FEBRUARY 2017
THE MAGAZINE FOR THE
WA
POLICE UNION
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FEB 2017
POLICE NEWS THE MAGAZINE FOR THE WA POLICE UNION
CONTENTS
10
27 DIRECTOR OPINION
Police News takes a look at the upcoming State Election from a policing perspective.
31 DIRECTOR OPINION 32 INDUSTRIAL REPORT 35 FIELD REPORT 37 LEGAL 38 MEMBER BENEFITS
WAPU releases survey results
39 HEALTH
The results from the WAPU Resourcing, Safety and Workload Survey paints a very bleak picture for policing in WA.
41 MOTORING
28
Vulnerability and courage in leadership: Speaking up and having a voice In the latest instalment of Director Lindsay Garratt’s Leadership series, he speaks to Inspector Alyson Brett.
30
Adventure Club for police officers WAPU seeks expressions of interest from Members wanting to join a WAPU Adventure and Recreation Club. 4
08 PRESIDENT’S REPORT
WA Decides: State Election preview
22
POLICE NEWS FEBRUARY 2017
06 WAPU DIRECTORS AND STAFF
42 ENTERTAINMENT 44 NEW MEMBERS 45 RETIREMENTS, RESIGNATIONS AND VALE 47 FROM THE ARCHIVES
WA
POLICE UNION
639 Murray Street West Perth WA 6005 P (08) 9321 2155 F (08) 9321 2177 E admin@wapu.org.au OFFICE HOURS Monday-Friday 7am-4pm AFTER HOURS EMERGENCY DIRECTOR 0438 080 930 www.wapu.org.au Follow us facebook.com/WAPoliceUnion Twitter @WAPoliceUnion PUBLISHED BY WA Police Union 639 Murray Street West Perth WA 6005 (08) 9321 2155 ADVERTISING WA Police Union (08) 9321 2155 DISCLAIMER WAPU (“Publisher”) advises that the contents of this publication are the sole discretion of the WA Police Union and the magazine is offered for information purposes only. The publication has been formulated in good faith and the Publisher believes its contents to be accurate, however, the contents do not amount to a recommendation (either expressly or by implication) and should not be relied upon in lieu of specific professional advice. The Publisher disclaims all responsibility for any loss or damage which may be incurred by any reader relying upon the information contained in the publication whether that loss or damage is caused by any fault or negligence on the part of the Publishers, its Directors or employees. COPYRIGHT All materials in this publication are subject to copyright and written authorisation from WAPU is required prior to reproduction in any form. ADVERTISING Advertisements in this journal are solicited from organisations and businesses on the understanding that no special considerations other than those normally accepted in respect of commercial dealings, will be given to the advertiser. All advertising is undertaken in good faith and WAPU takes no responsibility for information contained in advertisements.
COVER The West Australian’s cartoonist Dean Alston provided a special cartoon for our 2017 State Election edition of Police News. ABOVE Inspector Alyson Brett says police officers should have courage and speak up when it comes to leadership.
WA
POLICE UNION
GEORGE TILBURY President 0409 105 898
BRANDON SHORTLAND Senior Vice President 0419 802 650
HARRY ARNOTT Vice President 0407 989 008
24/7 EMERGENCY DIRECTOR
MICK KELLY Treasurer & 24/7 Emergency 0438 080 930
Bunbury Australind Central Great Southern
Board of Directors
Great Southern Leeuwin Naturaliste Lower South West
Perth Police Centre Perth Watch House
WARD ADAMSON Director 0457 603 311
DAVE CURTIS Director 0400 864 591
Commissioned Officers
Eastern Goldfields
Professional Standards
North Eastern Goldfields
Prosecuting
South East Eyre
MICK GILL Director 0427 097 000
LINDSAY GARRATT Director 0407 775 050 Academy
Avon
Maylands Complex
Central Midlands
State Traffic Operations
Central West Coast Eastern Wheatbelt Gascoyne
South West Hinterland
Geraldton
Upper Great Southern
Murchison
Staff PAUL HUNT Secretary 6 POLICE NEWS FEBRUARY 2017
CHRIS VITLER WENDY ROUTHAN Executive Finance Manager Personal Assistant
JESSICA PORTER Media Officer
STEVEN GLOVER Media Officer
CRAIG FORDHAM Industrial Officer
CLAIRE LLOYD Industrial Officer
BOARD OF DIRECTORS & STAFF
PETER McGEE Director 0418 938 354
MICHAEL PATERSON Director 0412 224 374
PETER POTTHOFF Director 0407 476 679
Major Crime
Air Wing
Fremantle
Serious & Organised Crime
Armadale / Gosnells
Licensing Enforcement
Intelligence Services
Bibra Lake
Water Police
MARK JOHNSON Director 0488 352 525
KEVIN McDONALD Director 0447 817 181
East Kimberley
Joondalup
Fortescue
Mirrabooka
North Pilbara
Northern ROG
MICHAEL HENDERSON Director 0448 803 155
West Kimberley West Pilbara
MATTHEW PAYNE Research Officer
Sex Crimes
DAVE LAMPARD Field Officer
Cannington
DEAN GIACOMINI Field Officer
TARRYN SMITH Finance Officer
Midland Midland Workshops
PENNY BROWN Member Services Officer
HARRY RUSSELL Director 0412 585 429 Mandurah Rockingham / Kwinana TEG South Southern ROG
CATHRYN JACKSON Administration Officer
BRANCH PRESIDENTS Academy Kym Buller Air Wing John Gobbels Armadale Gosnells Paul Burke Avon Dave Flaherty Bibra Lake Thomas Merchant (Vice President) Bunbury Australind Gareth Reed Cannington Louise Brackstone Central Great Dave Groenenberg Southern Central Midlands Peter Toia Central West Coast Ash Netterfield Commissioned Noreen O'Rourke Officers Eastern Goldfields Jaime Forbes East Kimberley Stephanie Gannaway East Metropolitan Cliff Daurat Eastern Wheatbelt Shawn Vieceli Fremantle Julian Donohoe Fortescue Amber Collier Gascoyne Kurt Weedon (Vice President) Geraldton Glenn Wishart Great Southern Danny Richmond Intelligence Services Sharon Croft Joondalup Scott Sulley Leeuwin Naturaliste Tim Saxon Licensing Mark Saunders Enforcement Lower South West Sasa Dzaferovic Major Crime Graeme Johnston Mandurah Harry Russell Maylands David Taylor (Vice President) Midland Workshops Debra Hutchinson Mirrabooka Steve Meakins Murchison Matt Fogarty North Eastern Chelsea Armstrong Goldfields North Pilbara Lance Munckton Northern ROG Cris Marzo Perth Police Centre Peter Henry Perth Watch House Kylie Dyer Professional Ian Moore Standards Prosecuting Jarred Gerace Rockingham Kwinana Warren Dowbysch Serious & Peter Birch Organised Crime Sex Crimes Bill Mansas South East Eyre Jaysen Carlisle Southern ROG Stuart Ford South West Dion Jackson Hinterland State Traffic Paul Gale Operations Traffic Enforcement Paul Kay Group South Upper Great Dorry Grzinic Southern Water Police Ryan Hayter West Kimberley Neil Vanderplank West Pilbara Paul Brown (Vice President)
7
POLICE NEWS FEBRUARY 2017
GEORGE TILBURY President
WA decides – Make your vote count THIS SPECIAL STATE ELECTION EDITION of Police News aims to provide you with a range of important information so you can make an informed decision on March 11. Our election coverage begins on page 10 and includes a ‘Q & A’ with all police-associated candidates and a look at the key seats which could decide who forms government. Closer to Election Day, we will send a newsletter to all Members which will clearly articulate the position of each major party in relation to the 22 Recommendations contained in our Pre-Election Submission, as well as an outline of any other relevant commitments they make. On our website, we have a list of Sitting Members of Parliament who have refused to meet with us, to discuss our Pre-Election Submission. Clearly, these politicians do not believe law and order is a priority in their electorate. At no stage will WAPU tell you who to vote for, as we are apolitical. What we will do is provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision, especially on matters that affect you as police officers. Our two big ticket items are a tailored workers compensation style scheme for police officers who are medically retired and an additional 1,000 police officers over the next four years. At our Annual Conference last year, the Labor Party committed to sitting down with us to work out a mutually beneficial scheme, if it was to win the election.
At no stage will WAPU tell you who to vote for … What we will do is provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision, especially on matters that affect you as police officers.
