Tasmania’s police union has slammed the state government’s 3% wage offer as inadequate, warning it does nothing to address a mounting workforce crisis.
The Police Association of Tasmania said the 12-month deal would deliver just $1 extra per hour for junior constables, with no improvements to working conditions.
Association president Shane Tilley said the offer showed a lack of respect for officers who risk their lives daily.
“Tasmania Police is recognised as the most trusted and best-performing service in the nation, yet the officers remain the lowest paid in Australia,” he said.
Tasmanian police earn almost 20% below the national average, according to the union.
The association accused the government of negotiating in bad faith after dismissing their claims before they were formally submitted.
Tilley said this was despite a March agreement that the union’s log of claims would be provided by September.
“The rejection of our log of claims before it has even been received speaks volumes about how the government views the work and worth of our members,” he said.
The dispute comes as Tasmania Police faces serious staffing pressures.
About 16% of officers are currently on workers’ compensation, while roughly 100 leave each year through resignations and retirements.
Tilley warned the pay offer would do nothing to stem the exodus of experienced officers.
“A 3% wage rise does nothing to stem the loss of experienced officers, nor does it recognise the extraordinary demands placed on police in this state,” he said.
The union president said the government was using caretaker conventions as an excuse to avoid proper negotiations.
He described the situation as a threat to community safety without meaningful investment in police wages and conditions.
“This is about the future of policing in Tasmania. Without meaningful investment, the risks to community safety will only grow,” Tilley said.
The association had supported a short-term agreement following a June member survey but said negotiations had broken down over the government’s approach.
