obesity.

For years it was thought obesity was a direct cause for chronic diseases such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

However recent studies are concluding that obesity may in fact just be a marker of disease, like high blood pressure or sleep apnea. The true cause being a form of long-term, lowgrade inflammation known as “metaflammation”.

Whilst being overweight or obese does increase your risk factor for disease significantly, metaflammation may very well be the real driver behind it. So, this long-term inflammation is the cause of the cause, if you like.

Inflammation is actually one of the body’s key defense mechanisms, and is most noticeable when we are sunburnt, have sore muscles, or injured. But inflammation requires a delicate balance. If the body’s inflammatory response does not switch off or gets too intense, it can harm otherwise healthy tissues. Then it becomes metaflammation (long-term inflammation), and a health problem.

So, if we reduce our body’s internal inflammation, we can better manage blood pressure, cholesterol levels, weight loss and more.

And the most effective method to reduce inflammation is through dietary improvements, particularly increasing our intake of natural anti-inflammatories. Foods such as salmon, walnuts, and berries have excellent anti-inflammatory properties and are some of the most effective ways to reduce inflammation.

But there are many more anti-inflammatory foods available, as well as pro-inflammatory foods we should be avoiding. Have you been eating them?

Try: • Eating more fish or take fish oil supplements, • Increase the broccoli serves in your diet, • Snack on Macadamia nuts, Almonds, Brazil nuts • Avoid Sugar At Darwin Dietitians we can help you explore these foods and their role in inflammation, so you can take the first steps to better health. Learn more via http://www.darwindietitians.com.au/

The most effective method to reduce inflammation is through dietary improvements.

MARCH 2017 19

conference agenda

2016 annual conference agenda

update

News after the conference, and a complete record of motions is available for members to view on our website.

Below is an update on the topics covered.

WILL REIMBURSEMENT

As per proposed amendment to Clause 15 of the Legal Assistance Scheme, full members are now able to access $200 reimbursement for the drafting or redrafting of a will.

SINGLE OFFICER PATROLS

The endorsed change, to edit the NTPA Policy Document to include the term ‘Single Officer Patrols’ rather than ‘One Man Patrols’ has occurred and said Policy now includes the following paragraph: Where a member is tasked duties as a single officer, that duty shall not include static patrols including Point of Sale Interventions or Temporary Beat Locations or other duties that require a member to stand alone at takeaway liquor sales outlets throughout the Northern Territory.

In addition, our Association continues to advocate for more stringent policy around the conduct of Single Officer Patrols (working ‘one up’) in the Territory. The department’s Operational Response Policy, currently being developed by working group will incorporate single officer patrols.

NT WORKERS’ COMPENSATION LAWS

A new workers’ compensation clause – for discussion in the upcoming Consent Agreement currently under negotiation – is under consideration as part of the enterprise bargaining agreement (EBA) process. This inclusion would be used in the interim until such time as new legislation, in relation to workers’ compensation for Northern Territory Police is introduced.

WORKERS’ COMPENSATION REIMBURSEMENT

Conference motions in relation to the directive that the NTPA Executive seek to amend its relevant policy to ensure that members are being reimbursed for upfront medical and related expenses in a timely manner and the Executive ensuring that the Department meets its legal obligations in paying for members’ medical expenses during an operational review period have both been addressed with the Director, Human Resources.

VICTIMS OF CRIME LEGISLATION

20 NT POLICE NEWS

COMPARISON RATE

P.A.

ALICE SPRINGS REGION

Previously known as Alice Springs Region, following conference motion, the Region is now known as the Alice Springs and Central Desert Region, to better reflect the area and members it represents.

WELFARE LOANS

Palmerston branch submitted to annual conference a motion calling on the NTPA Executive to consider a policy position to offer members financial assistance where they are required to utilise the provisions of the Return to Work and AntiDiscrimination Act to challenge decisions within the courts or at mediation.

Requests for financial assistance of this nature are considered on a case-by-case basis as per NTPA policy and procedure.

CIVILINISATION OF THE POLICE FORCE

Following the carrying of motion to reconfirm the Association’s objection to sworn member positions being civilianised and recognising the valuable role Auxiliary members play in the workforce, the NTPA confirms its stance on both matters.

EMERGENCY VEHICLE DRIVING (EVD) AND PURSUIT POLICY

LEGAL MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU) The NTPA has both formally and informally requested that Following the passing of a conference motion for the pursuit the Police Force reviews its EVD and Pursuit Policy to include of a new, binding legal MoU with the Commissioner of Police, clear resolution strategies for all involved members. we have formally written to the Chief Minister (and Minister Since 2016 conference, there has been some interim for Police) and await further feedback on this. changes to the policy and a draft, all-encompassing policy has been endorsed by the Commander Operational Group (COG).

The annual conference called for the government to reinstate Police on the victims of crime legislation. We have formally requested action from the Chief Minister (and Minister for Police) on this.

5.69 % 5.96 %

P.A.

The 2016 annual conference agenda brought forward a number of motions, proposed by our membership.

We provided an overview in the October issue of NT Police

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Annual GRADUATION conference Mia was aware of Glen’s tragic passing before she commenced at college, however she did learn more about Glen and our award making her win even more special, despite just how surprised she was when told her was the recipient for the honour for her squad.

“Dad took me to the Glen Huitson memorial site at Adelaide River when I was advised I had been chosen to win the award.

“The Glen Huitson Medal is so honourable and what it represents is just amazing.”

After her graduation, Mia joined 11 squad mates of hers and made her new life in Katherine, a town and station she is really enjoying.

“Everyone has been so helpful, and I love that I am now helping the community and making a difference, it’s really a good feeling.”

Tennant Creek has welcomed four new recruits, two will be stationed in Darwin, and 12 have headed to Alice Springs.

Our newest Recruit Constables were recruited from both interstate and the Territory with several having worked as Auxiliaries previously.

Recruit Squad 129 Award Winners: The Commissioner’s Trophy: Timothy Gouverneur, recruited from New Farm (Queensland) and posted to Katherine Physical Training Trophy: Gary Higgie, recruited from Darwin and posted to Tennant Creek The Rod Evans Memorial Trophy: Zachary Rolfe, recruited from Kambah (ACT) and posted to Alice Springs Glen Huitson Medal: Mia Nankivell, recruited from Darwin and posted to Katherine

Aboriginal Community Police Officer

Squad 23 Recruit Squad 129

Welcome Squad 129 Mia Nankivell always wanted to be a Police Officer, she’s had her heart set on ‘the job’ since she was a little girl.

