WA Police Minister Paul Papalia and Police Commissioner Col Blanch unveiled new police assets in the same month as the police union accepted the Government’s wage offer. Photo: Paul Papalia/Facebook.
A majority of Western Australia (WA) Police Force auxiliary officers have voted to accept the State Government’s wages offer in the same month as new police vehicles and boats arrive.
The WA Police Union accepted the wage offer consistent with the WA Government’s Public Sector Wages Policy after a majority of auxiliary officers voted in favour of the move.
Under the offer, Police Auxiliary Officers receive a wage increase of $60 a week or 3 per cent a year – whichever is greater – back-paid to 2 November, 2022. The officers will also receive enhanced shift allowance penalties, public health emergency, foster carer’s and compassionate early pregnancy loss leave, and 24 weeks’ superannuation on unpaid parental leave.
The WA Government has settled 46 agreement negotiations covering more than 140,000 public sector workers during this bargaining round, except nurses and midwives. Although agreement hasn’t been reached with the nurses’ union, the state’s public sector registered nurses and midwives have received administrative wage increases and a $3000 cost-of-living payment.
The police union agreement came during the same month as two custom BearCat vehicles and two Rigid Hulled Inflatable Boats were delivered to WA Police’s Tactical Response Group.
“These armoured vehicles and specialised vessels are essential to the operating capabilities of the … Tactical Response Group,” WA Police Commissioner Col Blanch said.
“Both the Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats and the BearCats are an important investment to keep our officers safe while they work to keep the community safe.”
Used by specialist military and police teams around the world, BearCats are an invaluable asset when responding to high-risk situations. Photo: Paul Papalia/Facebook.
The armoured vehicles, built by American company Lenco at a cost of $1.1 million, were designed to protect specialist police in situations involving active shooters or hostage rescue scenarios.
“The BearCats are deployed almost weekly during the execution of high-risk warrants and provide ballistic protection for police negotiators and tactical teams,” Commissioner Blanch said.
“These vehicles allow our tactical operators a chance to get in close and deploy the best tactical outcomes.”
The arrival of the new BearCats has expanded the TRG’s armoured vehicle fleet by one, with an ageing 2006 BearCat to be decommissioned and donated to the Police Historical Society.
The new $1.2 million boats can reach speeds of up to 50 knots (about 95 km/h) to intercept suspicious vessels, including those suspected of transporting illicit drugs.
Built and delivered by local manufacturer Kirby Marine, they replace boats that have reached the end of their life and have been traded into the Henderson-based boatbuilder.
WA Police Minister Paul Papalia also noted the delivery of a new helicopter to the police air wing unit and a second on its way, as well as the rollout of satellite communications to enable regional police officers to maintain a constant, high-speed internet connection from anywhere in the state.
“The Western Australia Police Force is better equipped than ever before in history,” he said.
“From international drug-smuggling plots to terror threats and lone gunmen, our tactical teams need to be prepared for everything.
“This ongoing support from the Cook Labor Government is why there’s a tidal wave of applications from people eager to join the WA Police Force ranks.”
