NSW Police To Continue Waiving Fines In Protest Against “Unfair” Wage Deal

A MOVE EARLIER THIS MONTH by NSW Police to waive fines in protest against a new wage deal that the NSW Police Association says is unfair, now looks set to continue indefinitely.

The action, which ran for a week in early July and cost the NSW State Government an estimated $2 million in lost revenue, saw police cautioning speeding drivers rather than issuing fines.

A Police Association meeting on Monday resulted in 150 officers voting to begin a new 'open ended' fine-free period from August 3, as it pushes for a five percent pay rise for its members.

The NSW State Government is offering the union a four percent increase, in exchange for reduced entitlements such as compensation for injuries incurred on duty.

The Police Association believes this offer, which would see injured officers given full pay for up to 26 weeks, would only serve to financially cripple officers unable to work due to injuries.

Monday's meeting was lead by Police Association President Bob Pritchard, who described NSW Premier Nathan Rees - who last year promised to limit wage rises to 2.5 percent - as incompetent.

Current NSW Government policy requires that any wage rise of over 2.5 percent in the public sector be matched with increased efficiencies.

To meet this requirement, the NSW Police Association submitted a cost savings strategy which was rejected by the NSW Government.