“I have wanted to be a Police Officer for ever,” she told NT

Mia Nankivell with her proud parents, dad Ian and mum Deanne with NTPA President, Paul McCue.

22 NT POLICE NEWS

Police News.

“After school, I went and did university but I still had my eyes on policing.

“Dad recommended that I go and work as a civilian for two years in Communications, then apply for the Recruit Squad.

“In the end, dad was right, working as a call taker was a great taste of policing and I have more experience to go out on the road.”

Dad is Police Officer Ian Nankivell, a fellow Territory Police Officer and Mia’s mum, Deanne was a Police Officer in Victoria and then the Territory as well.

Mia was the very excited and proud recipient of our Glen Huitson Medal at her recent Recruit Squad graduation, when she joined the 29 other members of Squad 129 who marched into their new careers.

Queenslander Aaron Milburn was the awarded the Most Dedicated Trophy, presented by our Association.

Aaron has been posted to Alice Springs, along with four of his squad mates. In fact, it was his fellow college colleagues that were Aaron’s highlight from the course – he says without his mates he thinks he might have struggled and he is proud to have gone through college with them.

Aaron told us, from his new post in Alice Springs, that he wanted to join the Territory’s Police Force because he “felt as though it would be a good step in the right direction for my career and family.

“I wanted to help people, keep them safe and build a good future for my family and community as a whole.”

On graduating and his award-winning ways, Aaron said graduation day was one of many highpoints.

“A lot of time and hard work had gone into getting to the day and it was nice to celebrate the achievement as a Squad. I was excited and glad to have my family there to see us graduate.

“Being presented the Most Dedicated Trophy felt like I had something to show for my hard work and endeavours over the 19-week course.”

Course complete and graduation done, Aaron was looking forward to getting into the work place and learning putting into practise the theories he had learnt in college.

“I enjoyed a lot since being here (in Alice Springs) but I think I’ve enjoyed the camaraderie the most. It is nice to have a job that I look forward to going to. Every day is different. Every day you learn more and more.

“It makes me look forward to the challenges ahead.”

Congratulations and welcome to the Territory Police family, Squad 23!

There are nine new Aboriginal Community Police Officers (ACPOs) on the streets across Alice Springs, Tennant Creek, Katherine and Alyangula following the December graduation of Squad 23.

ACPO Squad 23 Award Winners: The Commissioner’s Trophy: Keshia Clarke, recruited from Darwin, posted to Alice Springs Physical Training Trophy: Richard Garling, recruited from Granville (Queensland), posted to Katherine The Gavin Jabaltjari Spencer Memorial Trophy: Dale Sutton, recruited from and posted to Alice Springs Most Dedicated Trophy: Aaron Milburn, recruited from North Lakes (Queensland), posted to Alice Springs

ACPO Squad 23

MARCH 2017 23

Advertisement

Stuart and Sonia Davis

By Dwayne Hameister Managing Director Australian Financial Advisers – Darwin

Australian Financial Advisers Northern Territory Police Association

March 2017

To downsize or not?

The kids have moved out and the house is starting to feel empty — as well as costing a lot to maintain. So is it time to sell up and buy something smaller? We look at the pros and cons of downsizing the family home.

If you’re an empty nester or retiree who owns their own home, chances are you’ve considered whether it makes sense to downsize your home. While there can be financial — and other — benefits in selling up, it’s important to consider whether it’s the right move for you.

THE PROS

Downsizing your home can be a great opportunity to make a lifestyle change for the better. If you’ve always dreamed of making a sea-change or tree-change, this could be your chance.

Or perhaps you’d like the convenience of a new apartment in a vibrant part of town, or the sense of community and extra support offered by a retirement village.

THE CONS

To start with, moving is often ranked as one of life’s most stressful events. And this can be particularly true if you’ve lived in your home for a long time, and are leaving a lifetime of memories behind. If you’re leaving the area, you may also find it hard to replace the support of neighbours and friends, and you may miss the security of familiar surroundings.

If you’re selling for financial reasons, it’s important to understand how the money will affect your government entitlements, like the pension and other aged care benefits.

As you get older, mobility may become an issue, and a home with easy access and fewer stairs can mean you’re able to live independently in your own home for longer. Selling up may also mean you can move to an area with better facilities for seniors, such as easy transport and access to healthcare.

Remember too, that moving is expensive, so be sure to factor in all the costs involved, including stamp duty, before you put the house on the market.

Financially, downsizing to a less expensive property can free up the equity you’ve built up in your home. You can then use the extra money to go travelling, help out the kids, or simply boost your retirement income.

If you’re thinking of downsizing it’s important to get some practical financial advice that’s based on your personal situation and needs. So before making this life-changing decision, make an appointment with a financial adviser today.

Important information and disclaimer: This publication has been prepared by PDA Financial Planning Pty Ltd trading as Australian Financial Advisers who are Authorised Representatives of GWM Adviser Services Limited trading as MLC Financial Planning Australian Financial Service Licensee.

us by third parties. While it is believed the information is accurate and reliable, the accuracy of that information is not guaranteed in any way.

24 NT POLICE NEWS

Stuart and Sonia Davis

It’s also worth considering whether your new home will have space for your children or grandchildren to stay, if that’s a priority for you.

Currently, Centrelink doesn’t include your home in the age pension assets test. But if you downsize, any cash you have left over will be counted as an asset — potentially reducing the pension you receive.

Information in this publication is accurate as at the date of writing (December 2016). In some cases the information has been provided to

Dwayne’s experience and knowledge of NTGPASS, in particular, enabled him to provide us with projections which were welcome news.

We think that having a local point of contact that we can deal with in person and who knows our business, will be important to our peace of mind in retirement.”

However, downsizing does have some drawbacks, both on an emotional and financial level.

Moving into a smaller home can be less expensive to manage, with lower rates and electricity bills. It can also reduce the amount of work you need to do to maintain your home, with less cleaning and gardening required.

Any advice in this publication is of a general nature only and has not been tailored to your personal circumstances. Accordingly, reliance should not be placed on the information contained in this document as the basis for making any financial investment, insurance or other decision. Please seek personal advice prior to acting on this information.

