WAPU Police News March 2021

MARCH 2021

Police Chaplain recalls his service After 24 years of service, WA Police Force Chaplain Keith Carmody retired.

Son follows father to the frontline

In the 35 years between David and Jeremy Wall’s graduations, almost 10,000 police officers have started their careers in policing.

Community-minded team fighting for the people of Lancelin Devastating bushfires have captured the attention of West Australians in the early part of 2021, including near Lancelin.

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MAR 2021

POLICE NEWS THE MAGAZINE FOR THE WA POLICE UNION

CONTENTS

10

Police Chaplain recalls his service After 24 years of service, WA Police Force Chaplain, Keith Carmody hung up his police hat and purple epaulettes for the final time as he retired.

16

06 W APU DIRECTORS AND STAFF 08 P RESIDENTS REPORT 18 I NDUSTRIAL REPORT 24 F IELD REPORT 26 W APU ADVENTURE CLUB

30 H EALTH 31 M OTORING 32 N EW MEMBERS 34 R ETIREMENTS, RESIGNATIONS AND VALE 35 F ROM THE ARCHIVES

29 L EGAL

Son follows father to the frontline In the 35 years between David and Jeremy Wall’s graduations, almost 10,000 police officers have started their careers in policing.

20

Community-minded team fighting for the people of Lancelin Devastating bushfires have captured the attention of West Australians in the early part of 2021, including one blaze in Red Gully, near Lancelin.

4 POLICE NEWS MARCH 2021

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COVER WA Police Force Chaplain Keith Carmody.

Photo: Jody D'Arcy.

ABOVE Julian Jennings at the Lancelin Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade.

Photo: Steven Glover.

WA

POLICE UNION

Board of Directors 24/7 EMERGENCY DIRECTOR

HARRY ARNOTT President

MICK KELLY Senior Vice President & 24/7 Emergency Director 0438 080 930

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WARD ADAMSON Treasurer 0457 603 311

BRAD BIRD Director 0427 743 889

ALICIA CURCHIN Director 0417 911 502

CHRISTINE FREY Director 0428 688 747

JASON GENTILI Director 0437 417 467

Staff

PAUL HUNT Secretary 6 POLICE NEWS MARCH 2021

JESSICA ELPHICK Media Officer

JESSICA CUTHBERT Media Officer

KATRINA TAYLOR Industrial Officer

MARK SHIPMAN Industrial Lawyer

MATTHEW PAYNE Research Officer

M D 042

W E h

BOARD OF DIRECTORS & STAFF

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KEVIN GUY Director 0436 859 835

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BRANCH PRESIDENTS Academy Tiffany McAlinden Air Wing John Gobbels Armadale-Gosnells Paul Burke Avon Dave Flaherty Bunbury Australind Gareth Reed Cannington Doug Stjepic Causeway Matt Turner Central Great Roy George Southern Central Midlands Jake Hendry Central West Coast Brett Cassidy Commissioned Greg Knott Officers East Kimberley Stuart Lapsley Eastern Goldfields Fergus Mackinnon Eastern Wheatbelt Ben Reid Fortescue Kristen Teale Fremantle Ben Leaf

(Vice President) Gascoyne Jade Shepley Geraldton Tim Saxon Great Southern Danny Richmond Intelligence Contact WAPU HQ Operations Joondalup Ben Giff Leeuwin Naturaliste Brad Walder Licencing Peter Brewster Enforcement Lower South West Darren Gill

(Vice President) Major Crime Greg Hart Mandurah Harry Russell Maylands Complex Scott Sulley MFPF Ryan Hayter

(Vice President) Midland Aaron Cleaver Midland Workshops Jeanette Maddison Mirrabooka Todd Robinson Murchison Max Walker North Eastern Carl Logan Goldfields North Pilbara Liam Mallinson Northern ROG Cris Marzo Perth Christine Frey Perth Watch House Gemma Priest Professional Chris Lockwood Standards Prosecuting Branch Jared Evans Protective Service Wade Van Luyn Office Rockingham Kwinana Richard Wells Serious & Peter Birch Organised Crime Sex Crimes Cliff Daurat South East Eyre Aaron Honey South West Matt Fogarty Hinterland Southern ROG Mark Crossley State Traffic Paul Gale Operations Traffic Enforcement Murray Farrell Group North Traffic Enforcement Steve Kent Group South Upper Great Dorry Grzinic Southern WAPU Now Kareene Santoro Water Police Adam McGregor West Kimberley Michael Sedgman West Pilbara Matt Frankel

7

POLICE NEWS MARCH 2021

MICK KELLY

Acting President

Labor landslide election victory to deliver Police Compensation Scheme FIRSTLY, CONGRATULATIONS to Mark McGowan and the Labor Party for its victory at the recent State Election.

The WA Police Union looks forward to working with Mr McGowan and the rest of the State Government to deliver real results for Members.

At our Annual Conference in November, Mr McGowan promised us a Police Compensation Scheme and now that is what we want to see delivered within the first 100 days of this term. By my calculations, that means the legislation needs to enter parliament and get through both houses

by June 21.

We will be meeting with the Minister for Police on a regular basis over these first 100 days to make sure the legislation is progressing and that it is suitable to our Members.

While I will talk about the industrial agreement in the back half of this report, we will also be lobbying the State Government in relation to its State Wages Policy during the early stages of its second term.

At our Annual Conference in November, Mr McGowan promised us a Police Compensation Scheme and now that is what we want to see delivered within the first 100 days of this term.

8

In its response to our Pre-Election Submission, the McGowan Government reaffirmed its $1,000 per year State Wages Policy would remain for at least the first two years of the term before potentially going to CPI-based.

In our Pre-Election Submission, we called for a policy which is fair, equitable and allows for meaningful, open negotiations – something which has not occurred for some time.

While it appears, the policy will not change any time soon, we will continue to argue for changes to the policy or to have police excluded given the unique and dangerous work environment we operate in.

Members have been quick to point out in their response to our Pre-Election Submission and the industrial agreement outcome that police officers have been front and centre during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Some have even argued that the McGowan Government’s unprecedented popularity has stemmed from the hard work of police officers across the State to manage the pandemic response while also maintaining normal operational capability.

I can’t say I disagree with that sentiment and it has certainly been raised with the Premier and his Government.

ARBITRATION OUTCOME Last month, after nearly two years of frustrating negotiations, we finally reached the end of the process to replace the 2017 police officer industrial agreement.

The WA Industrial Relations Commission has delivered police officers two additional leave days. The two days can be used at any time, do not need to be pre-programmed, must be used annually and can only be accessed if a police officer’s leave balance is under 240 hours as of 31 December each year.

The new agreement is now in place and will expire on 30 June 2021. For a more detailed breakdown of the new agreement, Secretary Paul Hunt has provided a review in this edition’s Industrial Report on page 18.

PRESIDENT'S REPORT

The ball in now well and truly in the McGowan Government’s court to deliver us a Police Compensation Scheme in the first 100 days of the term and make significant changes to its wages policy.

While certainly the umpire’s decision could have been better, the two days additional leave is an increase to current conditions and nothing was lost. Importantly, it must be noted that the WA Police Force and the State Government argued that police officers should not get any additional leave.

Some Members have raised issue that this result delivered less days than offered in the Fifth and Final Offer.

Let's be clear. Members rejected the Fifth and Final Offer via an electronic ballot. This meant that everything that was on the table, was quickly taken off the table. Other than ignoring the decision of Membership and accepting the Offer anyway, the only path the Board had to finalise this matter was via arbitration.

The feedback from Members on the Fifth and Final Offer was that the leave arrangements for the proposed five days leave were too convoluted and that Members would not use the Respite Days because they came from, and reduced, the existing sick leave entitlement.