8
While the Liberal Party is set to introduce stock-standard workers compensation for police as one of its first acts, if it is returned. The answer is not simply a matter of just including police in the stock standard workers’ compensation scheme. If it was, then this important issue would have been resolved at some stage over the last 35 years. The devil is always in the detail, which is clearly lacking on the Liberals part, and some of our concerns with their proposal are: • No appropriate compensation for catastrophic injuries; • No ability to seek alternative employment avenues in the public sector; • No presumptive legislation for specified conditions such as PTSD; • No retrospectivity for medically retired officers; and • The absence of a 'no disadvantage test' to ensure that police officers are not worse off. WAPU wants a compensation scheme for officers who suffer a work-related injury or illness which means they can no longer continue to be a police officer. This scheme must include: • A lump sum separation payment to cover loss of future earnings; • A dignified departure process; • Retraining or redeployment; • Improvements to post service medical entitlements [being the Western Australia Police (Medical and Other Expenses for Former Officers) Scheme]; and • This scheme must be introduced without removing any existing entitlements and is to be applied retrospectively and where this is not practical under legislation, the introduction of a system similar to Redress WA. As I mentioned, we have waited 35 years for workers compensation, so we are not going to accept a complicated,
PRESIDENT'S REPORT
01
confusing, sub-standard scheme. This is our best chance to right the wrongs of the past and I am committed to getting it right! At the time of going to print, neither side had made a commitment in relation to police numbers however, the murmurings around 500 being the figure are grossly inadequate. Forget what the Commissioner says about 500 officers and additional resources for other agencies being the answer. He is way off the mark, out of touch with community expectations and counting down the days until his retirement. We have presented the facts, clear and simple. Only 1,000 additional police officers will return the police to population ratio to 2005 levels, provide the numbers on the frontline to curb crime and respond to the increasing number of callouts, as well as ensure police officers do not get burnt out due to unmanageable workloads. I implore all sides of politics to listen to our concerns. We represent more than 6,500 police officers who are crying out for more help to tackle crime and it is vital that whoever wins government supports our call for more police on the beat. So say “yes” to an additional 1,000 police officers, which is also jobs and growth!
SURVEY RESULTS The results from our Resourcing, Safety and Workload Survey paint a very bleak picture for policing in Western Australia. The survey results and commentary are provided on page 22 however, if politicians and WA Police do not take note and listen to what you have said, they only solidify the view that they are out of touch with frontline police officers.
POLICE STAR The WA Police Corporate Board has approved the implementation of a WA Police Star Medal to former and current police officers who were killed or seriously injured in the line of duty. WAPU welcomes this new award and during the planning made sure WA Police knew how important it was that retrospectivity was applied to eligibility. WAPU continues to assist retired Members who are still coping with the traumatic effects they faced whilst serving as police officers. In some cases, the awarding of a medal in recognition of their efforts and service would be incredibly lifting and hold significant meaning for affected Members. It is intended nominations for the medal will close March 31, 2017 for processing and presentation in the middle of this year.
01 President George Tilbury with this year’s WAPU Education Scholarship recipients, Laura Findling and Thomas Dunbar-Smith.
SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS This month, I had the pleasure of awarding our WAPU Education Scholarships for 2017. The Metropolitan Scholarship was awarded to Laura Findling from Carine Senior High School, who is the daughter of First Class Constable Andrew Findling. While the Regional Scholarship went to Australind Senior High School’s Thomas Dunbar-Smith, son of Senior Constable Chris Dunbar-Smith. The scholarships were introduced in 1997 as a way of giving back to Members’ families and to help assist with the cost of education. I’m sure these two bright students will do us all proud in their future endeavours and I wish them all the best.
9
WA Decides … 2017 STATE ELECTION
Carol Adams POLITICAL PARTY:
Police Candidates In the lead up to the March 11 State Election, we shine a light on candidates with a policing background, including those who have worked with our Union for the benefit of Members. We asked each candidate the same questions in order to help you make your decision at the ballot box.
Independent (Running with Karen Vernon) REGION:
South Metropolitan Region
BRIEF OUTLINE OF YOUR POLICE (OR RELATED) SERVICE: I was employed initially as a Legal Officer with the WA Police Union (WAPU) from 1999 – 2001 before changing my business structure to that of a sole legal practitioner, working exclusively within the Union office until June 2011 where I took down my “shingle” to work in the community as full time Mayor at the City of Kwinana. Whilst at the Union I acted for Members in all areas that touched on policing. I appeared in person or was counsel assisting in all WA jurisdictions. I also provided legal advice to Members and to WAPU on numerous police related issues. An important part of my role was to attend critical incidents in metropolitan and regional WA, to provide advice to Members, often when they were in the most stressful of circumstances. This was an important part of my job and a valued commitment the Union made to its Members. I felt that my work with individual officers (and often their family members) was very much appreciated.
HOW HAS YOUR POLICING BACKGROUND SHAPED YOUR VIEWS GOING INTO THIS STATE ELECTION? When at the Union I witnessed first-hand the emotional and psychological collateral damage of policing. This was something personal that the public would have no knowledge or appreciation of. Police officers, like anyone else, are vulnerable when things go wrong. They need support and advice to help them through what may follow. This has shaped my respect for the difficult job that officers do. 10 POLICE NEWS FEBRUARY 2017
Police need to be confident when they report to duty that they will be provided with a safe work environment - irrespective of the inherent dangers of their job. If officers are injured on duty or retired on medical grounds, they need to be supported with a fair and reasonable ‘no fault’ workers’ compensation scheme. Police should not be treated any differently to other government employees who benefit from the workers’ compensation scheme. This equality is long overdue.
WHAT IS YOUR TOP POLICING ISSUE IN 2017? Today’s policing environment includes the growing prevalence of dealing with drug affected persons or those with mental health issues, combined with increasing scrutiny from the media and oversight bodies. The health, safety and welfare issues arising from police doing their jobs is as important to me today as it was when I worked for the Union. Police officers need to feel valued and supported when things go wrong, be it with genuine ongoing support or access to a decent workers’ compensation system.
WHY SHOULD THE PUBLIC VOTE FOR YOU? I am not a career politician, but a real person. If you want someone representing your interests in Parliament, who is independent, hardworking, and does not have to bow to party politics, then your vote for me will be well placed. I have a first-hand appreciation of the issues impacting police and have a genuine respect for the challenging job police officers do.
Rob Coales POLITICAL PARTY:
Liberal Party of WA ELECTORATE:
Thornlie
BRIEF OUTLINE OF YOUR POLICE (OR RELATED) SERVICE: I have spent 20 years working in law enforcement for the Australian Federal Police, the Western Australia Corruption and Crime Commission and the Western Australia Police. Prior to standing for election I was the local policing sergeant at the Gosnells Police Station. Prior to this I worked at Armadale Prosecuting. I have served in regional WA in Carnarvon.
Mark Folkard POLITICAL PARTY:
WA Labor ELECTORATE:
Burns Beach
BRIEF OUTLINE OF YOUR POLICE SERVICE: I have been a police officer for over 27 years reaching the rank of Sergeant having headed up a number of different stations throughout Western Australia over the course of my career. I am a highly decorated officer having been a finalist in the Police Officer of the Year Awards in 2016 and awarded the National Police Service Medal in 2014. I felt very privileged to have served
HOW HAS YOUR POLICING BACKGROUND SHAPED YOUR VIEWS GOING INTO THIS STATE ELECTION? Working in the electorate at Gosnells Police, I experienced first-hand the pressing crime and safety issues that local residents face. In particular, I have considerable experience tackling drugs and meth and am keenly aware of the devastating impact that such abuse has on everyday families. This extensive experience serving our community on the frontline is strongly complemented by the time that I spent in various courts, gaining a firsthand insight into WA's justice system. I enter this State Election with a firm understanding of the scourge that Ice and Meth are in our community. I am committed to fighting them and keeping local families safe and secure as part of a Liberal Team that is tough on crime.
WHAT IS YOUR TOP POLICING ISSUE IN 2017? Support the current serving police officers and ensure that there is a whole of government
Australia as a police officer overseas in East Timor in 2002 during their struggle for independence and was awarded the Police Overseas Service Medal for this deployment.
