UPDATE: Queensland Police have just announced a landmark pay deal with the Crisafulli government, securing significant benefits for officers across the state. The agreement, revealed earlier today, includes increases to late-night shift allowances, enhanced incentives for remote and regional work, and an eye-catching $8,000 retention payment for every general duties officer.
Premier David Crisafulli celebrated the deal during a press conference this morning, asserting that it provides “certainty when it comes to wages, conditions, and resources.” This announcement comes amid rising tensions as negotiations between the government and other public sector unions, including nurses and midwives, appear stalled.
The police deal has been met with criticism, particularly from nurses who labeled it “outrageous,” highlighting concerns over the treatment of a predominantly female frontline workforce. Teachers have also announced plans for a 24-hour work stoppage next week in response to the widening pay gap.
The retention bonus aims to address a concerning attrition rate of 5.8 percent among officers, especially younger ones, as noted by Shane Prior, president of the Queensland Police Union. In an interview with 4BC’s Mornings program, Prior emphasized, “We can’t fight crime if we’ve got an attrition rate of 5.8 percent. That is why the focus of the enterprise bargain is on the frontline hard work of general duties officers.”
Authorities report that this deal is critical to ensuring police have the resources necessary to tackle the ongoing youth crime crisis in Queensland. Crisafulli reiterated, “We’ve spoken a lot about making sure that police have that certainty of the ability to do their job.”
As public sector workers await their outcomes, the urgency of these negotiations is palpable. The police deal raises important questions about equity in pay and working conditions among different sectors. The situation remains fluid, with potential ripple effects expected across the public workforce.
Stay tuned for further updates as these negotiations evolve. This is a developing story that could reshape public sector pay dynamics in Queensland.