Reading the play with COVID-19, and the Government’s refusal to agree on partial arbitration on anything other than leave, the Board committed to securing your current conditions and arguing for more leave.

01

During the hearing, we presented evidence from a range of current and former serving police officers which was essential to our argument that policing is unique, demanding and, at times, traumatic, which was accepted by the Senior Commissioner.

What was weighed against our argument was the Government’s submissions about the forecast of a depressed State economy coming out of COVID-19.

There is no doubt that negotiations were significantly hampered by the State Wages Policy.

As discussed, work on trying to change the State Wages Policy which has been a major stumbling block over the past four years is planned.

The ball in now well and truly in the McGowan Government’s court to deliver us a Police Compensation Scheme in the first 100 days of the term and make significant changes to its wages policy.

01 Premier Mark McGowan with Minister for Police Michelle Roberts and Commissioner of Police Chris Dawson at last year's WAPU Annual Conference.

9

Police Chaplain recalls his service

BY JESSICA CUTHBERT

10 POLICE NEWS MARCH 2021

“It has been a God given privilege and a true honour to serve the men and women in the WA Police Force.”

This is how WA Police Force Chaplain Keith Carmody reflected on his 24 years standing alongside the blue family.

Earlier this month, Keith hung up his police hat and purple epaulettes for the final time as he retired.

The harrowing reality for police officers is they are confronted with tragedy and critical incidents everyday. Some of these incidents shock even the most seasoned of officers.

Among many things, the role of a police chaplain is to offer support and solace to officers who are tasked with attending these incidents and in most cases their crucial support extends well beyond the time they spend at the scene.

Keith spoke highly of the extraordinary job performed by men and women on the frontline.

“The officers are my heroes. Their courage is outstanding and the privilege of being around them and with them while they do their work has been a God given privilege,” he said.

Keith began his career with the WA Police Force in 1997 as a human resources consultant however, he has always lived with his faith and served as a Minister around Perth. It was this faith that landed him the job as a Police Chaplain.

“Back then, the Commissioner of Police was Bob Falconer and there was only one chaplain to cover the whole State of police officers,” Keith said.

“His name was Barr y May and he was outstanding.

Unfortunately, he got sick so I was asked to help with his tasks, given I was a Minister.

“I started assisting him doing the call outs to critical incidents and providing support wherever I could. That started in March 2006 and I basically stayed there until now. We now have four chaplains in the force.”

Keith said the role has been an extraordinary experience.

“It’s always different, you never know what you will get called out to. We are always on call and ready to go,” he said.

“In doing so, I have made so many lasting friendships.”

In his 15th year as a police chaplain, Keith said he has lost count of the number of crime scenes, incomprehensible tragedies, road crashes and tragic accidents he has attended.

“The scenes you run into...” he trialled off. “There are a lot that have stayed with me and will forever stay with me.” ▷

11

POLICE NEWS MARCH 2021

He said the reality of policing is you never know what is around the corner and what you might be tasked with from day to day.

A crucial part of a chaplain’s role is following up with officers after attending incidents or certain tasks.

“I’ve had cases where I run into coppers and think, oh we did this job together. Then that officer might be involved in another critical incident, so we will meet again,” he said.

“Sometimes you support an officer at a bad job and years later you hear from them because a family member is sick and needs support and because they remember you, they trust you.

It really is a big police family.”

Keith said the connections he made through the role are special.

“I’ve had cases where I might have buried someone’s dad who was a police officer and then their daughter becomes an officer, so I have seen them come through the academy or they are planning to wed and want me to do the service,” he said.

“The relationships you make are special. You get to know the officers and their families.”

He said even after all his years working alongside the men and women in the WA Police Force, he is still amazed by the incredible job they do.

“Officers sometimes say to me: ‘Oh I could never do what you do’ and I just tell them, well I couldn’t do what you do,” he said.

“Our officers are outstanding and I truly believe that the general public really have no idea the job they do but I see everything.

“The public might read that an offender was apprehended with a knife, but what they don’t know is that those officers fought for their life as someone was trying to stab them.

“They go out and are confronted with unimaginable things – I don’t think people realise that they are human beings just like the rest of us and that despite their professionalism they get heavily impacted by the horrific images they see.”

An example of this was the Margert River tragedy in May 2018, where a family was murdered in their homes in a murder suicide.

Four young children were all fatally shot in the early hours of May 11 in Osmington by their grandfather before he turned the gun on himself. Their mother and grandmother were also killed.

Minutes after a triple zero call, two Margaret River police officers arrived to find the horrific scene. It was Australia's worst mass shooting since the 1996 Port Arthur Massacre.

“Two officers woke up that morning and saw seven people shot in the head in their homes, innocent children,” Keith said.

“They did their jobs as police officers and then it was time to come home to their own families, their own children.

“That process never gets easier. Sometimes you get called out to something like that and after a while you forget the emotions and the haunting expressions. But then you run into an officer who was there and you remember. It comes flooding back.”

He told Police News he has done a lot of work with Water Police who are often tasked with body recoveries.

“They will be able to tell you the name and details of every body, especially the children, they have pulled out of the water.

12 POLICE NEWS MARCH 2021

Then they must deal with the family members of these people.

It is really hard and they do such an amazing job,” he said.

At these types of jobs, police chaplains are sent to ensure the welfare of officers at the scene, or to be of any assistance.

This might include talking to the family members of a deceased person or informing a family that a loved one has died.

“The look in their eyes is haunting, you pray for them and with them. Something like that never leaves you,” he said.

Keith praised each police officer in the State, for this wonderful job they do.

“The police officers in this State are the ones that deserve all the recognition. They are courageous, amazing, zealous.

They do a tremendous job,” he said.

“It really has been and honour to stand by them for the past 24 years.

“It’s a privilege, because we get invited into this area of work where officers do things and see things every day that no one knows about, that no one sees. No one knows the details and the complexities they deal with us, or how much it hurts them, what struggles they go through, what burdens they carry.”

Aside from being called to critical incidents, Keith said a lot of a police chaplains work was helping officers through personal battles and tragedies.

“Sometimes it’s not work-related but a home battle or tragedy where an officer’s child or loved one has died and they might just want some help, someone to talk to, pray with, or ask questions to,” he said.

“Sometimes an officer has just had a baby and attends an infant death job and it might impact them so they reach out.

We will assist the police at these scenes and in any battles they have in anyway we can.”

While there have been many call outs that will stay with Keith forever, he said the hardest ones to comprehend is when one of our own are killed.

“It’s when police officers die or are killed,” he said.

“Whether that be on duty, off duty, an accident, an illness or suicide.

“Officer deaths like Damien Murphy and Dennis Green, who were killed on the job, has a huge, lasting effect on officers and the wider blue family for a long time.”

He said it was phone calls just as those, that are the heart stoppers, because he knew what will happen next.

“The Commissioner is going to knock on a family’s door and tell them the worst news they will ever receive. It’s haunting,” he said.

“When I stand at the door, someone is dead. It’s not a good news knock on the door. It is a visit no one ever wants to receive.

I am not at the door if an officer has been seriously injured, I’ll be at the hospital with them, but if I’m at the door it’s death.”

Keith said his own heart stopping night was, April 22, 2020 when four police officers were killed on duty in Melbourne.

“When that happened, I was home and when I heard four officers were dead in a freeway crash, my heart stopped. I said no, no this can’t be happening. I thought it was here and I thought it was four of our officers,” he said.

“When there is a death in the police family, it truly and deeply impacts everyone.

It’s like a blanket that comes over us all.”

01

“I remember reaching for my phone and my heart started preparing for what we had to do. I was thinking to myself, okay I need to call the other chaplains, gather the troops, meet with the families and go door to door to each family member.