“With retirement approaching in the next couple of years we wanted to make sure that we were on track to be in the financial position that we sought.

DECIDE WHAT’S BEST FOR YOU

Opinions constitute our judgement at the time of issue and are subject to change. Neither the Licensee nor any member of the NAB Group, nor their employees or directors give any warranty of accuracy, not accept any responsibility for errors or omissions in this document.

Any general tax information provided in this publication is intended as a guide only and is based on our general understanding of taxation laws. It is not intended to be a substitute for specialised taxation advice or an assessment of your liabilities, obligations or claim entitlements that arise, or could arise, under taxation law, and we recommend you consult with a registered tax agent.

For further information and advice, contact the AFA team on (08) 8923 4100 or darwin@afanet.com.au or drop in and see us at Ground Floor, William Forster Chambers Building, 26 Harry Chan Avenue, Darwin. Also like the AFA page on facebook – Australian Financial Advisers – Darwin, for regular updates, information and competitions.

Advocating

Can you do better than the banks?

Successful outcomes • M ORE POLICE: Territory government commitment to increased recruitment of Police Officers • LISTENING TO US: Reversal of decision to close the Alice Springs Police Station front counter from 7.00pm each evening, after limited community consultation had taken place • GROG WARS: Banned Drinkers Register (BDR) and alcohol policy – both sides of government have said alcohol is an issue in our community – keeping government accountable

industry at a lunch to outline reviews, strategies, budgets and promises for 2017 and beyond.

In this speech, the Chief Minister outlined his plans to reintroduce the Banned Drinkers Register (BDR) to the Territory by 1 September this year, starting with the introduction of legislation to bring the BDR back to be tabled in May. The BDR will be operating in all Territory liquor outlets by 1 September, the Chief Minister said.

The Chief Minister reiterated the financial costs of alcoholrelated harm to our Territory - $642 million to the taxpayer per year, almost four times the national average per adult at $4200.

With this, not to mention our own understanding of alcohol related issues in the Territory, and the ongoing use of Point of Sale Interventions (POSIs) as seemingly the sole option to control sales, we think action needs to happen sooner. A staged roll out could occur, with hot spots - such as Alice Springs, Tennant Creek and Katherine - to welcome the BDR first. We will continue to advocate for this with both sides of government - September is too late.

In the early days of the new year, the Chief Minister announced a four-year recruitment plan to increase Police numbers by 120 over the first term of the Labor government.

The Chief Minister outlined he wanted “to see the Police College working at maximum capacity over the next four years turning out quality recruits.”

We welcomed the commitment from the Territory government and expect that the recruitment of Police Officers would keep pace with increased Police workload in the community.

Our Association looks forward to welcoming more Police Officers to the Territory.

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Just days after the government’s commitment to Police numbers was announced, it came to the attention of the Alice Springs community that the Police Station front counter would change from being open 24/7 to being closed from 7.00pm to 7.00am each day. The majority of locals were not happy about this.

Within 24 hours what was an operational decision had become front page news in Darwin and a hot topic of debate in Alice Springs.

Despite the front counter and front doors to the station being closed from 7.00pm each evening, there would be an intercom provided for direct connection to Communications in Darwin.

Our Association felt that closing the front counter over the proposed hours would place further strain on frontline Police resources that are already stretched and in addition, provide an increased risk to safety for the wider community, who may use the counter to report urgent incidents or seek refuge.

Further to, we were concerned that it appeared little consultation had occurred with the community it would directly affect. This was based on direct feedback from our members.

By the following day, the decision was reversed and the Alice Springs front counter is to stay open until further community consultation had occurred.

The Chief Minister presented his plans for the year ahead in February, hosting community stakeholders and captains of

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Policing issues make the front page of the NT News again

To read an open letter to our members from the Minister for Police and Shadow Minister for Police, please refer to page 35 in this issue of the NT Police News.

MARCH 2017 27

PFA

Member ??? ??? benefits

We urge the Committee to not support the measures in the proposed Bill that will adversely affect many police officers as well as others in the community in relation to PPL.

Fairer Paid Parental Leave for Police At the end of 2016 the Police Federation of Australia (PFA) made a submission to the Fairer Paid Parental Leave Bill 2016. This is an edited version of that submission.

The nature of police work and the difficulties it poses

paid PPL under their enterprise agreement it has allowed most infants to be exclusively cared for by a parent for the first six months of life. We believe a like scenario exists in all other jurisdictions. This 2016 Bill will detract from that goal.

There is also evidence of increased workforce participation of women in the police frontline and greater retention of women of childbearing age following the birth of their children.

We estimate that the changes being proposed in the Fairer Paid Parental Leave Bill 2016 will result in a loss of $11,500 per member, who are predominantly birth mothers.

For some police officers this will mean a reduced amount of time on parental leave and for others a separation from the workforce entirely.

Police services do not have the same degree of work place flexibility found across other industries. There is also evidence that women in the police are clearly coming up against considerable discrimination in relation to accessing flexible working arrangements.

In addition to those 18 weeks, police are entitled to the Any reduction of Paid Parental leave could have a following PPL entitlements across the country: contributing effect on the discrimination and stress women • VIC – 1 week paid leave in the first 12 months of service already experience accessing flexible working arrangements. and 14 weeks of paid PPL after 12 months’ service, The challenges of accessing flexible working arrangements, • AFP - 16 weeks, inadequate access to flexible and affordable childcare and • NSW - 14 weeks after 40 weeks’ service, the nonstandard patterns of police work, coupled with the • NT 14 weeks up to five years’ service and 18 weeks with proposed PPL changes in this Bill will leave mothers and greater than five years’ service, prospective mothers very limited choices and without the • QLD – 14 weeks, support they need to return to policing. We also know that for • SA – 16 weeks after 12 months’ service and 18 weeks after many police families both parents are members of the police. five years’ service, This again reduces the flexibility available within families to • TAS – 12 weeks after 12 months’ service, juggle carer’s responsibilities, careers and financial pressures.

• WA 14 weeks after 12 months’ service.

The proposed Bill is not fair to babies, not fair to women and not fair to the community.

As a direct result of the PPL Scheme, the Police Association The PPL scheme is one of a range of measures required to of Victoria has confirmed an increase in the length of time support police parents balancing family commitments with away from the workplace taken by members after childbirth. the important and unique job of protecting the welfare of Coupled with other leave arrangements including 14 weeks the community. for parents are unique. There is an unpredictability faced by police that is not faced by other workers in Australia.