HOW HAS YOUR POLICING BACKGROUND SHAPED YOUR VIEWS GOING INTO THIS STATE ELECTION? My career of over 27 years in the police force has fundamentally shaped my view of how I can best serve the community of Burns Beach. A police officer is tasked primarily with protecting the community from harm. However, what I have learnt from serving the community is that the underlying causes of what police have to resolve are caused by multiple and interrelated factors. It is my strong belief and largely the reason why I want to represent the people of Burns Beach, that communities need investment and services that address inequality on both social and economic levels. I believe a McGowan Labor Government has a platform that will address the issues in our community that police often are left to deal with.
approach to enable the police to do their job safely - as such, I welcome recent announcements, such as the harsher penalties for police evaders.
WHY SHOULD THE PUBLIC VOTE FOR YOU? Thornlie is a fantastic place to live, work and raise a family. I am passionate about all of the issues that affect this local community, with a par ticular emphasis on law and order, education, small business and youth unemployment. While I like to think of myself as a 'doer', I also take great care to be a listener. As such, I've been listening closely to the community’s concerns and will make sure to build their thoughts into my representation. I believe in the Electorate of Thornlie and I am motivated to see Thornlie thrive. This great area has been neglected and taken for granted by Labor for too long. Thornlie needs quality representation and, if elected, I will focus on getting more services in the electorate, making it a safer place to live and to advance its development.
WHAT IS YOUR TOP POLICING ISSUE IN 2017? Making our community safer.
WHY SHOULD THE PUBLIC VOTE FOR YOU? As a police officer of over 27 years I know what it takes to faithfully serve the community. The people of Burns Beach have a clear choice to make: Elect a McGowan Labor Government with a fresh approach to governing in all our interests or to stick with Barnett Liberal government that has failed to deliver. My number one priority as the next member for Burns Beach will be to address the rising unemployment in our community. Jobs are the key to addressing families and individuals’ economic wellbeing. I am committed to prioritising investment in essential services like health and education. Finally, investing in key infrastructure projects and prioritising local content and jobs will deliver on our promise of a plan for jobs. ▷
11 POLICE NEWS FEBRUARY 2017
WA Decides … 2017 STATE ELECTION
Warren Greatorex
Dave Grills POLITICAL PARTY:
The Nationals WA
POLITICAL PARTY:
REGION:
Liberal Party of WA
Mining and Pastoral Region
ELECTORATE:
Kimberley
BRIEF OUTLINE OF YOUR POLICE (OR RELATED) SERVICE:
BRIEF OUTLINE OF YOUR POLICE (OR RELATED) SERVICE:
I have 10 years’ service. I was the first Aboriginal Recruit Squad Leader (Joondalup Police Academy). I policed in metropolitan, regional and remote postings. I was also one of the youngest Acting Senior Sergeants in WA whilst policing at Kalumburu MFPF. I was nominated for Community Person of the Year whilst policing in Kalumburu community.
I graduated in December 1991. I had probationary postings then Perth Traffic Branch, Traffic Escort Section, Vehicle Investigation Unit, Independent Patrol Group, Narrogin Police Station, Police Traffic Training Centre, Major Crash Investigation Section, Police Road Safety Section, Leonora Police Station, Kalgoorlie Police Station and then elected to State Parliament in 2013.
HOW HAS YOUR POLICING BACKGROUND SHAPED YOUR VIEWS GOING INTO THIS STATE ELECTION? I strongly believe my policing background has given me an advantage when it comes to truly understanding the social issues that are current throughout the whole Kimberley. Knowing what the issues are is one thing but also having ideas and knowing what works effectively in reducing the crime rate and the overall social issues is what I've acquired over the years throughout my policing career.
WHAT IS YOUR TOP POLICING ISSUE IN 2017? Alcohol, drugs and family violence. These issues are always prominent throughout the Kimberley which is why it’s paramount to ensure preventative measures and the right support mechanisms are available.
WHY SHOULD THE PUBLIC VOTE FOR YOU? I have also been a strong advocate for community development particularly creating employment opportunities and always having the patience to listen. I have never backed away from any challenges throughout my life and will present as a strong voice for the Kimberley in Parliament. 12 POLICE NEWS FEBRUARY 2017
HOW HAS YOUR POLICING BACKGROUND SHAPED YOUR VIEWS GOING INTO THIS STATE ELECTION? Having served in regional WA, I understand the difficulties in relocating a family to an unfamiliar environment. My first transfer bush was to Narrogin and not by choice. WA Police labelled it a transfer but back then it was known as being ‘shanghaied’. I lived in Narrogin while my wife and two daughters remained in Perth. There are other issues I could raise but being separated from my family was the biggest single challenge I faced during my police career. Family support and unity are vital and I would like to believe this practice no longer exists. Having been subject to this testing practice, I am committed to standing up for regional officers and ensuring they are properly supported. Notwithstanding the aforementioned issues, I can highly recommend a country transfer to anyone seeking a change of lifestyle or career development. Regional living can be immensely rewarding and provide officers and their families with an opportunity to become part of vibrant, cohesive communities.
WHAT IS YOUR TOP POLICING ISSUE IN 2017? Having spoken with police across the Mining and
Pastoral Region, it’s clear regional police numbers are below optimum operational levels and subject to unrealistic custody demands, particularly when dealing with juveniles. In consultation with current and former WA police officers, I have developed a five-year regional recruiting proposal to increase frontline numbers, keep officers in the regions and free up police time and resources. Briefly, local candidates would be recruited and offered opportunities for employment as frontline police officers or auxiliary officers. During the first year of service, the candidate would work in a CSO role. Having successfully completed a year, they would attend the Police Academy to continue specific training and graduate as a frontline officer. They would return to their original station and work for a further three years. During the fifth year, there would be a requirement for officers to transfer either within the police district or elsewhere as required. I also suppor t calls to extend workers’ compensation to WA police officers.
WHY SHOULD THE PUBLIC VOTE FOR YOU? I am passionate about securing greater representation for regional WA and building on what The Nationals WA have already achieved in Government. Some of my priorities include tackling crime and building safer communities, more local options to deal with regional juvenile offenders, maximising the benefits of resources projects for regional communities, protecting the Royalties for Regions program, State inquiry into the cost of regional airfares and supporting businesses through payroll tax relief and the Small Business Kick-start Grant initiative.
Kyran O’Donnell POLITICAL PARTY:
Liberal Party of WA ELECTORATE:
Kalgoorlie
BRIEF OUTLINE OF YOUR POLICE (OR RELATED) SERVICE: 6417 (retired). 1982-1984 and 1990-1991 Central Police Station, included East Perth Lockup; VKI; City Station; Family Law Court; Central Warrant Bureau. 1984-1989 and 1991 to 2017 Kalgoorlie Police, including OIC Boulder Police Station; Patrols to remote Aboriginal communities; Firearms Officer; Shift Supervisor; OIC A b or iginal Liais on Unit ; Re s er ve/ Quartermaster; Relieving at Laverton, Menzies, Coolgardie and Leonora Police Stations. Awarded "Goldfields Top Cop" in 2000.
HOW HAS YOUR POLICING BACKGROUND SHAPED YOUR VIEWS GOING INTO THIS STATE ELECTION? In my electorate, law and order is an area of high concern so the training, experience,
Darren Slyns POLITICAL PARTY:
Liberal Party of WA ELECTORATE:
Moore
BRIEF OUTLINE OF YOUR POLICE (OR RELATED) SERVICE: I have been a police officer for over 20 years, resigning only to challenge the State Election. I worked at Mundijong, Armadale, Gosnells and Cannington before becoming a Detective in 2005. I then served at Armadale, Murdoch, Perth TIG and Perth City Detectives (on promotion to Sergeant). To diversify my management experience I returned to uniform as the Officer in Charge of Jurien Bay Police Station. It was here I fell in love with a number of community ser vice roles. I soon became an elected local government councillor for the Shire of Dandaragan and was later elected as Deputy
skills and leadership qualities that I have gained during my 34-year police career, will help me to deal with what the community expects to be done in this area to help solve law and order issues.
WHAT IS YOUR TOP POLICING ISSUE IN 2017? Antisocial behaviour in the community and rising rents for police officers in the country.
WHY SHOULD THE PUBLIC VOTE FOR YOU? I have lived in the region for over 30 years and know the issues facing the electorate. If elected, I will continue to serve the people of the Goldfields with the same dedication and understanding as I have done for the past 30 years.
Shire President. Through this role I am also a State Councillor (WALGA) representing 11 local shires. When I transferred to Perth Police LPT I maintained these community roles and pursued my political aspirations.
all but the last six months of my career I am confident I can articulate what is happening out there.