“It was horrific and it was the reality for the Victoria Police, my heart shattered for them. A loss like that is felt widely across the blue family.

“The frightening thing is that we could experience a loss like that any day in this job and we did in 2001 when four of our own were killed in a plane crash in Newman.”

Keith said as soon as a task or call comes in regarding a critical incident, his mind instantly asks the big questions.

Is it one of our own? Is it an officer? Have they been seriously injured? Have they been killed?

“When you get these calls, you are always prepping for what you are about to walk into,” he said.

He said even 20 years on from the Newman plane crash, he stills talks to and supports the family of the officers who were involved.

“Barry May did that call out as he was the chaplain at the time, but I still help the officers and the families through it to this day,” he said.

“We talk to and support the officers and their families and are involved with the service for the Bloody Slow Cup. Every year it is evident that it’s still painful for so many people.”

He said one of the hardest things an officer can experience, is the death of one of their own.

“They are okay with other people’s deaths, it’s their job and that’s what they do but when it comes to one of our own, that is when it’s hard,” he said.

“I always watch when we do the time of reflection at a funeral when officers place a little bit of rosemary on the casket, it’s then that they break and its very hard to watch.

“When there is a death in the police family, it truly and deeply impacts everyone. It’s like a blanket that comes over us all.”

Keith said the passing of Dave Curtis, a Senior Constable and Union Director, who took his own life in 2018 was a hard time for many officers across the State.

“I remember getting the call about Dave. I was on leave at the time, but I remember it well. The impact on everyone was mammoth,” he said.

“It’s a call you never expect to receive or ever want to receive.”

Keith said from the deaths, the injured officers, fatal accidents, riots and tragedies, the jobs he has attended over the years have been a mixed bag, full of emotions.

“What is abundantly clear throughout this role is the privilege of being involved and included in the police family, that’s really special,” he said.

He said among the bad, there are always the good days.

“Unfortunately, it’s mostly bad news, that’s why the phone rings. But the good is the people, the banter and the comradery – it’s what makes up the blue family,” he said.

He said knowing he has provided support, faith or comfort to an officer during their worst time or darkest hour, provided him the drive to do this role.

“It is a privilege to do this role and that’s why we are so careful about who we select. You are essentially given keys to the hearts of police officers and their families, their homes and their struggles,” he said.

“If I could go back to before I started – I would do it all again.

Right from the start I knew that this was a calling.”

He said he loved being involved in the WA Police Recruit Graduations and talking with the new officers.

“I believe when the officers graduate, and they might not know it yet, but the majority are following their calling. The majority of cadets and recruits I talk to always tell me they have wanted to be a police officer since they were young. That means policing is inside of them, he said. ▷

02

01 Keith Carmody attending the funeral of Dennis Green.

02 Keith Carmody at a Bloody Slow Cup service in Newman.

13 POLICE NEWS MARCH 2021

“What will be asked of you to do in this career will be difficult … you will need your mates and someone to talk to.

But you will become a part of a police family – the blue family.”

“The policing I have seen is remarkable, the officers are remarkable. You can’t buy that, you can’t learn that, God gives that to you.

“That’s why police officers do what they do and they love it.

The trouble though is that is wears down on them.”

While police chaplains are kept busy with clerical and ceremonial business such as performing weddings, funerals and baptisms involving current or former officers, as well as offering words of wisdom to police graduates, they are also a friendly face to talk to when an officer is having at home battles.

“We help officers and their families who are battling illnesses or who have lost loved ones. We are there to talk to them, pray with them or however we can help,” he said.

“We visit retired officers and those who are in hospice and maybe close to their end and want to talk or pray.”

His faith has always been and will always be a massive part of Keith’s life.

During the terrible things he has encountered within his role at the WA Police Force – it has never tested his faith.

“Sometimes I get asked who I talk to when I need support or guidance and I say I have the best councillor there is, someone who understands me and listens to me and that’s my faith,” he said.

“Although there have been terrible and sad times, it’s never tested my faith.

“There are things that I don’t know or understand but there are things that I do know, so I stick with those.

“When we come across heinous things and actions, I must remember that God didn’t create man this way, they created that themselves. People can say it was an act of god that made that person do that but no, it was that person did that.”

Before his retirement from the WA Police Force, Keith said he had a parting message for every police officer in the State.

“I pray for them. I pray to God that those officers who are serving and on duty come home safe at the end of their shift to be home with their families. I pray for them every night,” he said.

“I pray that they look after one another and I pray they can come home and be a dad, a mum, a partner, a daughter.”

As for the new officers coming through, Keith said it was important for them to know the WA Police Force Chaplains will always be there for them and always on their side.

“What will be asked of you to do in this career will be difficult, it will be superhuman at times and you will need your mates and someone to talk to. But you will become a part of a police family – the blue family.”

Keith said he’ll be keeping busy in his retirement, but of a different sort.

“Well, my wife Helen and I have 15 grandkids,” he laughed.

“My family are very proud of me, my career and my role within the WA Police Force. I have given 24 years to this job and now it’s time to give some time back to my wife and my family.

“You keep getting reminded of your age when you visit old friends and they start to pass away. It makes you think of what’s important and makes you think of your family. I don’t want to die with a blue shirt on, I want to die as a father, a husband, a grandfather.”

■

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01

Son follows father to the frontline

BY JESSICA CUTHBERT

David Wall graduated as part of Green Squad 02/1986 in August 1986.

In January this year, his son Jeremy followed in his footsteps graduating from Green Squad 06/2020.

01 Jeremy and David Wall. 02 David Wall's graduation in 1986.

03 Jeremy's graduation in January 2021.

16 POLICE NEWS MARCH 2021

In the 35 years between their graduations, almost 10,000 police officers have started their careers in policing, something which blows Jeremy away.

Thanks to the staff at the WA Police Academy, Jeremy’s regimental 17302 almost mirrors his dad’s who is 7302, making it an extra special connection.

“It’s pretty wild to think that we managed to line our regimentals up as I had applied before and was unsuccessful.

But this time, I made it through and got the same squad colour,” he said.

The WA Police Force Academy realised the father and son’s regimentals would nearly line up so they moved some numbers around so they were exactly 10,000 apart.

“I don’t know exactly how it came to be. I know he is a few numbers different than the rest of his squad so

02 03

I think they must have realised we were close and switched some numbers around so we could be 10,000 apart – which was a really awesome thing for them to do,” David said.

“I’m extremely proud. Whilst he has his own number, I’m very proud that it’s similar to mine.”

David joined when he was 23 and his son Jeremy graduated earlier this year aged 25, almost the same age.

“Jeremy has wanted to join for a number of years, so I have always been proud that he wants to follow in my footsteps,” David said.

“It was a very special moment watching him graduate.

We were able to have a photo with the Commissioner of Police which is also pretty special.”

After beginning his policing career in the metropolitan area, a stint in the Kimberley followed, before returning to areas in Perth. For the past eight years, David has policed in regional WA. “I think Jeremy would love to do a country stint. Policing can give you the opportunity to travel and see a lot of our great State,” he said.

“Policing in smaller regional communities is really rewarding too. You become involved in the community, make good relationships and can do some great work.”

Jeremy said having family members in the job was influential on his decision to apply.

“Having both parents and stepdad in the job throughout my childhood, I have always had a passion for this career.

I loved listening to their stories which will then give me inspiration to tell my own stories later in life,” he said.

“… I think they must have realised we were close and switched some numbers around so we could be 10,000 apart …”

“Dad was very influential though. He has always encouraged and supported the decisions I have made to get where I am today.

“I am proud to be working within the same industry as him.”