As outlined in our previous submission to the Fairer Paid Parental Leave Amendment Bill 2015 the proposed Paid Parental Leave Scheme measures and revised arrangements will have a negative impact on mothers and babies as well as the wider community.

The PFA has been a long term strong supporter of the Paid Parental Leave Act 2010 (PPL Act). Our members have been able to access the 18 weeks’ parental leave pay under that Act, on top of entitlements under the various state, territory and federal police enterprise bargaining agreements or awards. In fact, negotiations our members’ branches have had with the various state, territory and federal governments and police forces in enterprise bargaining around paid parental leave (PPL) have always been predicated on our members also having access the PPL Act 18 weeks.

28 NT POLICE NEWS

We urge the Parliament to continue to ensure police are supported adequately across all stages of caring for children including continued access to provisions in the Paid Parental Leave Act 2010 that allow our members to access 18 weeks PPL on top of what is available under their respective entitlements under awards or enterprise agreements.

The paid leave of absence for women during childbearing age is one of the suites of measures necessary to increase participation of women in police forces and indeed the higher ranks/leadership roles. The PFA Branches have fought long and hard to achieve paid parental leave in industrial instruments as part of the gender equity in the police forces. By removing the PPL from them is pushing the police members away and indeed taking a backward step in achieving gender equity in policing in Australia.

The PFA would like to note that we do recognise that the minor amendments below would be the only changes we would support and recognise that these minor amendments would be of benefit to some of our members.

• Providing more flexible backdating provisions so that the four-week backdating rule will apply to parents who complete their claim process more than four weeks after the birth of their child.

• Paid parental leave work test will be amended to take into account the circumstances of pregnant employees who are unable to continue in their job because the hazardous nature of their employment presents a risk to their pregnancy and there is no safe job alternative available.

• The permissible break in the paid parental leave work test will also be extended to allow parents to have a gap of up to 12 weeks between two working days and still meet the paid parental leave work test. This change will enable more working parents, particularly those in irregular employment, to be eligible for paid parental leave.

NTPA Member Benefits Our financial members can access the below deals and discounts via our website, follow the below steps to shop and save: 1. Visit www.ntpa.com.au 2. Login to your member profile – if you’ve forgotten your password or email address to login, click on to ‘Recover here’ and follow the prompts 3. Once logged in, navigate to the Member Benefits tab 4. Scroll through the benefits to shop and save

Our current discounts include:

RM WILLIAMS

RM Williams boots can be purchased by our members at the discounted price of $310.00 (including GST and freight). Complete the form on our website to purchase your new pair.

ACCOR HOTELS

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The Savvy Traveller is your travel concierge – enjoy exclusive travel benefits and see the world. The Savvy Traveller offers a wide range of discounts for your travel adventures and can assist with bookings for flights, accommodation, transport options in your holiday location and vacations such as cruises. Our members can enjoy a FREE $100 annual leave travel voucher to use towards your next holiday booking.

JB HI-FI

JB Hi-FI has extended its family and friends discount to members of our Association.

Follow the link on our website to shop online and use the Business Authorisation Code: B2BNTPOLICE and follow the prompts to create an account.

HILTON HOTELS

Our members and their families can enjoy 20 per cent off the best available rate at any of the four Hilton Hotels in the Northern Territory.

Choose from three unique hotels in Darwin – the Double Tree by Hilton, the Hilton Darwin or the Double Tree by Hilton Esplanade and in Alice Springs, the Double Tree by Hilton.

MARCH 2017 29

Association history

The way we were In 1981 criminologist Bruce Swanton compiled a brief history of the ‘Police Association of the Northern Territory.’ He referenced past industrial disputes, wins for increased wages and peppered the document with some stories of the Territory’s Police Force and its colourful history.

We recently found a copy of the document – in the format of yellowed, fragile pages, crafted on a typewriter. Here are some highlights.

Back then there was grievances relating to Police housing, which were “particularly frustrating,” it was reported.

An allowance for “escorting or handling lepers” that was a popular demand in the 1930s, and in mid-1939 a 10/- pd allowance for such was requested. The Commissioner of the time was unsympathetic to the idea, saying at the time that once there was a member who contracted leprosy (as a result of their Police work) he would reconsider the allowance argument.

Promotion examinations, another request of the same period, were introduced shortly after however for reasons unknown, another (promotion) examination was not held until 1950.

The following November, approximately 12 Darwin based Police formed what we now to be our Association, and

by April of the following year, there was 18 Police on the Association’s books and a formal claim had been made to the Commissioner concerning a leper escort allowance.

A subsequent submission to the Commissioner included a request that a detective branch be formed complete with finger print and photographic sections.

In September 1940, a request for an increase in the meal allowance for visiting members that was formalised, from 1/6d to 2/- per meal.

By mid-1941, the document reads, that “more mundane matters were occupying the energies of members such as shortages of furniture and transport.”

After the bombing of Darwin, by which time the Association had lapsed then reformed on 17 July 1945 at a meeting in an Alice Springs school house.

In about 1948, the Association requested that the Minister for Interior establish a Police Arbitral Tribunal. The Tribunal was established in 1949.

A group of members subsequently drew up a log of claims, with “a great deal of effort going into preparing the document, as terms and conditions of service generally had not been previously well definied," Bruce recalled.

Eventually the claim was submitted to the Tribunal. Despite counter argument, the log was accepted by the Tribunal and later, the task complete and Determination #1 was signed by the Chairman.

The Determination had a formal life of approximately two years, but was extended by agreement. Some variations were

30 NT POLICE NEWS

made and agreed upon by the Commissioner of Police and Association representatives in conference on 14 February 1952. Determination #2 was assented to in 1953.

“Housing continued to be a source of concern to Police employees in the 50s, just as it had been in 30s and 40s”, Bruce later wrote.

The second major log of claims was submitted in April 1960 and an increase of 28 per cent for all ranks requested, plus a 10 pound per annum allowance in lieu of weekend duty. The Commissioner of Police countered with an offer of 75 pounds for Constables and 100 pounds for Sergeant. The Association came back with a figure of 165 pounds retrospective to 3 December 1959.

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Interestingly, prison officers approached the Police Association in 1960 with a view to the two occupational groups joining industrial forces.

The Association’s executive committee unanimously rejected the proposal.