HOW HAS YOUR POLICING BACKGROUND SHAPED YOUR VIEWS GOING INTO THIS STATE ELECTION?
I have also run my own business (Heritage Country Cheese in Balingup) for 17 years so the combination of skills and knowledge acquired here and during my policing and local government careers gives me an excellent insight into a variety of community issues. I understand that illegal drug use, mental health, youth and unemployment issues continue to threaten communities and that these issues require strong strategies to tackle them. I have a proven track record for tackling tough issues and achieving positive results across all areas. I have a strong reputation for transparency, professionalism and being financially responsible. For over 20 years I have jumped out of bed each day with the best of intentions to make the community I serve a better and safer place to live. This is just a bigger platform to continue that service and I am immensely honoured and excited about the future and what I can offer. â–ˇ
Over the last six months before resigning I worked at the Continuous Improvement Team as the Frontline Innovation Portal Manager. This position gave me additional inspiration for running as a candidate as we received so many great ideas that ultimately require legislative or political assistance. I can take this knowledge into Parliament and put up strong arguments for the changes we require to remain contemporary on the world policing stage.
WHAT IS YOUR TOP POLICING ISSUE IN 2017? Supporting our police with the necessary tools and finances to get the job done is critical. There is only so much money to go around but I can assist WA Police by raising the profile of the many issues police need to manage so they receive the appropriate level of support now and into the future. Having worked on the coal face for
WHY SHOULD THE PUBLIC VOTE FOR YOU?
13 POLICE NEWS FEBRUARY 2017
WA Decides … 2017 STATE ELECTION
Charles Smith
Barry Urban POLITICAL PARTY:
WA Labor Party
POLITICAL PARTY:
REGION:
Pauline Hanson’s One Nation
Darling Range
REGION:
East Metropolitan Region
BRIEF OUTLINE OF YOUR POLICE (OR RELATED) SERVICE: Nine year s frontline p olicing . TEG , Warwick Police Station and Kalgoorlie Police Station. Family Protection Officer GoldfieldsEsperance District for three years.
HOW HAS YOUR POLICING BACKGROUND SHAPED YOUR VIEWS GOING INTO THIS STATE ELECTION? As a police officer I was always and remain fascinated by the workings of our legal system, in particular how it deals with female victims of domestic violence and how the legal system constantly re–traumatises and victimises through cruel cross examination of those victims of sexual assault. Therefore we would like to see more ‘truth-seeking based’ principles introduced by legislation so that the crime is prosecuted and not mitigated or discounted by the reason for the crime. I would also like to see criminal legislation reviewed and amended to reflect modern community expectations i.e. tougher sentencing.
WHAT IS YOUR TOP POLICING ISSUE IN 2017? The major parties are having a fight about how best to combat meth use, addiction and the crime associated with meth use. Pauline Hanson’s One Nation will: • Legislate a three strikes and you’re out policy. If a meth user is caught three times, they will be sent to a rehabilitation facility and kept there until their addiction is under control. • Addicts must cover the costs of their treatment, either by having assets seized, 14 POLICE NEWS FEBRUARY 2017
or if on welfare, payments will be forfeited to the State. No debt will be wiped or worn by the taxpayer, even if the user is on welfare payments after release. Monies will be taken from their account until paid in full. If users hold a job, it will be taken from their wages on the same basis as maintenance payments. Solutions for Dealers. Pauline Hanson’s One Nation will: • Legislate for extremely harsh penalties to anyone selling, dealing or trafficking meth. • Legislate that dealers and traffickers assets will be sold to offset the costs and will be recoverable, even after time spent in prison.
WHY SHOULD THE PUBLIC VOTE FOR YOU? The main political parties are bankrupt of any new, innovative and bold ideas for reducing crime, domestic violence and drug usage. The WA Government has been a lenient parent for far too long. It's time to toughen up Australia! Pauline Hanson’s One Nation (PHON) understands this and the concerns police officers have with their very difficult job and are prepared to negotiate with the majority party if we hold the balance of power in the Upper House or Legislative Council. To form government, PHON will demand concessions that will fund another 1,000 police officers, review pay and conditions and make sure the workers’ compensation package goes through. PHON will also provide the equipment to do the job efficiently in addition to urgently reviewing criminal legislation in particular the Young Offenders Act.
BRIEF OUTLINE OF SERVICE: 1989 – 2000: UK Police 2005 – 2012: WA Police – Armadale Police, Cannington Detectives (BAT) and Mundijong Police.
HOW HAS YOUR POLICING BACKGROUND SHAPED YOUR VIEWS GOING INTO THIS STATE ELECTION? Community safety is one of the public’s biggest concerns going into this election, and having a first-hand experience on the frontline has given me a unique insight into the problems our community faces. That means a focus on increased police numbers and response times to help ensure residents remain safe, but also ensure the safety of our officers.
WHAT IS YOUR TOP POLICING ISSUE IN 2017? The community has a reasonable expectation that they can access police services around the clock. But for residents in Darling Range, the closest police stations open 24 hours a day are Cannington and Mandurah. At a rally last year in support of a 24/7 police station in Armadale, we heard from a young Roleystone woman who, as a 15-year-old, was assaulted while walking home from school. She broke free and ran home, but when her father drove her to Armadale Police Station, they found it closed at 4.15pm. They had to drive all the way to Cannington. This is but one example of why we need more police stations open around the clock.
Karen Vernon POLITICAL PARTY:
Independent (Running with Carol Adams) REGION:
South Metropolitan Region
The South East Metropolitan Police District is the only metropolitan district without two 24/7 police stations. The South East deserves the same level of police support and resourcing as the rest of Perth. Mark McGowan, WA Labor and I have committed to keeping the Armadale Police Station open to the public 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and ensuring the station is sufficiently staffed. We need to make sure we have police out on the beat as well as at the station when needed, and I see the 24/7 Armadale Police Station as a catalyst for increased police services in the South East.
WHY SHOULD THE PUBLIC VOTE FOR YOU? Darling Range has been forgotten about. We need a Government that understands community safety issues and police safety, and will equip WA Police with the right tools to serve the community and policies to assist the community.
BRIEF OUTLINE OF YOUR POLICE (OR RELATED) SERVICE: As a lawyer, I have represented Union Members for more than 10 years in relation to criminal charges, disciplinar y charges, managerial inter views, appeals against removal, civil actions, coronial inquests and CCC inquiries.
HOW HAS YOUR POLICING BACKGROUND SHAPED YOUR VIEWS GOING INTO THIS STATE ELECTION? I always thought that police officers were underpaid for doing a tough and thankless job. After I began acting for Union Members, I was shocked to learn that police officers were not covered by any workers’ compensation scheme, and that medically retired officers did not receive any compensation. I believe that these are essential conditions of employment, not “benefits”. I have been advocating for the introduction of proper compensation schemes ever since. It also became clear to me that police officers were being consistently denied fundamental rights during internal investigations and were treated worse than criminals during the investigation of suspected criminal offences. The more officers I represented, the greater my concerns became over how they were being treated by WA Police, and the impact that treatment was having on their lives. Of particular concern was the use of evidence obtained under compulsion from police officers during managerial interviews and CCC examinations. I have been a vocal opponent of the manner in which the CCC treats police officers during its inquiries. My legal disputes with the
Candidates featured were brought to WAPU’s attention before the printing deadline.
CCC over police officers’ rights since 2013 are well known, in particular the successful 2016 Supreme Court of Appeal decision in A v Maughan [2016] WASCA 128 that the CCC does not have the power to commence criminal prosecutions.
WHAT IS YOUR TOP POLICING ISSUE IN 2017? It’s a dead heat between comprehensive workers’ compensation schemes for police of f icers, and legislation protecting the fundamental rights of officers in managerial, disciplinary and criminal processes.
WHY SHOULD THE PUBLIC VOTE FOR YOU? Everyone who knows me, knows that I give 100 per cent to everything I do, and that I fight hard and fair to get the best outcome for my clients every time. If elected, I will do exactly the same for the people of WA. West Australians deserve a better deal, and I intend to see that they get it. I will be independent. I will not be influenced by party politics. I will not be afraid to ask tough questions or work hard. I am not interested in “15 minutes of fame”. I am not a Queensland politician with a party named after me, but I am far more likely to make a difference here. I know the real issues affecting police officers and people in WA. I met Carol Adams through my work with the Police Union. I urge you to vote for myself, Carol and our group of independents. Together we will work hard to bring honesty, integrity, fairness, accountability and common sense back to government, so that every decision is made in your best interests. We will have your back.