He said the best advice he received from his dad is: ‘Your best weapon is your mouth, nothing is stronger than words spoken’.

Jeremy said he enjoyed his six months in the academy, adding he made some friendships that will no doubt be long lasting.

He is currently based at Operation Tide which he said has been a great introduction to policing.

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17 POLICE NEWS MARCH 2021

PAUL HUNT

Secretary WA Police Union

No loss of any current conditions a good outcome AS MEMBERS ARE WELL AWARE, the replacement of the industrial agreement has been a two-year process to negotiate and was ultimately resolved by partial arbitration.

When we say “no loss of any current conditions” is a good outcome it is just that considering attempts by the employer to reduce those current conditions.

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The Senior Commissioner handed down his decision on February 26, 2021, granting an additional two days leave for all police officers.

While the long process has been frustrating, it is disappointing that some Members see the new leave and range of increases to current conditions as a “loss”. No doubt the outcome of arbitration could have been better, and it has taken considerable argument to overcome the WA Police Force and Government’s view that police officers don’t deserve more leave at all.

When the membership rejected the Fifth and Final Offer, all of the conditions were taken off the table. Through continued negotiation all items, except for the additional leave, were agreed to be included in a new agreement, with of course, the additional leave the only issue for arbitration.

There was some controversy over the 65 per cent threshold for the ballot, which is a parameter that is prescribed in the WAPU Constitution and has been in place for more than 20 years. A motion was debated and defeated at the 2020 Annual Conference that would have seen the 65 per cent reduced to 51 per cent.

We have previously reported on the obstacles that lead to such a long delay and the attempts by the employer during drafting to dilute current conditions, reducing some of the new conditions from what had been agreed in negotiations.

When we say “no loss of any current conditions” is a good outcome it is just that considering attempts by the employer to reduce those current conditions.

The new agreement has been registered with effect from March 10, 2021 and is due to be replaced by June 30, 2021. Included in the replacement agreement are the improvements that came from the fifth and final offer, these include:

• Country Deployment Allowance is expanded to all officers for relieving and operational deployment into/within Regional WA. This removes the restriction that prevented regional-based officers from accessing the allowance when reliving or deployed to other regional locations.

• The Civilian and Pregnancy Clothing Allowance has been increased to $1,299 per year.

• Overtime is now payable to officers who are required to return to duty on their rostered shift without a 10-hour break, or when overtime runs into their next rostered shift. In those cases, overtime rates will apply until they are released from duty.

• Bereavement Leave has been increased to three days for each event.

• Introduction of 10 single day sick leave absences with a certificate from a Health Practitioner, e.g. Chemist.

The five single days without a certificate are still in place, with an improvement that allows up to three of those days to be taken consecutively without a certificate.

• Five days cultural Leave for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander officers.

• Employer Superannuation contributions on up to 12 weeks unpaid Parental Leave.

• Access to pro-rata long service leave for officers nearing superannuation preservation age.

• $1,000 per year pay rise back dated July 1, 2019.

The Union was fortunate to have a range of current and former serving Members across the ranks, experienced in uniform, detective, and specialist fields of policing provide evidence during the arbitration hearing. Their evidence was essential to our argument that policing is corrosive to wellbeing, unique, demanding and at times traumatic,

INDUSTRIAL REPORT

The recognition of policing as unique and corrosive on wellbeing can now be used as solid grounds for future claims to improve conditions for police officers.

which was accepted by the Senior Commissioner who granted additional leave in acknowledgement.

What was weighed against our argument for more time off was the WA Police Force’s evidence that a number of officers hold significant leave balances, the Agency already has a comprehensive suite of wellbeing and support programs for police officers and importantly, the Government’s submissions about the forecast of a depressed State economy coming out of COVID-19.

The State Wages Policy is a millstone around the necks of all public sector workers, and still features large in the Government’s argument about controlling wages in the public sector, especially while the economy is still recovering.

While much commentary and analysis indicates Western Australia is outperforming all other States and international economies, the Senior Commissioner applied caution to the economic forecasts in coming to two days leave instead of the five we had sought, both of which carry significant financial cost to the WA Police Force.

In granting the two new days of leave, the Senior Commissioner has also placed his own restrictions on the leave. These criteria were not part of any submissions by the Union, we argued for five days unconditional leave and the WA Police Force argued for no additional leave.

Since the preliminary announcement of the new clause, we have sought formal clarification of the new arrangements from the Senior Commissioner, such as the 240-hour annual leave balance. Of particular concern was the potential for officers based in the north west, who accrue 280 hours annual leave a year, being at a disadvantage. The Senior Commissioner has affirmed his decision that the appropriate balance for all officers, irrespective of location, is 240 hours.

While the two days is disappointing for some, the arbitration decision has delivered key positives for Members when it comes to future negotiations. The recognition of policing as unique and corrosive on

wellbeing can now be used as solid grounds for future claims to improve conditions for police officers.

Importantly, in his decision the Senior Commissioner noted concerns with the hours of duty provisions and constraints around annual leave access, such as the long range booking of annual leave and the overriding “operational requirements” barrier to accessing leave.

He has made suggestions for improvements in the next industrial agreement, which include: • give work/life balance higher consideration in roster development; • place a focus on using annual leave rather than significant accumulation; and • quarantine a portion of annual leave for more flexible access without operational requirements being the greatest barrier.

We are now preparing the claim list for the new agreement and will commence negotiations with WA Police Force in the coming weeks.

19 POLICE NEWS MARCH 2021

Left to right: First Class Constable Julian Jennings, Sergeant Michael Paterson and First Class Constable Jake Hendry.

POLICE NEWS MARCH 2021

COMMUNITYMINDED TEAM FIGHTING FOR THE PEOPLE OF LANCELIN

BY STEVEN GLOVER

D

evastating bushfires have captured the attention of West Australians in the early part of 2021 – the year many had been holding out hope for a return to normal programming following COVID-19’s decimation of 2020.

Crews of career and volunteer firefighters have been heroically saving properties and lives across the State and while the Wooroloo bushfire has been the most savage, the first bushfire emergency of the year began in Red Gully, near Lancelin.

For nearly 10 days, the bushfire burnt more than 10,000 hectares and had a perimeter of 136km. It took 600 career and volunteer firefighters and a couple of water bombers to bring it under control after it threatened to wipe out the communities of Seaview Estate, Ocean Farms and even Wedge Island.

For the local police at Lancelin Police Station, this blaze saw them heavily involved in more ways than one.

While Officer in Charge Sergeant Michael Paterson managed the police response at the bushfire incident control post, the other officers were stationed at vehicle control points and assisted with evacuation of Seaview and Ocean Farms estates when it appeared they were in the crosshairs of the blaze.

“There was concern the fire was going to hit those two estates and take out quite a few houses and there was a risk to life and property,” Sgt Paterson told Police News.

“If the fire had got into those estates, it would most likely have jumped Indian Ocean Drive and into the Lancelin Defence Training Area, which was indefensible, and had it got in there Wedge Island would have been under significant threat.”

Sgt Paterson said the hard work of the firefighters and the fire retardant deployed from above kept damage to property at a minimum.

“Stresses were high. Not knowing or only getting half an odd ear of what was going on and trying to sort of get an appreciation of how big it was and what I could do one, as a copper, and two, if I do get the call, as a firey.”

One of those firefighters working to contain the blaze was Lancelin First Class Constable Jake Hendry who along with First Class Constable Julian Jennings are members of the local volunteer fire brigade.

In between policing duties at the control post and the vehicle control points, First Class Constable Hendry completed shifts for the volunteer firefighters.

While he worked long hours, his commitment to the local community and helping to save property and life got him through.

“You kind of will yourself that you are helping people and making a difference and potentially saving lives and properties,” he said.