In 1961, the Association “considered its position on the question of women police, deciding it had no objection to their employment.”

The Territory’s Commissioned Police Officers’ Association was formed on 23 November 1967.

Cyclone Tracy devastated Darwin – and with it, many of the Association’s records in 1974. A major concern post-Tracy was the establishment of a Sick Leave Bank.

In 1978 a work value case was mounted – to the Police Arbitral Tribunal – resulting in a 9 per cent pay increase overall. Prior to, in 1977, a group assurance scheme was commenced for the protection of members.

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In response, we’ve launched Emergency Services Health – a new not-for-profit private health fund exclusive to the emergency services community. It’s backed by Police Health, extending the quality cover previously only police officers and their families could access to our colleagues in the emergency services. If you know someone who volunteers or works in emergency services, share our news of the new health fund by: • Sharing your member experiences with Police Health • Tell them to like us on facebook.com/EmergencyServicesHealth • Check out our cover eshealth.com.au We look forward to supporting the emergency services community in the same way Police Health has supported the police community for over 80 years.

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Central Australia

Sir – The rains in Central Australia over the Christmas and New Year periods were amazing but played havoc with the roads and made travelling difficult.

From left to right: A beautiful sunset, a bogged vehicle and members Annie Jolley and James Rose to the rescue.

On completion of the trek, left to right, George Ciolka, Bruce Payne, Luke Riley, Leif Hovland and David Mitchell

On New Year’s Eve a friend and I went on a short afternoon drive from Yuelamu with Jack Cook, an Aboriginal man who has lived there all is life.

He assured Harold and me that the road was perfectly driveable even after the amount of rain we had. I should have known better as I have been a regular visitor to Yuendumu for 20 years.

A moment’s lapse in concentration, a tyre width off the centre of the road and into the mud we sank.

I opened the door, stepped out and nearly lost my boots in the oozing mud. There was a firm crust with liquid mud underneath and shovelling only made the situation worse. We walked back to the community as it started to rain. It rained all night.

After ridding ourselves of the mud that caked us, we called the Yuendumu police to see if they had a vehicle with a winch. Sgt Anne Jolley said she would assist us the following afternoon provided she could get to us.

We equipped ourselves with timber to put under the tyres, large boards to prevent the jack sinking, and an additional shovel and headed back the following afternoon.

The overnight rain had made things much worse. It was hard to dig the soft ooze – it weighed a ton on the shovel.

Lifting the laden shovel caused you to sink into the mud.

IT TURNED OUT TO BE A LOT WORSE THAN IT LOOKS.

One of the joys of the ‘wet’

We persevered. We would jack the car up, dig out underneath to free the diff and chassis and then place timber under the four wheels. The car would be inched back a foot or so and the process repeated.

We walked back to where we had parked the other car to get some more timber and the police turned up at almost the same time.

We explained to Sgt Jolley and Constable James Rose (pictured at top) where the vehicle was and advised that just a few inches off the road was very soft despite the firm crust on top.

Constable Rose attempted to get as close as possible to our vehicle but approached a bit too close and ended up getting bogged himself.

The four of us continued to dig, winch and dig again.

Constable Rose drove and as we pushed Sgt Jolley unfortunately was behind the rear wheel and she ended up covered in mud! We all laughed.

Throughout the day that is one thing that was remarkable, the spirit of both officers and their willingness to help was pervasive. They never gave up and never stopped trying.

We made slow progress, but ended up losing to the fading daylight. We called it day for safety reasons and retreated for the evening.

We re-convened the following morning in sunshine!

This time there were five of us, as Sgt Jolley’s son Tim had volunteered to help us dig. The enthusiasm had not waned.

THE MOTHER OF ALL BOGS.

Both officers seemed to be inspired by the challenge. Sgt Jolley may be small in stature but she has incredible energy and drive. She was sitting in the mud shovelling from under the vehicle, providing guidance to us all and ensuring safety during the recovery.

Constable Rose is a giant in comparison and a machine when it came to moving dirt.

He could move 10 times the volume of mud in the same time as any of us. His sense of humour was extraordinary and he kept the morale up for us all. It had been commented by a bystander, who did nothing to help except criticise, that we were all quite urban in our approach – which became the standing joke for the duration of the recovery.

The hours dragged on, progress was slow, we were buggered, but with humour and teamwork both vehicles were finally on firm ground.

Morale never wavered due to the professionalism, teamwork and drive of the police officers involved. There were cheers and shouts of joy which I am sure could be heard miles away.

Sgt Jolley and Constable Rose are both a credit to the Northern Territory Police Service and an asset at the remote Yuendumu Police Station. We are very thankful for their assistance – had it not been for them we would probably still be there.

What was more memorable – the bog or the sunset?

Words and images courtesy, Mark Roots.

This letter first appeared published by Alice Springs News Online.

32 NT POLICE NEWS

Left: Mark Roots' bogged 4WD; right: Annie Jolley, OIC Yuendumu

MARCH 2017 33

From Parliament Images credit Jenia Ratcliffe ABC Broken Hill.

Around Australia

Hon. Michael Gunner MLA Chief Minister, Minister for Police

On behalf of my Government and all decent, hard-working Territorians, I thank you for your service and wish you a successful and safe 2017.

I am proud to be Police Minister and I look forward to strong, honest and productive relationships over the next four years.

At the heart of my job is listening and acting, which ultimately means equipping you with what you need to succeed We know you need upgraded and contemporary technology, so my Government has committed to upgrading the outdated PROMIS system. This technology will be complemented by advanced in field technology to keep police out in the community.

We know you need more eyes on the streets, so we have committed $2 million in recurrent funding to expand CCTV coverage and monitoring.

We know you need more police and government certainty to back up recruitment, so we have committed to an additional 120 full-time uniformed officers by the end of this term.

Some of these officers will work from a new police station in Palmerston, with construction to begin this year. Some will work from a substantially improved Katherine Police Station.

We know you need Government policies that help stop harm before it begins, so we will reintroduce the Banned Drinkers Register from September 1.

This will not only keep alcohol out of the hands of problem drunks, but allow better agility and deployment of your resources.

You also need support at the back end of the justice system so your hard work removing dangers from our streets needn’t repeat in decades-long and ever-frustrating cycles of arrest and release and arrest.

This year we will provide magistrates more sentencing and diversionary options so problem young offenders can be removed from communities when necessary, but also find the treatment and rehabilitation they need to reintegrate into society.

