Annual Conference –President’s Address

Good morning. My name is Paul Gale, and I am the President of the WA Police Union.

On behalf of staff and the Board of Directors of the Union, I welcome you to the 87th Annual Conference of the WA Police Union. The Platinum Sponsor of this year’s conference is P&N Bank, and the theme is ‘financial planning’.

This year’s theme differentiates us from other years as we don’t consider how crucial financial planning is. Our brave members dedicate their lives to protecting the community, often facing high stress situations and unexpected challenges.

Policing is a demanding profession, and the risk of injury or disability is higher compared to many other occupations.

As I delve into the importance of financial planning, I want to highlight the main point of my speech, which is “distinguishing the difference between police and the public service”.

A well-thought-out financial plan provides a safety net for officers and their families, ensuring they can continue to meet their financial obligations. Policing can be unpredictable, and emergencies can arise at any time. Having an emergency fund as part of a financial plan ensures that officers can cover unexpected expenses without resorting to high-interest loans or credit card debt.

Police work often involves early retirement options due to physical demands and pension plans. Effective financial planning helps officers make informed decisions about when to retire, ensuring they have the financial means to enjoy their retirement years comfortably.

As I delve into the importance of financial planning, I want to highlight the main point of my speech, which is “distinguishing the difference between police and the public service”.

Risk And Danger

Being a Police Officer myself, I understand the daily risks our members face. And while some may say, "it's just part of the job," it is important to recognise that no other profession begins their workday with the expectation of encountering danger or even death. Police often endure assaults, daily, yet they remain dedicated to their duty.

Earlier this year, we tragically lost a valued member of our Blue Family, Senior Constable Anthony Woods, who courageously put himself in harm's way to safeguard our community. A testament to the general attitude you all have toward the job, with the main inclination to protect and serve the community.

As we remember our fallen colleague, we pose a question to both the State Government and the WA Police Force: What incentives are in place to motivate and support our Police Officers in their continued commitment to protecting our community?

A death amongst our Blue Family is disheartening, and with the continuously rising attrition rate, it is proof that people are walking away from the job to work a less taxing job. Earlier this year, WAPU estimated that a record number of sworn officers resigned and retired from WA Police Force in 2022-23. Some 417 officers resigned, and 99 officers retired in the 12 months to 30 June. This resulted in the worst attrition rate for sworn officers since 1969-70.

The rate of sworn officers to population in 2022-23 was also the lowest in 10 years. More importantly, this rate has generally been declining over the last 30 years.

These gaps have been filled by our remaining officers working extra shifts ensuring our service to the community proceeds. Our officers are fatigued, burnt out, it is no wonder that there is a high number of officers defecting to a less stressful, low impact career.

So why is this attrition rate not sounding the alarm bells for our state’s highest offices?

Every time our officers put their uniform on, they know, they are putting themselves in the line of danger. Our frontline defenders are facing risks that most of the public can only imagine.

These risks go beyond physical danger; they extend to the emotional and mental toll that comes with the job. Despite these challenges, our Police Officers remain dedicated to their duty. They continue to serve and protect, often at a great personal cost. It's time for the State Government to recognise the extraordinary sacrifices you make.

One way to demonstrate appreciation and support for our law enforcement community is through fair and competitive compensation. Adequate pay reflects not only our gratitude but also our understanding of the unique challenges you face. It can help alleviate financial stress, provide for families, and ensure you can access the necessary resources to maintain your wellbeing.

When the State Government recognises the risks and dangers faced in policing through better pay, it sends a powerful message of appreciation and support. It demonstrates that police are valued for their dedication and sacrifices. Let’s not overlook the daily risks and dangers you face in the line of duty, yes, it may be part of the job, but a fair compensation should match. Commitment from our government to our members should be prevalent.

Shift Work And Unpredictability

In the world of policing, the concept of a typical 9-to5 workday rarely exists. As we know, you are required to work around the clock, often rotating through shifts that can include nights, weekends, and holidays. Your schedules are irregular and unpredictable.

Policing is 24/7, you are the first responders. While you remain ready to respond to emergencies at any time of the day, you have no idea what to prepare for, whether it be a traffic accident, domestic dispute, or major criminal incident. I am not demeaning the role of other public servants; however, I am outlining the round-the-clock commitment and dedication police officers have to this job, you are constantly adapting to shift rotations, which makes establishing a consistent sleep pattern challenging, leading to potential health issues like sleep disorders and fatigue. The weekends and holidays are not a luxury, for you it is choosing between protecting the community or spending time with loved ones, some of you, don’t even get that choice.

As a police officer, it’s hard to switch off. The unpredictable nature of the job can have significant impacts on one’s personal life, you are constantly facing new and unique challenges related to work-life balance, personal life planning, and the potential health impacts of irregular schedules. Recognising these differences is essential when the State Government come to discuss the next Industrial Agreement and the needs of law enforcement personnel.

Mental Health And Ptsd

I want to emphasise the critical importance of addressing the mental health of our Police Officers and the urgent need for the Agency to implement measures to assist in this regard. Our officers are regularly encountering high-stress scenarios, traumatic events, and emotional challenges, it becomes crucial to recognise and address the toll these experiences can take on our mental well-being.

It is imperative we shift our focus from suppression to creating a fundamental framework that focuses on the mental health of our Police Force. By providing you with the necessary mental health support, we can enhance resilience, reduce burnout, and ultimately improve effectiveness in safeguarding our community.

Officers facing severe stress and trauma may develop conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), leading to long-term struggles. As some of you know, I have continued to push the Blue Poppy Study through our newsletters this year. WA Police Union partnered with PTSD Research Foundation of WA to develop a research study which seeks to establish the prevalence of PTSD in the WA Police Force.

The vital Blue Poppy Study aims to tackle PTSD headon. Our police officers face a high risk of PTSD due to the demanding role. Shockingly, there's limited research on PTSD within WA Police, and official statistics are non-existent.

I would like to thank those who participated in this survey, thanks to your feedback it has put us one step further to shaping the well-being of our officers now and into the future. Your input was integral to drive strategies to combat PTSD, aiding those who protect us. The results will aid professionals assisting officers with PTSD.

It is not only research around PTSD that is lacking, but the promotion of mental health support within the police force. We need to reduce the stigma associated with seeking help, it is crucial officers see their colleagues and superiors openly discussing and prioritising mental health without fear of judgement.

Caring for the mental health of our officers is not just a short-term concern but a long-term commitment. It ensures that our members can have a fulfilling and healthy retirement after dedicating their lives to keeping our community safe.