“There are days where I have knocked back stuff with the firies. There was a couple during Red Gully where I was up too long and I had to knock stuff back because if you keep going on limited sleep, you are kind of putting everybody else’s safety at risk if you are not 100 per cent.” ▷

21

POLICE NEWS MARCH 2021

01 02

“At one point, they said there was an hour to the impact of those communities and you are sitting there, watching and waiting for it to come.”

22 POLICE NEWS MARCH 2021

03

First Class Constable Hendry described the Red Gully blaze as massive.

“Had it not been for the aircrafts dropping the retardant that fire would have absolutely ripped through our community out near Ocean Farms and Seaview. At one point, they said there was an hour to the impact of those communities and you are sitting there, watching and waiting for it to come.”

First Class Constable Jennings worked predominantly as a police officer during the Red Gully blaze however, he was on standby if the firefighters needed more help.

“It was touch and go because it was very dynamic in the sense of that we had two estates under direct threat,” he said.

“Stresses were high. Not knowing or only getting half an odd ear of what was going on and trying to sort of get an appreciation of how big it was and what I could do one, as a copper, and two, if I do get the call, as a firey.”

Luckily, those same aircraft who curtailed the Wooroloo fires were able to do the same in Lancelin and stop the fire in its tracks.

But the volunteer work did not stop there for the team at Lancelin.

First Class Constable Hendry, in between his police work, was able to complete a shift helping save properties in Gidgegannup.

He spent 12 hours fighting fires only metres away from him and properties on O’Brien Road in Gidgegannup.

“We were driving along the road with flames either side of the road,” he said.

“We were there protecting properties because there was a number of properties on those roads and the fire was literally coming straight for them.

“We were sitting, watching and waiting for this head fire that you know is coming to these properties and it is kind of surreal. It’s coming and you’ve got to put this out otherwise these properties are going to get destroyed.

“It is frightening at times especially out there with the wind change and how often the wind changes. You think the fire is coming one way and then the next minute it is coming from the complete opposite direction and you are not prepared for it.”

Sgt Paterson said he was proud his team has a very strong relationship with the Lancelin community and the other emergency services.

“I’ve got two officers who are not only volunteer firefighters and marine rescue officers but they are also coppers so they were both able to manage their fatigue and their police duties and firefighting work and able to do bits of everything,” he said.

“We’ve got SJA, DFES and marine rescue volunteers here and some of our officers are members of all three of those as well as the police. We’ve got good relationships so when our firies or ambos are at jobs and they need police assistance you want to get out and help them.

“They are the same people that we hang out with and are mates with every day around town.

“If our people aren’t helping with their police hats on, often they are helping out with their other hats on. It makes the whole process of emergency management work much better when everybody knows each other and has good relationships with each other and communicates well with each other and to help each other out.”

First Class Constable Jennings said sometimes it can be difficult to manage his different roles but he was committed to helping the local community.

“We had a serious crash on the weekend where I was on duty anyway so I had to go in police uniform but then Jake on the other hand was off duty so, he went out with the VRFS,” he said.

“Juggling is not too bad but obviously when there are police jobs or police involvement, I will be doing the majority of it with us.

If I am on leave or have the ability to go out with the VRFS then I will.

“I don’t find it super fatiguing but when the big jobs are on you do, that’s for sure.”

So why do these police officers help by volunteering in the local community? The answer is simple, they want to and they want to feel part of the community.

“I wanted to help the community more and get an understanding of other emergency services and an appreciation of what we can offer them and what they can offer us. I wanted to give back to the community and see the community from another aspect,” First Class Constable Jennings said.

For First Class Constable Jennings, who first joined the volunteer fire brigade in Wagin, the chance to join the Lancelin volunteer fire brigade in June last year provided him the perfect opportunity to meet people in the town.

“When I came to Lancelin, the sport because of COVID wasn’t existing so with the firies I could get involved in the town that way.

Normally, I would play football, play cricket.

“Being a firey is a good way of connecting to the local community not only just as a copper but others see you then as a volunteer firey and I guess then you are not always seen as a copper in the town, you are also seen as being a member of the community.

“The amount of people that I have met along the way has just been awesome. People get you more involved in the town as well because they have been there for years and years so getting a local supporting you, spreading the word about your good work ethic and being a good person, you become more involved in the town quite quickly.

“I still have a lot of really good friends down in Wagin. I’ll be looking at going back as a copper but I still get invited back to social events and those sorts of things which is quite humbling to be honest.”

Like First Class Constable Jennings, First Class Constable Hendry also had previous volunteer fire brigade experience in Mullewa before arriving in Lancelin.

He said joining the fire brigade in Mullewa helped him feel a part of the community which benefitted him during his first post in regional WA. “Obviously being police and firies, you are often turning out to the same jobs so it helped being able to go as a police officer and if there firies are a few crew members down, it’s easy just to jump across and help them out,” he said.

“There was a house fire in Mullewa and I went to do traffic management and they were a few crew members down so I just jumped on a hose.”

And if fighting fires and being a copper was not enough, First Class Constable Hendry is also the Central Midlands Branch President for the WA Police Union.

04

Prior to that, he was Branch President of Murchison Branch and at the recent WAPU Annual Conference in November, he received his five-year service pin.

“It’s tough being a Branch President here because all our stations are over 100km apart, so to try and organise a meeting is a bit difficult,” he said.

“But it is a good Branch to run and everyone is quite heavily involved.”

First Class Constable Hendry said being involved in the Branch provided him opportunities to engage with fellow Members at other stations.

“If I wasn’t involved with the Union as Branch President, I probably wouldn’t really know the officers at Dalwallinu, Moora or Gingin.

“Gingin we work a bit with but Moora and Dalwallinu we don’t have a lot to do with but as Branch President you have to get to know everyone.”

Sgt Paterson said he hoped his team’s strong relationships with the community would continue even though there are going to be some vacancies in the next few months.

“We have a really great team here, very solid relationships with the other emergency service teams and a really close relationship with the community,” he said.

“If people are looking for a move to the bush which is still quite close to the city, Lancelin is going to have some vacancies advertised this year. We are that close to Perth that even Woolworths deliver groceries out here.

“Although there are not the financial attractions in Lancelin, there is extremely good GROH housing, it is only an hour drive from the city and we’ve got a pretty good roster of days and afternoon shifts. If you love the outdoors there is plenty to do outside of work like surfing, fishing and four-wheel driving.

“Lancelin is a tight knit community and I have loved being a part of it since moving over from Merredin last year.”

■

“Being a firey is a good way of connecting to the local community … and I guess then you are not always seen as a copper in the town, you are also seen as being a member of the community.”

01 – 03 Images from the Red Gully blaze. Photos: Nikki's Photography.

04 First Class Constable Jake Hendry and First Class Constable Julian Jennings.

23 POLICE NEWS MARCH 2021

MICK KELLY

Acting President WA Police Union

PAO mobility required to provide workload options RECENTLY, THE UNION TOURED THE PERTH WATCH HOUSE and from my observations our Members in that facility are working extremely hard and under pressure.

Our PAOs are processing detainee after detainee and by all accounts are doing a superb job. They simply need more help in the form of additional PAOs. To illustrate their workload, during 2019, the Perth Watch House process on average 1,340 detainees per month.

This figure has remained consistent in 2020.

After speaking to our Members in the watch house, it is the Union’s view that we need an additional 40 police auxiliary officers in that facility. The extra numbers will allow detainees to be processed more efficiently, allow our frontline officers to get back out on the road quicker and ensure our PAO Members have a safer workplace and can take suitable breaks.

Over the past 12 months, our Members have dealt with COVID-19 and then, with the lifting of restrictions, the increase in anti-social behaviour in the Northbridge entertainment precinct.