For longer term solutions, the Northern Territory Government must shift its thinking.

While keeping a strong enforcement arm, my Government will invest in early intervention, because investment in our children and families now reduces contact with the justice and prison systems later.

I thank you for your demonstrated professionalism in the face of challenges unique in the entire world; in the face of danger, long hours and the ever-present gaze of the public spotlight.

And I thank you for all you will do this year to keep our communities safe.

Lia Finocchiaro MLA Big picture: Bill Hoskins; small insert: Adrian Portch (top), John McCaskill (bottom)

The town with no Police ABC TV program Back Roads recently aired an episode on the New South Wales underground mining town White Cliffs. White Cliffs was last home to an operational Police Station in 1947.

The original station, which still stands today, was built in the late 1890s.

But the sleepy outback down is a drawcard for former Police Officers When the Back Roads crew visited, there was five former cops living there and the official population is just 99 people.

Bill Hoskins, a former Victorian Police Officer who served mainly in one-man stations in the country said the town enables people to start a new life, away from the mainstream and be “who they are” without being a person of authority and the responsibility of being a Police Officer.

Adrian Porch spent 17 years at Broken Hill after the Police Academy, he couldn’t wait to move to the town, home to no stress and no traffic.

34 NT POLICE NEWS

John McCaskill, a 30-year veteran of the Victorian Police family, retired to the remote town to become an opal miner.

The lure of the multi-coloured stone lured him in after he hung up his Police badge and spends his winters in White Cliffs every year.

In its peak, White Cliff was home to some 3,000 people.

Naturally the Police Station was fully operational then.

Squatters runs, cattle and sheep rustling and assaults were common crimes.

Decline of population meant the Police Station was no longer needed. The town is now serviced by Police from nearby Wilcannia – 100 kilometres away.

Deputy Opposition Leader, Shadow Minister for Police For well over 100 years Northern Territory Police have overcome the many challenges that go with maintaining law and order and delivering safer communities in the nation’s most sparsely populated jurisdiction.

The force’s 1400 staff are the thread that bind the Territory’s 70 stations, posts, multi-jurisdictional facilities and shopfronts.

There is no question that policing is like no other job. The public expectation is higher, the risks are greater and equally, the results yielded from a strong police force are invaluable.

Police enforcement requires a mixture of strength, sensitivity and conviction and in my capacity as Shadow Minister for Police, I will endeavour over the coming months and years to meet with as many serving officers as possible to better understand the demands you face day in, day out.

Something politicians have in common with police is that we chose this vocation to make a positive difference. We may have different ways of going about this – but our core ideal is to improve the lives of Territorians.

I am very proud of Northern Territory Police and the high standing they have in our community. Members of the community often tell me of their positive encounters with

police and have endless praise for the hard work they do.

Proactive policing is something I have seen as a local member and it makes a big difference to the confidence of a community.

It is the role of parliamentarians to provide a strong platform from which police can best ensure community safety and enforce the law. In recent years there have been positive changes to the police force such as tablets, vests and body worn cameras that are aimed at enhancing police and public safety Another is the Vision 20/20 initiative which has as its clear objective evolving the force to be more representative of the community it serves. It was a privilege to attend the most recent recruit squad graduation where the diversity in recruits was on display.

The Territory’s unique cultural footprint is best served by a cross-section of its community and I look forward to the continuation of this initiative.

MARCH 2017 35

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36 NT POLICE NEWS

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Farewells

Basketball

Farewell Superintendent Peter Gordon

Farewell Gregory ‘Goobs’ Walker

by Terry Simpson

Reg. No 1218

The Police family farewelled Gregory ‘Goobs’ Walker at a very Executive members farewell Dean Moloney

Farewell Dean Moloney Dean Moloney, registered number 1282 joined the Territory Police Force on 16 August 1982, a year where on average, fuel cost 40 cents per litre and more beer was consumed in the Northern Territory per person than anywhere else in the world.

Dean’s retirement in November 2016 marked more than 34 years’ service to the Northern Territory Police Force, the Territory community and as member of our Association.

As the March 1983 edition of our magazine reported 20 year-old Dean Moloney worked for the Commonwealth Bank in Sydney prior to joining Squad 37 and Dean’s interests at the time included rugby league, cricket, tennis, golf and squash.

“I was a big city boy and came to small country town Darwin, coming for a look to see what it was like because I wanted to join the New South Wales Police.

“After college I wasn’t keen on remote work, but despite my initial trepidation, I ended up working for 10 years out bush and had a ball. I loved it,” recalled Dean.

Dean went from Darwin GDs to the Territory Response Group (TRG) then to the Tiwi Islands, where at the time, there was only two Police Officers covering Bathurst and Melville Islands.

From there, Dean was based at Jabiru relieving bush stations like Oenpelli, Maningrida and as far west as Port Keats.

“Working remotely was fun and a great experience, I saw some fantastic country side and met some great people that I am still friends with today,” Dean said.

After 10 years, it was back to Darwin, working a Senior Sergeant managing the watch house, JESSC and front counters, then working in Community Policing and Aboriginal Community programs.

Then Dean was headed back to TRG, where he spent the best part of a decade (in different intervals), some highlights being working on projects such as the introduction of a fit for purpose uniform and working tirelessly for the funding of an armoured vehicle. Eventually, some Commonwealth funding resourced the vehicle, and although Dean wasn’t in TRG by the time it arrived, he was still thrilled with its (eventual) presence.

A role as staff officer, a secondment to the Department of Justice as Senior Director of Licensing then back to uniform and various Superintendent roles in Darwin including Territory Response and Emergency Management Division.

“I really enjoyed my policing career, I would recommend it.

“It’s like a career within a career and that’s certainly one of the benefits.”

Needless to say, Dean didn’t go back to NSW to join the Police Force, but travel is now on the horizon for he and his wife Beth, with their eyes on a European adventure, including the Amalfi Coast, France and Greece.

38 NT POLICE NEWS

well attended retirement function on Australia Day, hosted by the Alice Springs Police Club committee who worked tirelessly behind the bar and at the BBQ. In attendance were current members, former colleagues of Goobs and members of the community who have known and worked with Goobs and his wife Wendy. Executive member Kylie Proctor made a special stop over as did Jon Beer, who worked with Goobs for many years in Alice Springs before relocating to Darwin.

