Tasmania’s police officers are set to benefit from wellbeing-focused rosters regardless of who wins the upcoming state election, with both major parties now promising to implement the change.
Labor announced its commitment to progressively roll out new “six-on, six-off” and “four-on, four-off” rosters across Tasmania’s 24-hour police stations by July next year.
The Liberal Party quickly followed with its own promise to deliver the same roster reforms, which have been advocated by the Police Association of Tasmania as crucial for officer wellbeing.
Shadow Minister for Police, Jen Butler, said the reforms would address significant workforce issues within the police service.
“Over 100 officers are currently off work due to a variety of wellbeing reasons stemming from their line of work. We want more officers on the beat – feeling healthy and supported, and less off work through injury or burnout,” Butler said.
Police Minister Felix Ellis said the Liberal government would take a staged approach to implementing the roster changes.
“Moving to better rosters is fundamental to improving Police Officer health and wellbeing outcomes, boosting retention and recruiting the next generation of police to protect our community,” Ellis said.
The announcements come just days after police officers reportedly returned to the “antiquated Ottawa rostering system” which includes seven consecutive night shifts.
Butler accused Ellis of performing a “stunning backflip” on the issue after learning of Labor’s planned announcement.
“I am delighted that our hardworking police officers will get the rostering they deserve, but it is incredibly disappointing that Minister Ellis has sought to play political games with their wellbeing,” she said.