15 POLICE NEWS FEBRUARY 2017
WA Decides ‌ 2017 STATE ELECTION
Key Seats What are the mustwin Seats to secure Government? The State Election is rapidly approaching and for there to be a change of government, the Labor Party, led by Mark McGowan, needs a 10 per cent swing or 10 seats to knock off the Liberal-National Coalition, under the leadership of Colin Barnett. The following seats will play a key role in determining the outcome of the State Election. Police News looks at the state of these seats to give you a guide of where this State Election will be won and lost.
16 POLICE NEWS FEBRUARY 2017
Balcatta
SITTING MEMBER: Chris Hatton (Liberal) MARGIN: 7.1 per cent CANDIDATES: Chris Hatton (Liberal);
David Michael (Labor)
Balcatta has historically been a Labor stronghold. The seat was won in a surprise result by the Barnett Government in 2013, following the retirement of former Labor Minister John Kobelke. Analysis of voting patterns at the 2013 State Election and the 2016 Federal Election show a significant 4.7 per cent twoparty preferred swing to Labor. If Federal voting behaviour was repeated at the State Election, the Liberals would hold onto the seat but with a much reduced margin of 2.4 per cent. However, State issues, a strong local candidate and the unpopularity of the Barnett Government provide Labor with an excellent chance to win back the seat.
Belmont
SITTING MEMBER: Glenys Godfrey (Liberal) MARGIN: 1 per cent CANDIDATES: Glenys Godfrey (Liberal);
Cassie Rowe (Labor); Julie Mitchell (One Nation)
Formerly held by Labor State Treasurer Eric Ripper, Belmont was won by the Liberals in a surprise result at the 2013 election. A significant change to the electoral boundaries, changing demographics and a relatively unknown new Labor candidate in Cassie Rowe, compared with the local Mayor Glenys Godfrey running for the Liberals, were the main contributors to the upset in 2013. Since then, Ms Rowe has been extremely active in the local community, particularly in her role as President of Belmont Community Group. Analysis of the Federal Election results shows Ms Godfrey will struggle to hold the seat at the State Election. Federal voting intentions in the electorate indicate a swing of more than six per cent to Labor, which would deliver Ms Rowe a comfortable victory.
A key battleground seat which will play a significant role in determining who forms Government.
One Nation has entered the contest so this threecornered contest will play a key role in the overall outcome of the State Election.
Bicton
SITTING MEMBER: Dean Nalder (Liberal) MARGIN: 10 per cent CANDIDATES: Matt Taylor (Liberal);
Lisa O’Malley (Labor)
The new seat of Bicton brings together the western end of Alfred Cove, Melville from the seat of Willagee and East Fremantle from the seat of Fremantle. Significant boundary changes means the Liberal Party’s margin in Bicton has been cut to 10 per cent, more than half the 26.3 per cent margin the party currently enjoys in Alfred Cove. Internal Liberal Party politics affecting the seats of Bicton (formerly Alfred Cove) and Bateman means Dean Nalder and Matt Taylor will effectively swap electorates for the upcoming election. The demographics of the electorate should still favour the Liberal Party and the party will be hoping it can hold onto the seat despite voter dissatisfaction with the Barnett Government and opposition to the Perth Freight Link. WA Labor candidate Lisa O’Malley has been a leading voice in the Rethink the Link campaign and while community opposition to the Freight Link has attracted a lot of media attention, local Liberals contend that a majority of residents in Bicton support the project. A key battleground seat which will play a significant role in determining who forms Government.
Bunbury
SITTING MEMBER: John Castrilli (Liberal) - Retiring MARGIN: 12.2 per cent CANDIDATES: Ian Morison (Liberal);
Don Punch (Labor); James Hayward (Nationals); Sam Brown (One Nation) The retirement of Liberal MP John Castrilli has brought Bunbury into play. Mr Castrilli’s preferred successor for the seat, Monique Warnock, was comprehensively defeated by Ian Morison for Liberal pre-selection. Labor has pre-selected former South West Development Commission chief executive officer Don Punch, Bunbury is likely to be a seat to watch on election night. The Nationals are also contesting the seat with president, and local councillor, James Hayward. Federal Election voting intentions in the seat of Forrest, which includes Bunbury, indicates a large swing towards Labor. The party’s share of the vote increased by 8.65 per cent.
Burns Beach
SITTING MEMBER: Albert Jacob (Liberal) MARGIN: 11.3 per cent CANDIDATES: Albert Jacob (Liberal); Mark Folkard (Labor)
Significant boundaries changes have cut Albert Jacob’s margin from 19 per cent to 11.3 per cent. However, if voters in Burns Beach vote the same way as they did at the Federal Election, Mr Jacob will have a fight on his hands to retain the seat. Analysis of Federal Election voting patterns in Burns Beach shows a significant swing of 8.49 per cent to Labor in the seat. However, Mr Jacob is a hard-working and popular local member, and the Liberals will be banking on his effectiveness as a local MP to stem any anti-Barnett Government swing. Former police officer Mark Folkard will press Labor’s plan for jobs and opposition to the sale of Western Power as key reasons mortgage-belt voters should swing their support to Labor. These messages are likely to resonate strongly in an electorate concerned about jobs and the economy, and Mr Folkard will be hoping anti-Government sentiment in the electorate will be too strong for even a good local member to hang on. If the Liberals lose Burns Beach, they are almost certain to lose Government.
Collie-Preston
SITTING MEMBER: Mick Murray (Labor) MARGIN: 2.9 per cent CANDIDATES: Elysia Henderson (Liberal);
Mick Murray (Labor); Monique Warnock (Nationals); David Miller (One Nation)
The seat of Collie-Preston is held by long-term Labor MP Mick Murray. Mr Murray was first elected in 2001 and he enjoys strong local support within the electorate and has built up a significant profile in Collie. Boundary changes means the margin in Collie-Preston has shifted from 0.1 per cent Labor to 2.9 per cent notionally Liberal. Mr Murray will have to fight off another challenge to the seat from the Nationals, which will mount a serious campaign to win the seat with candidate and former Liberal Party member Monique Warnock. One Nation has entered the contest so this three-cornered contest will play a key role in the overall outcome of the State Election. Retaining Collie-Preston in 2013, against a large Liberal swing and while representing a Labor brand that was on the nose with voters in WA was testament to Mr Murray’s local popularity. He will be hoping that same popularity and local profile will help him hold the seat in March. ▷ 17 POLICE NEWS FEBRUARY 2017
WA Decides … 2017 STATE ELECTION
Darling Range
SITTING MEMBER: Tony Simpson (Liberal) MARGIN: 13.1 per cent CANDIDATES: Tony Simpson (Liberal); Barry Urban
Emily Hamilton (Labor)
With a Liberal Party margin of 13.1 per cent, Darling Range would be considered a safe seat at most State Elections. Held by former Local Government Minister Tony Simpson since 2005, Darling Range has never been won by WA Labor despite being at times a highly marginal seat. WA Labor has nominated its candidate from the 2013 State Election, Barry Urban, to contest the seat. Mr Urban is a former police officer and said he will focus on law and order reform and increased police presence in the electorate as part of his pitch to voters, which includes a pledge for a 24-hour police station in Armadale. Despite the large margin in Darling Range, WA Labor will push hard to win the seat. New suburbs have been developed in Darling Range in the last three to five years and changing demographics are making it more marginal. If WA Labor wins Darling Range for the first time, the party is likely to be well on the way to forming the next Government.
Sitting MP Jan Norberger won Joondalup in a surprise result at the 2013 State election, enjoying a massive swing to the Liberal Party. Labor candidate Emily Hamilton will be hoping she can win the seat back for Labor, who previously held Joondalup for 12 years. Analysis of the Federal Election results shows Mr Norberger will have a fight on his hands to hold the seat. Voting intentions demonstrated a clear swing to Labor at the Federal poll but not enough to overturn Mr Norberger’s margin. State issues, including Premier Colin Barnett’s unpopularity and economic stagnation, will work against the Liberal Party. Labor will be hoping it can target voters’ economic concerns and frustrations with the Barnett Government to win Joondalup. Political analysts will be watching Joondalup very closely, if WA Labor can win this seat it will be on a path towards forming Government.