From the best of my knowledge Goobs never called upon the assistance of the Association, but was always an advocate. Goobs was known for dispensing his own advice to those who found themselves on the wrong side of a desk.

You have been at different times - a colleague, a mentor, a sounding board, the voice of reason and most importantly a friend to nearly every member who has been posted to this station and your words of wisdom, bullshit, bluff and bravado will be missed by all.

On behalf of the President, Executive and members of the NTPA I am honoured to present you this retirement wall hanging which I know will be displayed somewhere within your new abode at Rainbow Beac.

And for all those who want to know the origin of Walker’s nick name Goobs, well the mystery continues...

All the best mate, good luck & safe travels.

'Goobs' - a real character with a caricature

Keith Currie (photo by the Katherine Times)

Farewell Keith Currie When Keith Currie hung up his Police uniform for the last time towards the end of last year, he was the final ‘three-digit cop’ to do so.

Senior Constable Currie, number 937, began his Territory Policing career on 15 May 1978. Moving from New South Wales, Keith responded to a recruitment advertisement published in the Sydney Morning Herald, completing his training at what was then the Policing Training Centre in Darwin’s Cavenagh Street, now home to the Mirambeena travel lodge.

Keith’s career spanned across the Territory, in bush stations such as Ali Curung, Borroloola, Kalkarindji and Lajamanu as well as Tennant Creek, Katherine and Alice Springs. He turned 21 while working at Yuendumu.

A lack of technology, and no other ‘at home’ distractions like DVDs, internet and pay TV meant local Police were incredibly social in the communities they worked, both with locals and other workers who had moved to the communities like teachers and nurses.

“Card games were huge, parties were massive” Keith recalled of the local social scene in the towns where he worked.

Being a Police Officer, and the tools of the trade were different too – random breath testing didn’t exist, nor did an on the spot check of vehicle registration or driver’s license. Police had to rely on microfiche slides for retrieval of information, and even then the data was old and typically outdated.

“We couldn’t get blood alcohol levels from a drink driver at Borroloola involved in a crash, for example, so that caused complications.

“There are huge pluses now for Police with technological advancements, and policing has certainly changed,” Keith said.

Officers didn’t carry much beyond a pair of handcuffs and the Police cars didn’t have air conditioning and the housing standards have improved out of sight too, in comparison to what Keith termed “something of the cave days in comparison.”

As he recalled his career, Keith referred to one of his first payslips, dated 22 June 1978 with an annual salary of $9,862, he said the relevance of this amount was a direct reflection of the improvement in both pay and conditions for our members, as fought for by our Association.

On retirement, Keith has not set plans, he is currently in a state of transition and taking one day at a time.

Peter Gordon joined the Northern Territory Police Force on 31 August 1981, as a Recruit Constable from Squad 35. Our magazine at the time reported him to be a cabinet maker and carpenter who hailed from Adelaide.

At the time, Peter was hoping for a transfer to Alice Springs, which is, ironically, where he commenced his retirement after 35 years’ service.

Recalling his career, he remembered a time of no mobile phones, no constant contact with colleagues and supervisors and a time when “no news was good news”.

Pete and his colleagues would go for days on patrol in the Barkly region with limited communication back to the station and management.

Much to the entertainment of those ‘tuned in’ he would spend part his Sunday evening talking to his new wife Kath over HF radio as Peter was based in Tennant Creek at the time.

Throughout his career spanning three and a half decades, Superintendent Gordon worked across the Territory, from the Tiwi Islands, to Arnhem Land of course, Central Australia, but it was time at the Police College he pin-pointed as a favourite.

Peter loved the opportunity to be a part of recruit selection, working with the newest of the Territory’s cops as they began their career as part of the Territory Police family.

The next chapter for Peter and Kathleen will include their caravan and some on-road adventures, of course with more modern communication tools this time around!

Executive member Terry Simpson with Peter Gordon

MARCH 2017 39

Farewells/ Letter To The Editor

Goodbye (again) Peter Wright

WANT A SEAT AT THE BOARD TABLE?

Police Chaplain

Farewell Stephen Heyworth Reg. No 1223 Steve Heyworth was in the Territory Police Force for 10 years before he worked in Darwin. By his own admission he absolutely loved first station, at Roper River. Working bush ignited his passion for remote and regional communities, and places like this, across the Top End was where he spent much of his 35-year career.

When Steve marched out of College as a member of Squad 35/81 (with fellow retiree Peter Gordon) he commenced a career that he said brought with it a fantastic time, some wonderful memories and no regrets.

A career highlight for Steve was working as the project team leader to bring together Police, fire and emergency services under one roof at the Joint Emergency Services Communications Centre (JESCC).

“Of course, there were some things that weren’t highlights at the time, but on reflection, are great memories,” Steve recalls.

“Batchelor, of all places, was one of the most challenging places I was stationed. Litchfield Park was being developed for tourism, so that brought with it increased traffic and increase workload.

The park at the time was in the primitive stages of being the tourist hot spot it is today.

Batchelor based Emergency Services was without a trailer for its equipment during Steve’s time in the town, with no departmental funding available he and his colleagues worked with the community to fundraise. Sadly, the trailer was used the new trailer (and equipment) the first day it was commissioned.

Despite 35 years of service, retirement doesn’t truly beckon for Steve. He has his eye on continuing to ride his motorcycle on extended trips and is keen to remain involved in the Wall to Wall Ride for Remembrance. The ‘grey nomad’ life (ie. Caravanning) isn’t for him just yet, he says.

Already, he has thrown himself into a part time consultative role, which he readily accepted, for a new challenge and new work environment. That’s the plan for the next few months to enjoy the change of scenery that the new role brings.

Steve said he is missing the Police family and the challenges of the Police work environment, but he is forever grateful for the extended support of family and friends over his 35-year career.

40 NT POLICE NEWS

Take your career to the next level with the Company Directors Course™ Designed for those wishing to further their directorship skills and governance knowledge, it will help you improve both your personal and organisation’s performance.

The next five-day course in Darwin is: Monday 15 May to Friday 19 May 2017 (five day intensive)

Friends It is almost time that I leave the role of Chaplain to the PFES, and in particular the NT Police yet again.

A total of 13 years when I finished on 23 December with three terms, two in Darwin and the last six months in Alice Springs, just filling in.

I feel very privileged to have been your Chaplain and enjoyed the many friendships along the way.