The queues of police vehicles on a Friday and Saturday night can be long and while our Members process the detainees as quickly as they can, it takes cars off the road.

The rigors of dealing with detainee after detainee can wear down even the most experienced and resilient PAO and the Union is quite concerned about burn-out within the Perth Watch House and the high attrition and short-term nature of a PAO’s career.

24 POLICE NEWS MARCH 2021

While additional staff will help, one of our priorities in our Pre-Election Submission is 24/7 medical coverage in our major police lock-ups.

Currently, the watch house has a nurse but what we have learnt is that they don’t have access to health databases which allows the person to check the health records of detainees.

If the current arrangement was enhanced, and expanded to the other major watch houses, this would allow the nurse access to health records, complete the Fitness to Detain assessment and either process the detainee or transfer them for medical attention, if required.

The Union strongly believes this would have major benefits for all parties. It means our Members can get back out on the road quicker, it reduces the risk of deaths in custody and it provides medical care to detainees who sadly, very often have not had medical attention for some time.

The rigors of dealing with detainee after detainee can wear down even the most experienced and resilient PAO and the Union is quite concerned about burn-out within the Perth Watch House and the high attrition and short-term nature of a PAO’s career.

Now naturally, some PAOs transition to become police officers while others hand in their notice to seek alternative employment because they simply have had enough of the stressful working environment in the watch house.

What we would like to see is greater mobility for PAOs. Currently, if a custody PAO wanted a break from the watch house to work as a property PAO, they need to resign and apply for that position. It makes no sense.

We need to look after our people and if by making it easier to move around we can provide that respite from the watch house for them to return down the track, surely that is a positive for our Members and the WA Police Force?

FIELD REPORT

This expansion of services will allow the watch house to quickly process detainees and allow regional areas to deal with detainees via video link, therefore getting people out of police custody and reducing the risk to Members.

We have seen throughout the past 12 months some positives come out of the COVID-19 situation. One of these positives was the standing up of the Northbridge Magistrate’s Court for seven days a week.

What the expansion of the Northbridge Magistrate’s Court has been able to do is allow the Perth Watch House to present detainees to a magistrate and have them bailed or remanded in a matter of hours, subsequently reducing their time in police custody.

The Union believes that the Northbridge Magistrate’s Court must expand its current sitting hours, ideally seven days

a week and also expand its services to sit longer, each and every day – Friday and Saturday evening at an absolute minimum.

This expansion of services will allow the watch house to quickly process detainees and allow regional areas to deal with detainees via video link, therefore getting people out of police custody and reducing the risk to Members.

This requires funding and the support of the Chief Magistrate and it will be something we will be raising with the State Government and Chief Magistrate after the State Election has been run and won.

* WAPU SCHOOL HOLIDAY BALLOT APPLICATION APPLICATIONS WILL ONLY BE ACCEPTED ON THIS FORM, It can be emailed or posted to the Union office.

Complete and return by Friday 23 April 2021 to: WA Police Union 639 Murray Street, West Perth WA 6005 Email: admin@wapu.org.au

Only mark the holiday periods and locations you are prepared to accept in numerical order of preference.

Note: Bookings are available from Saturday (2pm) to Saturday (10am) only.

WEEK 1 18.12.21 – 25.12.21

Results to be advised by Friday, 30 April 2021 Name (Please Print):

ALBANY

PD No:

BUSSELTON VILLA 4

Address (Home):

BUSSELTON VILLA 11

DECEMBER 2021 / JANUARY 2022 WEEK 2 25.12.21 – 01.01.22

WEEK 3 01.01.22 – 08.01.22

WEEK 4 08.01.22 – 15.01.22

WEEK 5 15.01.22 – 22.01.22

WEEK 6 22.01.22 – 29.01.22

BUSSELTON VILLA 15 Post Code: Work (Unit/Section):

Email (Home): Phone no. (Work): (Mobile):

BUSSELTON VILLA 23 ESPERANCE EXMOUTH PORT DENISON YALLINGUP POLICE NEWS MARCH 2021

Adventure Club for police officers One of the objectives of the WA Police Union is to encourage the esprit-de-corps amongst our Members.

Hamelin Bay. Photo: Senior Constable Charles Ambrose.

26 POLICE NEWS MARCH 2021

Since forming the WAPU Adventure Club in 2017, Members from across the State catch up at various trips and weekend getaways.

“It (mainstream camping and four-wheel drive clubs) can get awkward and uncomfortable for many coppers, but this club is great for people who love getting out and about who are in the job.”

The club was formed to encourage members of the police family, especially the WAPU family to enjoy these activities with likeminded friends and colleagues.

The club caters for Members, serving and retired, and has a committee of management responsible for planning various events throughout the year.

Since the inception, Sergeant Mark Burton has been involved in the club and is currently the treasurer on the committee.

He said the club is about likeminded people getting together and enjoying trips away in great spots enjoying some four-wheel driving, camping and fishing.

“I found that most of the Members have all tried the mainstream camping and four-wheel drive clubs but the stigma of being police officers is when you are in those clubs you often get comments about people who have got a ticket for certain things, or got done for a type of car modification,” he said.

“It can get awkward and uncomfortable for many coppers, but this club is great for people who love getting out and about who are in the job.

“It’s for police staff who can get away, enjoy a weekend, meet people in the job that you haven’t met before, talk about the job if you wanted or needed too and just have some fun and enjoy the days off.”

He said the club aims to plan at least five big trips a year.

“Members are always welcome to suggest any trips or locations or post on our Facebook page if they might be heading out for a weekend, someone might be free and join them,” he said.

“The trips and weekend getaways are completely family friendly as well, a lot of the Members bring their partners, kids, pets – everyone is welcome.

“My kids love it, they always come on trips and love going away with the club and they have met other coppers’ kids on the trips and made friends that way.”

Mark said WAPU Members who were interested in joining the club were more than welcome to come along to a trip to see what they were all about.

“A lot of the trips are based around four-wheel driving but it’s definitely not a four-wheel drive club. Anyone with any car is welcome and if you need to jump in someone’s car for an off-road trip, someone usually always has a spare seat,” he said.

“We had a young copper, she had a Mazda 2 and came along to the trips and loved it. Now she is the proud owner of a four-wheel drive.”

“We have a range of cars and four-wheel drives, we have Members who have tents, swags or big fancy caravans. It’s always a great time, enjoying some time away from the job and having a few beers around a campfire.”

He said membership goes up and down in numbers, given the nature of the job.

“Depending on shifts, some people find they are never able to make the trips, so they leave and then re-join later, or some move stations around the State.

“We try and do trips north and south to cater for everyone, but not everyone can go on school holidays and that’s the only time some others can go, so we try and cater for everyone.”

He said some of the most enjoyable trips have been Ninghan Station, Holland Track and the Uluru Trip.

“It’s a club for those who like getting away and enjoying the great outdoors, but if you’re not a four-wheel driver, you soon will be,” he laughed.

Some trips on the horizon include a trek down to Esperance in April, a weekend away in Karri Valley for the ANZAC Day long weekend and the popular Murchison Station House visit in May. A list of upcoming and past trips can we found on the WAPU website.

NEW MEMBERS ARE ALWAYS WELCOMED If interested or for more information about the club, please contact WAPU Field Officer Dean Giacomini by email on dean.giacomini@wapu.org.au or other Members on the committee: Steve Walters – steve.walters@police.wa.gov.au Simon Hazell – simon.hazell@police.wa.gov.au Mark Burton – mark.burton@police.wa.gov.au 27 POLICE NEWS MARCH 2021

Free legal services for WAPU Members, their families and retired Members.