Kalamunda
SITTING MEMBER: John Day (Liberal) MARGIN: 10.3 per cent CANDIDATES: John Day (Liberal);
SITTING MEMBER: Nathan Morton (Liberal) MARGIN: 2.2 per cent CANDIDATES: Nathan Morton (Liberal);
Matthew Hughes (Labor); Ray Gould (One Nation)
Despite significant investment in the Forrestfield electorate, Mr Morton and the Liberals are likely to have a hard time holding onto Forrestfield due to an expected substantial State-wide swing to Labor. With a margin of just 2.2 per cent, Labor will be expecting to win the seat as part of its push to win Government. Infrastructure and transportation will play a big role in the local campaign for Forrestfield. Liberal incumbent Mr Morton will point to the Barnett Government’s infrastructure investment in the seat, while WA Labor’s candidate Stephen Price will tout the party’s plan for Metronet to link the suburbs of Forrestfield with Perth’s major rail lines.
Mr Day contested this seat in 2008 and 2013 and was successful on both occasions, increasing his margin slightly at the 2013 election to 10.5 per cent. Minor electoral changes have reduced that margin slightly to 10.3 per cent. With WA Labor in the ascendency and the Barnett Government struggling in the polls, it is likely Mr Day will face an uphill battle to hold Kalamunda at the election. Analysis of Federal voting patterns in the seat shows a shift towards the Labor Party and this will likely be substantially stronger in the context of a State poll. If WA Labor is to win Government, it must get over the line in seats such as Kalamunda. Mr Day is a highly experienced campaigner and has the benefit of incumbency having been a local MP in the Kalamunda area since 1993.
Stephen Price (Labor)
18
SITTING MEMBER: Jan Norberger (Liberal) MARGIN: 10.4 per cent CANDIDATES: Jan Norberger (Liberal);
(Labor); Sharon Polgar-Young (One Nation)
Forrestfield
POLICE NEWS FEBRUARY 2017
Joondalup
Morley
If WA Labor is to win Government, it must get over the line in seats such as Kalamunda.
SITTING MEMBER: Ian Britza (Liberal) MARGIN: 4.7 per cent CANDIDATES: Ian Britza (Liberal);
Amber-Jade Sanderson (Labor)
If a large swing to Labor occurs at the March election, Mr Britza will struggle to hold Morley. At 4.7 per cent, Morley is a marginal seat and the seat is a must win if Labor is to win the election. Labor’s candidate Amber-Jade Sanderson has served as a Member of the Legislative Council for East Metropolitan since her election in 2013. Ms Sanderson will attempt to move from the Upper House to the Lower House by winning Morley. Ms Sanderson has built strong community links in Perth’s eastern suburbs, her electorate office is located in Morley, and she is well placed to overturn Mr Britza. Analysis of voting intentions at the Federal Election indicate a large two-party preferred swing of 10.11 per cent to Labor, which would easily deliver victory to Ms Sanderson. Most political analysts will be putting this seat in the gain column for Labor.
Mount Lawley
Political analysts will be watching Mount Lawley closely and the seat could be vital in deciding the outcome of the election.
Perth
SITTING MEMBER: Eleni Evangel (Liberal) MARGIN: 2.8 per cent CANDIDATES: Eleni Evangel (Liberal); John Carey (Labor)
One-term sitting MP Eleni Evangel faces an uphill battle to hold onto the seat of Perth for the Liberal Party at the State Election. The seat has been a traditional Labor stronghold but shifting demographics in recent years as Perth’s population boomed has made it a less predictable, marginal seat. Labor’s candidate John Carey is well known as the Mayor of Vincent and commands strong media presence and community recognition. If the swing is on to Labor at the next election, Mr Carey should win Perth back for the ALP. However, the campaign will be closely fought and Ms Evangel will attempt to use the strengths of incumbency and the achievements of the Barnett Government in the City of Perth to hold on. With a margin of just 2.8 per cent, most political analysts will be putting this seat in the gain column for WA Labor.
Southern River
SITTING MEMBER: Peter Abetz (Liberal) MARGIN: 10.9 per cent CANDIDATES: Peter Abetz (Liberal); Terry Healy (Labor);
SITTING MEMBER: Michael Sutherland (Liberal) MARGIN: 8.9 per cent CANDIDATES: Michael Sutherland (Liberal);
Michelle Myers (One Nation)
Michael Sutherland won Mount Lawley at the 2008 State Election and successfully held the seat by an increased margin at the 2013 election. He is well regarded within the Liberal Party as an active and engaged MP with a strong profile in his electorate. Changes to the electoral boundaries, shifting demographics and a State Government on the nose with voters will give Labor some confidence it can win Mount Lawley as part of its push for Government. With an 8.9 per cent margin the seat is within Labor’s target range of Liberal-held seats with margins under or at 10 per cent. Labor’s candidate Simon Millman does not enjoy the same high profile in the electorate as Mr Sutherland. A background as a workers’ compensation and asbestos lawyer, and lawyer for the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU), he will have to run a very strong campaign in the seat to have a chance of winning Mount Lawley. Political analysts will be watching Mount Lawley closely and the seat could be vital in deciding the outcome of the election. If Labor manages to overturn Mr Sutherland and the Liberals, it will likely be on a path to forming Government with a reasonable majority.
Southern River has been held by Liberal MP Peter Abetz since the 2008 State Election. Since its formation at the 1996 State Election, Southern River has always moved with the Government of the day. Significant changes to electoral boundaries has cut Mr Abetz’s margin from 17 to 10.2 per cent and the seat is now well within reach for Labor. He will have a battle on his hands to hold onto Southern River. Labor has nominated local teacher and former Labor staffer Terry Healy as its candidate. Mr Healy is a City of Gosnells councillor and has said that education will be the centre point of his campaign in the seat. Federal Election voting intentions shows a massive swing against the Liberal Party in Southern River. In polling booths, there was a two-party preferred swing of 16.02 per cent which would give Labor an overwhelming victory in the seat. Southern River has experienced sizeable swings in past elections. At the 2013 State Election, Mr Abetz and the Liberal Party received a two-party preferred swing of 15 per cent. It is reasonable to expect that if a State-wide swing to Labor is on it will be magnified in Southern River. ▷
Simon Millman (Labor)
19 POLICE NEWS FEBRUARY 2017
WA Decides … 2017 STATE ELECTION
Swan Hills
SITTING MEMBER: Frank Alban (Liberal) MARGIN: 3.7 per cent CANDIDATES: Frank Alban (Liberal); Jessica Shaw (Labor);
Sandra Old (One Nation)
Since it was first contested, the seat has always been won by the party that forms Government. Analysis of voting patterns in Swan Hills at the Federal Election shows a swing to Labor of 1.71 per cent two-party preferred. This would not be enough to deliver the seat to Labor however, local factors, including frustration with the Barnett Government over broken promises in the seat and a weakening State economy is likely to translate to a bigger swing towards Labor on polling day. Changes to electoral boundaries means that the suburb of Ellenbrook returns to Swan Hills. This will be problematic for Mr Alban who promised at the 2008 State Election to build a train line to Ellenbrook if the Liberals won the election, matching the Carpenter Government’s pledge at the time, which has never eventuated. Labor has nominated a strong candidate in Jessica Shaw. Ms Shaw is an energy and mining consultant who has worked in policy and business development.
Wanneroo
SITTING MEMBER: Paul Miles (Liberal) MARGIN: 11 per cent CANDIDATES: Paul Miles (Liberal); Sabine Winton (Labor);
Joe Darcy (One Nation)
Wanneroo has always been held by the Government of the day since its formation and has never been held by one MP for a period longer than two terms. Paul Miles won the seat for the Liberal Party in 2008 with a 6.9 per cent swing two-party preferred. Mr Miles held the seat in 2013 with an increased margin of 11 per cent. Wanneroo will be a key battleground seat in this election campaign. Mr Miles has been a strong local MP and in September this year was appointed Minister for Local Government. WA Labor Candidate Sabine Winton has a solid profile in the local community having lived in Wanneroo for more than 40 years and serving as a City of Wanneroo Councillor. She will be looking to reach out to voters with WA Labor’s plans to build key infrastructure and create local jobs, issues which resonate strongly in the electorate. Analysis of voting patterns at the Federal Election shows a substantial swing of 9.26 per cent to Labor in the seat. If repeated at the State Election, that swing would not be enough to overturn Mr Miles. 20 POLICE NEWS FEBRUARY 2017
Since it was first contested, the seat has always been won by the party that forms Government.