I have been invite into many lives both personally, family and work. I have walked beside some during difficult and trying times giving support and encouragement as best I could. Thank you for the trust many have placed in me over the years. I have said it many times; the Police are an amazing group of people, serving and protecting the community while being confronted often with great dangers.

With only one year in Alice Springs our church has asked my wife, Geneen (as I am retired) to take up a posting in Modbury, a northern suburb of Adelaide which will happen in January 2017. It is disappointing to move but we look forward to new challenges, opportunities, people and looking at the possibility of doing some part time Chaplaincy with SAPol. Thank you for the opportunity to serve with you in the NT Police, it really has been a great honour.

If in Adelaide feel free to give me a call for a catch up.

I wish you and your families well for the future.

Peter Wright Chaplain

05806-1_17

Solly with Stephen Heyworth

Peter Wright has assisted our members throughout the Territory in three different stints as Chaplain.

As our Chaplain, Peter provided invaluable welfare assistance to our members, an ear to listen, some helpful words, he even officiated the occasional Police wedding or baptism.

In the 2011 Queen’s Birthday Honours, Peter was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM), recognising his service to the Police, Fire and Emergency Services and the wider for more than 30 years.

Our Association recognised Peter’s dedication to our members awarding him the NTPA Meritorious Service Medal in 2012.

Peter started his next chapter in South Australia, with his wife Geneen and on departing the Territory, sent the below letter.

Enrol now t: 08 8236 2800 e: sa-nt@aicd.com.au w: companydirectors.com.au/cdc

The Australian Institute of Company Directors’ new Adelaide business centre and members’ lounge, along with the organisation’s wide suite of networking, professional development and education assets, are compelling reasons to join the organisation, high profile members say.

While the AICD might be best known to non-members for its flagship Company Directors’ Course, the nation’s peak director membership body also offers a strong range of other programs such as its annual Essential Director Update, designed to bring directors up to speed on relevant issues, the Directors’ Download series where topical issues, such as cybersecurity and crisis management are addressed, and members’ lounges across the nation.

Petrina Coventry, who among other achievements is a nonexecutive director at Beston Global Foods and is Industry Professor and Director of Development with Adelaide University’s Faculty of Professions and Business school, has been a member for a number of years and says the education programs were excellent but there are many other benefits in membership.

“Beyond that it’s the networks and the connections, but also, I’d call it the governance checks,” she says.

“When you go along (to an event) you are mixing with other directors and the checks and balances you get around the table are quite healthy.

“It’s about regular checks and balances, personal governance and associating with people who are playing in a multitude of company types you can learn from.’’

Professor Coventry said the AICD was also invaluable in keeping directors abreast of changes in issues such as corporate governance standards or legal issues and was also a proactive, effective lobbyist.

“The snapshots or summaries keep you appraised of what’s happening, giving you the information in one shot and they are very current.

“It’s also an organisation which is at the head of gender diversity. It has done good work to try and tackle the ratio of male to female directors. (AICD managing director) John Brogden and others before him have put their money where their mouth is.’’

Bathe Wines owner and MD John Harvey says he uses the members’ lounge like a “Qantas club in the city’’.

“It’s a good professional space you can use. It’s a more appropriate place to meet people sometimes than a coffee shop for example,” he said.

“I use it on average three hours per week and that’s at odd times. I run a business from home and have desks at various organisation but they’re spread out so this is extraordinarily handy.”

If your plans for 2017 involve growing your networks, enhancing your governance knowledge and stepping up to the board table, speak to your local AICD executive Terri-Ann Maney on 0428243995 or give us a call on 8236 2800. Our SA/NT membership team will be happy to talk to you about your options and explain the benefits membership holds for you.

member Update

Caption Comp NTPA Gift Shop • NTPA and NTPF Cufflinks • Stainless steel coffee mugs • Leather compendiums • NT & Shield shaped NTPF plaques, with custom engraving • Did you know that we can arrange mounting of medal replicas to wear at official functions?

What would you like to see in our gift shop?

Email your feedback to reception@ntpa.com.au

There is a copy of Dr Kevin Gilmartin’s book Emotional Survival for Law Enforcement to be won for the best ‘fill in the blanks’ on this cartoon by Colin Wicking (reproduced with permission from NT News). Send your answer via email to reception@ntpa.com.au

Congratulations Congratulations to Craig Barrett who captioned the below cartoon:

Check our website

www.ntpa.com.au

"What’s wrong officer? Did Sober Fido fail to indicate again"

or come into our store at

Level 2, Suite 209 ‘Spirit on The Avenue’ 12 Salonika Street Parap NT 0820

Changed your address?

Please let the NTPA know if you change address or contact details.

Email: reception@ntpa.com.au or telephone 8995 9520

Keep up to date with NTPA news via our Facebook page.

Find us at www.facebook.com/ NTPoliceAssociation

42 NT POLICE NEWS

Resignations and Retirements Resignations

Rank

Date

Osborne, Richard John

Senior Constable First Class

03-Nov-16

Roberts, Ryan Michael

Constable

05-Nov-16

Sanderson, Belinda Jade

Sergeant

16-Dec-16

Pickering, Geoffrey Warren

Senior Constable

16-Dec-16

Wethers, Timothy James

Senior Constable

15-Dec-16

Gibson, Stephen Graham

Senior Constable First Class

29-Dec-16

Crossingham, Rebecca Emily

Constable

09-Jan-17

Craig, Francis Shannon

Constable First Class

20-Jan-17

Mohamed Ali, Abubakr

Senior Constable

29-Jan-17

Kolega, Emelio Benjamin

Constable

05-Feb-17

Retirements

Rank

Date

Moloney, Dean Christian

Superintendent

11-Nov-16

Craske, Daniel James

Senior Constable

16-Nov-16

Hall, Andrew John

Auxiliary

04-Nov-16

Heyworth, Stephen Mark

Superintendent

25-Nov-16

Gaze, Craig Roy

Senior Constable

25-Jan-17

Waive the fee!

AANT is waiving the $45 joining fee for members of the NTPA. AANT members receive: · Australia wide 24/7 road service · up to 10% discount on insurance · 6cpl off at selected United Service Stations in the NT · member benefits and discounts on products and services around Australia.

It’s never been a better time to join with 12 months membership from just $99.

(Group and family discounts also apply.)

To join call 8925 5901, or visit aant.com.au and use the code NTPA01.

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