To arrange a preliminary in-person or phone appointment contact WAPU HQ on (08) 9321 2155

Leading Australian law firm, Tindall Gask Bentley is the preferred legal services provider of the WA Police Union, offering 30 minutes of free initial advice and a 10% fee discount.

PERSONAL INJURY • Motor accident injury compensation

• Public liability

• Workers compensation

• Superannuation claims (TPD) Tim White

FAMILY AND DIVORCE Matrimonial, De Facto and Same-Sex Relationships • Children’s Issues

• Property Settlements

• Child Support matters

• “Pre-nuptial” Style Agreements Renee Sapelli

Kate Major

Renee Sapelli

Kate Major

Richard Yates

Damian Eynon-Williams

WILLS AND ESTATES • Wills and Testamentary Trusts

• Advice to executors of deceased estates

• Enduring Powers of Attorney

• Obtaining Grants of Probate

• Enduring Guardians

• Estate disputes

CRIMINAL AND DISCIPLINARY • The Corruption and Crime Commission

• Criminal and Disciplinary matters

• Courts of Inquiry

Tindall Gask Bentley is a leading Australian law firm.

We’ve been helping people with injury, family and estate matters for more than 40 years.

With a culture of service and empathy, we are fiercely committed to our clients.

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LEGAL

Partner Tindall Gask Bentley Lawyers

Criminal injuries compensation claims SO YOU'RE WAITING ON A criminal injuries compensation determination following submitting your claim.

What is your claim worth?

There's a lawyers' saying that you know what a client's claim is worth when a judge tells you. That’s a light-hearted way of saying it's the determination or appeal that decides the exact amount of compensation, not predictions along the way. However, an understanding how an assessor or judge will approach the assessment does help work out the range you might expect the figure to be in.

Firstly, the maximum award in the legislation is $75,000. That maximum cap is reduced dollar for dollar by any sick leave and medical expenses paid by the WA Police Force. For example, if the WA Police Force have paid $40,000 in sick leave and medical expenses, the maximum cap reduces to $35,000.

And the cap includes medical report fees, so if for example, doctors have charged you $5,000 for medical reports, the effective maximum cap in that example would be $30,000.

The biggest grey area of most claims is compensation for pain and suffering.

Previous decisions of the District Court give some guidance, but every case is different.

To work out where a claim sits within the applicable maximum cap, the legislation is focused on the concept of claiming your losses.

Sometimes, that will be easily worked out, for example how much you've spent on medical reports, or your out of pocket costs for glasses broken during the incident. Sometimes it’s a little harder to accurately calculate, for example the loss of shift penalties and over time you would have expected to have earned while you were on sick leave or light duties.

But that can usually be roughly worked out using payslips, rosters or both.

The biggest grey area of most claims is compensation for pain and suffering. Previous decisions of the District Court give some guidance, but every case is different. For example, a 2017 District Court appeal decision dismissed a Member's appeal against an award of $300 where he had been spat in the eye, whereas other "exposure" claims have been determined between $1,000 and $3,000.

The difference is often explained by the presence or lack of medical evidence of the psychological effect on the Member, for example a report from a psychologist. Physical injuries requiring surgery will usually attract a higher award than injuries conser vatively treated, but that broad statement is challenged when relatively minor injuries persist and cause ongoing disruption to life and work.

It's important to bear in mind these claims are evidence-based. If you have scarring from surgery; attach good quality colour photos. If you're having trouble sleeping and require prescribed medication from your doctor; get a medical report. In other words, it's not merely a case of whether a loss occurred or not in a general sense, it's a case of whether you've provided the evidence to satisfy the assessor or the District Court of the loss.

Decisions from assessors are appealable to the District Court. These appeals are hearings de novo which means a District Court judge can assess an award from scratch without first needing to find an error in the assessor's decision and new evidence can be tendered at the appeal. That's not to say that all effort shouldn't be put into presenting a good evidencebased claim to the assessor rather than having to fix it up on appeal.

Once an assessor or judge assesses your individual losses, they're added up and that's the award, subject to that amount being at or less than the maximum cap in your case.

There may be some out of pocket expenses you'll need to wear such as the WA Police Force and other freedom of information fees, legal expenses and court filing fees.

29 POLICE NEWS MARCH 2021

DARIAN STRINGER

HEALTH

Retired Police Officer and Police Health Member

If it wasn’t for Police Health, I wouldn’t be here IF IT WASN’T FOR POLICE Health, I wouldn’t be here.

I only had to wait five days for my open-heart surgery.

I didn’t have the time to wait in the public system. Out of the $71,000 cost, I paid just $580.

And you could tell how this ease of burden impacted my recovery. I was finished with my rehab from openheart surgery just two weeks on. I still find it hard to believe I only had to pay a $580 gap, out of my pocket.

30 POLICE NEWS MARCH 2021

From getting totalled by a truck and being diagnosed with a heart condition, to suffering a stroke and having open-heart surgery, I’m lucky to still be here. Thankfully, for most of my career, I had Police Health looking after me.

I spent 25 years as a serving member of SAPOL. I worked as a police officer and also provided support to the Eyre Peninsula through my St. John’s training. The majority of my years at SAPOL were in disaster management and planning. I’m fortunate enough to have worked in a close-knit team of five responsible for restructuring the State Disaster System and facilities, which proudly still exists today.

I retired in 2002, after managing the rollout of the Government Radio Network to Transport South Australia.

A trip to the local dentist for a facial bone structure procedure introduced me to Police Health. You know there’s an insurance provider that’s made just for you, the dentist said. I moved from Bupa to Police Health and it was the best decision I ever made.

It all started in 1995, when I began experiencing abnormally high blood pressure. After being referred to a cardiac specialist, I was told I had a heart condition, most likely brought on from contracting Rheumatic Fever at the age of five.

Two years later I, unfortunately, suffered a stroke. I was checked, given medication and sent home. The next morning at 3.30am, I was rushed in an ambulance back to hospital again.

Over the next 22 years, the annual checks were the most important part of maintaining heart health, until June 2019.

I experienced mild chest pain that was starting to worry me. By day three, the pain had radiated into my left shoulder.

I called my GP who quickly arranged an angiogram with a cardiac specialist.

I was immediately admitted to open heart surgery, with only a five-day wait.

I couldn’t afford to wait in the public system for over a month. But, with Police Health, the surgery was performed on the fifth day, as promised.

I had a valve replacement for both my aorta and mitral, as well as two, triple bypass vain replacements.

B et we en Police Health and Medicare, all of my doctors, specialists and hospital costs were more than

adequately covered. I only paid $580, if you can believe that! I have claimed $88,000 from my Police Health membership over the past three years I had spent eight days in the ICU, five days in post-surgery care, followed by another five in rehab.

The best part was the claim went through so easily!

The whole process couldn’t have been more straightforward. There was no arguing and no hassles. I didn’t have to put my family or friends at risk. Police Health gave me the peace of mind to focus on my journey to recovery, instead of worrying about how I could afford it.

Removing the mental worries that come with a serious health diagnosis was priceless, Police Health took a huge load off my brain.

Continued on page 33

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Answering the questions about novated leasing Q: WHAT IS A NOVATED LEASE? FA: A novated car lease is a salary packaging agreement that enables you to pay for a new or used car, and its running costs, from your pre-tax salary. It’s a lease agreement between an employee, employer and a novated lease provider in Australia.

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2. Re-novate your lease with your new employer (providing they offer the salary sacrifice benefit).

3. Pay your lease out early – this means you’ll pay the remaining lease and residual value (GST inclusive).

This option entails buying the car outright.

THE FLEET NETWORK DIFFERENCE: Frank and his team at Fleet Network are committed to being the best novated lease and salary packaging service provider in Australia, by delivering industry leading service, products and client satisfaction.