West Swan
SITTING MEMBER: Rita Saffioti (Labor) MARGIN: 0.9 per cent (notional Liberal seat
after redistribution) CANDIDATES: Rod Henderson (Liberal); Rita Saffioti (Labor); Tony D’Angelo (One Nation) Boundary changes have made the seat notionally Liberal by just 0.9 per cent based on results at the 2013 State Election. Despite losing the Labor-leaning suburb of Ellenbrook and gaining the more Liberal suburb of Banksia Grove, Labor will be expecting to win West Swan comfortably as part of a large swing to the party State-wide. Ms Saffioti is a central member of Opposition Leader Mark McGowan’s frontbench team and has been a very effective operator in this term of Parliament holding the Government to account in her shadow portfolios of Transport, Planning, Infrastructure and Finance. The Liberal Party candidate in West Swan is Rod Henderson, a businessman with strong links to the West Swan community and electorate. He has served as a councillor for the City of Swan since 2015 and is a long-term Liberal Party member who lost to Ms Saffioti in 2008. The result in West Swan come March may mirror the outcome of voting in the seat in 2008 when Ms Saffioti defeated Mr Henderson by just over six per cent two-party preferred. Most political analysts will be putting this seat in the gain column for Labor.
In this State Election, please Vote for Independent candidates who have a long and valued association with the WA Police Union,
Carol Adams & Karen Vernon We’ll have your back in supporting a fair workers compensation package and law and order initiatives in Parliament Please Vote for our group of Independents #1 above the line in the South Metropolitan Legislative Council & encourage your family and friends to do the same.
How to Vote ‘for us’
Either Vote Independent #1 above the line (on the long paper) SOUTH METROPOLITAN REGION
1 INDEPENDENT
BALLOT
1 2 3 4
OTHER
OTHER
ADAMS, Carol VERNON, Karen BOLTON, Luke FORD, Jonathon
OR Vote for our Independent alliance BELOW the line, remembering to number ALL the boxes in order of your choice of candidate. Authorised by John Iriks, Suite 4 1/4 Challenger Avenue, Kwinana City Centre.
OTHER
SOUTH METROPOLITAN DISTRICTS South Perth Vic Park Cannington Southern River
Riverton Bateman Bicton Fremantle
Kwinana Baldivis Rockingham Warnboro
Contact Carol Adams
Willagee Jandakot Cockburn
Contact Karen Vernon
1300 644 272
vote@caroladams.com.au
caroladams.com.au
facebook.com/votecaroladams
karen.vernon@icloud.com
* WAPU SCHOOL HOLIDAY BALLOT APPLICATION APPLICATIONS WILL ONLY BE ACCEPTED ON THIS FORM, It can be faxed, emailed or posted to WAPU HQ. Complete and return by Friday, 24 March 2017 to: WA Police Union 639 Murray Street, West Perth WA 6005 Fax: 9321 2177 Email: admin@wapu.org.au Results to be advised by Friday, 31 March 2017
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ESPERANCE EXMOUTH KALBARRI UNIT 27 KALBARRI UNIT 71 PORT DENISON YALLINGUP
POLICE NEWS FEBRUARY 2017
Your Say: WAPU Resourcing, Safety and Workload Survey results Eighty six per cent of police officers believe the State Government does not understand the needs of police officers. That was the damning result from the WAPU Resourcing, Safety and Workload Survey, which paints a very bleak picture for policing in Western Australia.
22 POLICE NEWS FEBRUARY 2017
In addition to believing the Government is out of touch with police officers, close to 60 per cent believed their role and work was not valued by WA Police. When Members of the WA Police Union have their say on policing matters, the public, politicians and the media listen. When an election is around the corner, this is magnified. Close to 1,100 Members completed the survey which sought their personal feedback in relation to resourcing, safety and work-related pressures. WAPU President George Tilbury said the results speak for themselves. “Frontline officers are frustrated and at breaking point. They simply can’t keep up with the rising demands,” he said. “It is clear that Members believe the State Government and the WA Police Executive are out of touch with the needs of police officers. “WAPU strongly believes we need an extra 1,000 police officers and the results from this survey only back up our position. With so many of our Members feeling undervalued and their needs not understood, policing in this State is at the cross roads. “If we don’t fix resourcing issues now, crime will spiral, more people will die on our roads and morale will fall to an all-time low.” The survey results point clearly to a police service that is under pressure and under resourced.
THE RESULTS Officer Demographics
“We are operating at 2005 levels, yet our demand is at a record high. Our 1,000 call simply gets us back to 2005 levels and will at least give our Members a fighting chance of trying to curb crime in this State.” Close to 60 per cent of respondents believed their station/ section needed an extra one to 10 officers to meet existing workloads. More than a third of Members reported multiple CAD jobs being unattended every shift. More than 23 per cent of Members indicated they were unable to attend Priority 1 or 2 jobs within the target timeframe of 12 minutes on most occasions, this was slightly higher for Priority 3 jobs with 29.6 per cent of Members reporting they failed to attend those jobs within 60 minutes on most occasions. Some 77.8 per cent of respondents believed alcohol, illicit or prescription drugs had been a factor in most of the jobs they attended. The three main substances were alcohol, methamphetamine and cannabis. Members identified Family/Domestic Violence, Disturbance and Burglary as the three CAD incidents generating the most amount of work over the last 12 months. Mr Tilbury said the combination of this data added weight to the Union’s call for 1,000 additional police officers. “Our Pre-Election Submission provides the science behind our call for 1,000 extra police officers pretty clearly for all sides of politics. The survey results show our Members need extra resources because they are under the pump and going from job to job,” he said. “We are operating at 2005 levels, yet our demand is at a record high. Our 1,000 call simply gets us back to 2005 levels and will at least give our Members a fighting chance of trying to curb crime in this State.” Mr Tilbur y acknowledged the tough financial times however, any future government needed to be hard on crime and the best way to tackle it was with more police officers. “This election is shaping up to be all about jobs and growth. One thousand more police officers ticks both these boxes, whilst improving community safety and will reduce our road toll.”
(% of respondents) MALE
FEMALE
METROPOLITAN
REGIONAL
80.1%
69.9%
19.1%
30.1%
What is your rank? (% of respondents)
COMMISSIONED OFFICER (ALL RANKS)
1.7%
SENIOR SERGEANT
5.0%
SERGEANT
26.0%
SENIOR CONSTABLE
37.9%
FIRST CLASS CONSTABLE
15.6%
CONSTABLE
10.8%
ABORIGINAL POLICE LIAISON OFFICER
0.0%
POLICE AUXILIARY OFFICER
2.5%
CADET
0.6%
▷ 23 POLICE NEWS FEBRUARY 2017
Please indicate if your own workload has increased, decreased or remained the same over the following timeframes: OPTIONS
INCREASED INCREASED
SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASED
In the past 12 months
30.2%
In the past 1-2 years
23.1%
In the past 3-4 years
22.2%
REMAINED THE SAME
DECREASED
SIGNIFICANTLY DECREASED
NOT APPLICABLE
19.8%
4.5%
1.0%
1.0%
15.4%
4.5%
1.0%
5.0%
16.5%
4.2%
1.2%
10.8%
43.6% 43.6%
51.5% 51.5% 45.0% 45.00%
How many additional officers does your station/section need to meet its existing workload? OPTIONS
RESPONSE PERCENT
None
“We have overly ambitious hierarchy out of touch with 'the street'.”
13.4%
11 to to55
38.0% 38.0%
6 to 10
21.9%
11 to 15
10.0%
16 to 20
7.0%
21 to 25
3.1%
26 to 30
1.5%
More than 30
5.1%
How often does the following occur in your station/section as a result of staffing or resources constraints? OPTIONS
RESPONSE PERCENT
NO
23.7%
Do you want a personal issue, modern stab-proof/ballistic vest?
YES
76.3%
Which three types of CAD Incidents have generated the highest amount of work for you in 2016? OPTIONS
HIGHEST
SECOND HIGHEST
THIRD HIGHEST
Cannot attend incidents
23.1%
Assault (Homicide to Minor)
9.4%
15.2%
14.9%
Have to hand over a job you started to the next shift
30.1%
Burglary Burglary
10.3%
15.9%
15.5% 15.5%
Diverted to support other teams and work areas
33.6%
Crash (Fatal to No Injury)
4.3%
4.5%
3.6%
An investigation is concluded prematurely
18.9%
Quality of a brief or investigation is lessened
27.7% 35.8% 35.8%
Declineininservice service standards Decline standards
Damage Disturbance (Serious to Minor) Disturbance DUI (Alcohol or Drugs)
OPTIONS
2.7%
3.9%
21.7% 21.7%
13.6%
1.6%
3.5%
1.9%
53.2% 53.2%
12.5%
6.7%
0.7%
1.1%
1.6%
Offender on Premises/Trespass
1.1%
2.3%
5.2%
Pursuits
1.0%
1.1%
2.3%
Robbery
1.7%
3.0%
3.4%
Sexual Assault
2.6%
1.4%
2.3%
Stealing (Violence to Minor)
3.2%
6.6%
13.4%
Family/Domestic Violence (Serious to Minor) Family/Domestic Violence Offender being Held
Does your station/section have enough of the following?