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• Always delivering personalised communication through every step of the process and beyond.

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Make the call to Fleet Network on 1300 738 601 or visit www.fleetnetwork.com.au/police

31 POLICE NEWS MARCH 2021

NEW MEMBERS

GREEN SQUAD 06/2020 JOIN THE RANKS At the start of the year, 28 new constables graduated from the WA Police Academy after 25 weeks of intensive training.

The new constables in Green Squad 06/2020 graduated on January 14 and are now ready to confront the demands of policing, beginning with compliance checking as part of the COVID-19 Self-Quarantine Assurance Team.

Commissioner of Police Chris Dawson also presented one police officer with his Certificate of Service at the ceremony, as he had dedicated more than 25 years to the WA Police Force before retiring in November last year.

Another 10 officers were presented with their Commissions, following their recent promotion to the rank of Inspector.

32 POLICE NEWS MARCH 2021

HEALTH

Continued from page 30

I know good service and Police Health are wonderful to deal with!

And you could tell how this ease of burden impacted my recovery. I was finished with my rehab from open-heart surgery just two weeks on. I still find it hard to believe I only had to pay a $580 gap, out of my pocket.

Even with the most recent news, that I have a double hernia below my heart.

My doctor says it’s a routine procedure and I’m one of four he performs every day.

I have no fears that Police Health will come through again for me, just like they always have.

I’m not worried! I enjoy a better lifestyle now, thanks to Police Health.

I plan to continue enjoying all the ongoing benefits of being a member.

I have cataracts and hearing aids, both of which were taken care of easily through Police Health.

I’m the treasurer of the Littlehampton Peace Memorial Hall Management committee, in my local community.

I’m also a member of the Retired Police Officers group on Facebook.

I love to stay active within the policing community. I spent a quarter of a century at SAPOL and it will always be an important chapter of my life. There’s a comradery within the force that’ll always bind us together.

And, how am I feeling now? Dangerously good! I’m just happy to be alive.

33 POLICE NEWS MARCH 2021

RETIREMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

VALE

RETIRING MEMBERS 5577 Colin MAIN 6220 James CROZIER 6509 Roger CREAMER 7284 David MOORE 7981 Martin ALLEN 8123 Steven BACON 8169 Graham TEATHER 8232 Glenn ROZARIO

8638 Alistair SINCLAIR 8676 Ral HERRING 9797 John STRONG 10251 Gary BLANCHETTE 10974 Stephen COLE 12328 Tina TOMPKINS 13749 Allan MAYOR

RESIGNING MEMBERS 9125 Paul TRIMBLE 9478 Steven NEWTON 9634 Brett BRANDHOFF 9819 Darren SLYNS 10707 Alexander WEST 10852 Joanne EDWARDS 11073 Aaron MATHEWS 11182 Jason RADLEY 11284 Dale SEARLES 11285 Brea MAY 12268 Christopher BALDE 12304 Tracey LALOR 13192 Jennifer WALSH 13371 Adam WHITNEY 13650 Bruno De JESUS 13701 Peter PRICE 13826 Samantha SMITH 14065 Joel MacKENZIE 14113 Tanya LEYTING 14505 Rhys KOHUNUI 15292 Thomas BLAKELEY 15329 Reuben PICKER 15352 Benjamin MILLAR 15432 Amy DIXON 15595 Christopher SHEWRING 15626 Amie CHIDLEY 15748 Matthew WEIR 16040 Stephen TERRELL 16224 Sarah TOFTS 16374 David FREEMAN

34 POLICE NEWS MARCH 2021

16379 Brady GIBSON 16696 James REDMAN 16733 Bianca DODSON 16763 Elliott FITTS 16985 Peter WILKINS 17099 John ZAPPULLA 17118 Ameer AFAGHI 51944 Kenneth ALLEN

VALE BRIAN BULL AO APM

Earlier this year on January 22, we laid to rest Retired Commissioner of Police, Mr Brian Bull AO APM, who sadly passed away on January, 14 aged 87.

Mr Bull joined the WA Police Force in 1949 and served for a total of 45 years.

Starting his career in the metropolitan area, he worked in a wide range of policing roles which included extensive experience in the CIB as a detective. Mr Bull was the Commissioner of Police from 1985 until his retirement in 1994.

Mr Bull was a WAPU councillor from May 1976 to May 1980 and was the Junior General Vice President for a couple of years.

The WA Police Union would like to pass on our condolences to Brian's wife Patricia, son Wayne and extended family on the passing of Brian.

We Will Remember.

RETIRED 3628 Inspector WILLIAM KEVIN KIDD Aged 80 3482 1/C Sergeant WILLIAM EDMUND SMITH Aged 79 3742 Sergeant PETER FREDERICK SEWELL Aged 80 2571 Senior Inspector ALEXANDER LYLE GREY Aged 92 2615 Inspector NEIL WILLIAM REED Aged 90 2705 Commissioner BRIAN BULL Aged 87 3420 Det. Chief Inspector COLIN ANDREW TREWIN Aged 82 3205 Det. Superintendent BRUCE IAN DALTON Aged 83 3264 Superintendent ROBERT WILLIAM TAYLOR Aged 84

FROM THE ARCHIVES

FEBRUARY 2007 INDUSTRIAL AGREEMENT 2006 – MAJOR WIN FOR UNION The February 2007 edition of Police News drew attention to the major Union victory stemming from the 2006 Industrial Agreement negotiations.

In Michael Dean’s President’s Report, he stated that in real terms, the dollar and percentage outcomes for police officers were outstanding and formed the largest pay increase since 1974.

The 20 per cent pay increase gained was a great victory for the Members.

Mr Dean outlined the Government’s original offer of 4.5 per cent and 4 per cent over a three-year period and also demanded sustained trade offs, with the most concerning of these involving medical benefits.

After five months persistent and focused campaigning throughout the State, including a huge rally at Parliament House in August, the parties reached agreement on a package which delivered an average of 20 per cent over three years, with no trade-offs and a commitment to a post-service medical scheme.

POLICE LEGACY CAMP At the start of the year, Police Legacy children were invited to share the start of the year with their counterparts from the Australian Defence Forces and Legacy Australia at the Legacy Camp in Busselton.

Union President Michael Dean visited the camp and reported that he was overwhelmed by the efforts and commitment of the serving and retired SAS and police officers who put together and conducted the program of activities.

APRIL 2007 VALE DAMIEN MURPHY 11212 February was a hard month for the blue family, when Constable Damien Murphy was killed in an on-duty traffic crash in Craigie on February 15.

Hundreds of police officers, family and friends attended his funeral at the WA Police Academy.

Co n s t ab le Mur p hy ’s wid ow, Anna said the support she received since her husband’s death had been overwhelming.

Following his death, more than 50 volunteers descended to Anna Murphy’s house to conduct a backyard blitz which in one day transformed the area, followed by a BBQ lunch.

THE EVIDENCE IS CLEAR. For a subsequent psychology visit*...

Police Health pay up to

*

$237.30 with an annual maximum of $850*

Combined annual maximum with counselling

Rolling Extras

BUPA pay up to

Medibank pay up to

$105.00*

$98.30*

with an annual maximum of $750*

with an annual maximum of $500*

Top Extras 90

Top Extras 90

Not even the best marketing, special offers or gimmicks can hide the evidence. Police Health is the best health cover for police officers and their families.

Call it in – 1800 603 603

Police Health Limited ABN 86 135 221 519 A restricted access not-for-profit Private Health Insurer © 20/01/21 * Subject to waiting periods and other conditions. Benefit and annual maximum comparisons for Western Australia are correct as of 1 October 2020, published on privatehealth.gov.au.