0.9% 4.9%
YES
NO
46.8% 37.4%
53.2% 53.2% 62.6% 62.6%
Firearms
87.2%
12.8%
Stealing (Motor vehicle)
0.1%
3.5%
3.8%
OC spray
94.9%
5.1%
Threats
0.7%
2.4%
2.8%
Police-issue mobile phones
62.2%
37.8%
Traffic Breaches
4.5%
2.7%
5.1%
Radios
66.6%
33.4%
Riot helmets
51.5%
48.5%
Riot shields
52.7%
47.3%
TADIS (In vehicles)
51.2%
48.8%
Tasers
77.6%
22.4%
Vehicles
53.5%
46.5%
Ballisticvests vests Ballistic Computers Computers
24 POLICE NEWS FEBRUARY 2017
“I am amazed no officer has been killed yet due to the lack of resources available to back up.”
“5,000 members when I joined, since then the population has doubled but we only have another 20% of officers …” On average, what percentage of your jobs over the past 12 months has alcohol, illicit or prescription drugs been a factor? OPTIONS
RESPONSE PERCENT
In your opinion, what is the MOST effective way to reduce the State’s road toll?
None
5.9%
10%
1.2%
20%
1.4%
OPTIONS
30%
2.1%
More mobile speed cameras
2.3%
40%
2.0%
More fixed speed cameras
3.6%
50%
9.6%
Morepolice police traffic More trafficpatrols patrols
90.9% 90.9%
60%
7.0%
70%
14.1%
80%
24.9%
90% 90%
26.4% 26.4%
100%
5.4%
In your experience which three substances have been the most frequent factor? MOST FREQUENT
SECOND-MOST FREQUENT
THIRD-MOST FREQUENT
Alcohol Alcohol Cannabis Cannabis
55.6% 55.6%
30.1%
8.3%
3.6%
15.7%
58.3% 58.3%
Cocaine
0.5%
1.4%
3.7%
Heroin
0.7%
1.5%
6.0%
Methamphetamine Methamphetamine
38.4%
47.4% 47.4%
9.4%
Prescription drugs
1.2%
3.9%
21.2%
OPTIONS
In your opinion, how effective are the measures currently used by WA Police to target drivers who fail to obey the road rules? VERY EFFECTIVE
EFFECTIVE
NOT SURE
NOT VERY EFFECTIVE
COMPLETELY INEFFECTIVE
Speeding
5.8%
37.1% 37.1%
18.3%
32.2%
6.7%
Alcohol testing
8.2%
52.6% 52.6%
15.6%
20.0%
3.7%
Drug testing
2.9%
24.5%
24.6%
12.0%
Fatigue
0.8%
6.1%
31.8%
Inattention
1.3%
9.7%
30.4%
Seatbelts
4.0%
41.1% 41.1%
36.1% 36.1% 39.2% 39.2% 40.6% 40.6%
24.3%
25.3%
5.2%
Mobile phones
4.8%
35.4% 35.4%
16.6%
33.3%
10.0%
OPTIONS
22.1% 17.9%
RESPONSE PERCENT
More intersection red light/speed cameras
In your opinion, would your safety improve if you were allowed to carry your full accoutrements inside all areas of court complexes?
If required, would you be prepared to take industrial action so that you could carry your full accoutrements in all areas of court complexes?
3.3%
NO
7.5%
YES
92.5%
NO
23.0% YES
77.0%
Job Satisfaction OPTIONS
AGREE
I feel proud to be a WA Police Officer.
87.8% 87.8%
I feel my role and work is valued by WA Police.
41.3%
I feel police officers are generally respected by the WA community.
74.1% 74.1%
I believe the WA Government understands the needs of police officers.
13.5%
I would recommend joining WA Police to others.
52.9% 52.9%
DISAGREE
12.2% 58.7% 58.7% 25.9% 86.5% 86.5% 47.1%
▷ 25 POLICE NEWS FEBRUARY 2017
THE COMMENTS “Three "R’s" need to be addressed. Resources, Rosters and Relief for regional stations.”
“We have overly ambitious hierarchy out of touch with 'the street'. Meth affected offenders are running rampant and even my immediate family feel unsafe in the street. Mental Health beds are rare and so very few people get admitted when they should. The inexperience in the Agency is huge, very junior officers (and inexperienced sergeants) are making big mistakes and providing a less than good service.” “Police commissioner and commissioned officers are more concerned about public perception and fudging figures by changing the interpretation of an offence ad to reduce the particular crime than making a difference in preventing crime or solving it.”
“For too long the police service has tried to run itself as a business. It is not. It is a service. It needs to be funded completely and fully to be able to supply its minimum requirements.”
“(Frontline) 2020 is about doing more with less, quality of service is suffering and it is putting pressure/stress on all staff that should not be there because 'there is not enough money'.” “The senior management team are completely out of touch. The people that advise them on regular basis (District Commanders etc.) do not give them a realistic synopsis of District matters in order to safeguard their own positions and career.” “For too long the police service has tried to run itself as a business. It is not. It is a service. It needs to be funded completely and fully to be able to supply its minimum requirements.” “Three "R’s" need to be addressed. Resources, Rosters and Relief for regional stations.” “5,000 members when I joined, since then the population has doubled but we only have another 20% of officers, this cannot work with new problems like meth!”
“As a manager I am sick to death of advocating for more staff to get the job done as more and more is asked of the troops.”
26 POLICE NEWS FEBRUARY 2017
“I’ve been a copper for 23 years and it is the worst it has ever been.”
“Increasing crime due to drug use creates a strain on the current understaffed resources and puts officers at a greater risk of injury or harm.” “The sooner the Government and WA Police stop putting money before the safety of our community and the police who protect them, the better off we will all be. The unpredictable nature of our work makes it difficult to understand how we can be financially restrained from being provided the appropriate resources to carry out our role effectively.” “It’s time to make some drastic changes. I’ve been a copper for 23 years and it is the worst it has ever been. No staff, over worked, the people making the decisions are out of touch and don't have a clue what’s going on in the real world.” “As a manager I am sick to death of advocating for more staff to get the job done as more and more is asked of the troops. It is always a case of having to choose which balls to juggle and which ones to let fall on the floor and then having to justify why I let those balls fall and not the others. There is too much expected of officers and the only answer is more resources. I am amazed no officer has been killed yet due to the lack of resources available to back up.” “If the Courts want us to attend and give evidence as police officers then we should attend with the standard tools of our trade.” “It is incredibly unsafe for police officers to not be wearing accoutrements in court. I have been present in rooms outside court rooms sitting across from accused persons who had assaulted me on the job.” “Police should not attend court complexes if unable to wear full accoutrements. Boycott the premises.”
DIRECTOR OPINION
PETER McGEE
Metropolitan Region Director
Thirteen could be unlucky for some ONE OF THE MOST contentious issues raised at the recent 2016 WAPU Annual Conference revolved around the perceived conduct of some Members who may have been acting contrary to the interests of WAPU and/or its Members.
To me, the motions highlighting the issue were a call for help born out of the frustration we are all feeling. A frustration caused by the mounting pressures bearing down on us from an exponentially increasing workload. Pressure carried while the bean counters tighten the collective belt and the armchair critics pile on more and more accountabilities. We’re surrounded by a media happy to throw rocks at us just to increase their ratings and pander to whomever benefits their bank balance. Even faced with all this, one thing we must avoid is turning on those closest to us; our brothers and sisters. We need to remain focused on what we can do to reduce stresses. Rather than stain groups with a broad brush, we should deal with the small minority who are happy to throw their mates under a bus just
Rather than stain groups with a broad brush, we should deal with the small minority who are happy to throw their mates under a bus just to ingratiate themselves with power mongers.
to ingratiate themselves with power mongers. Individuals who seek to use the goodwill of others to push the bounds of industrial agreements in order to make themselves look better than they legitimately are. These miscreants are a dangerous catalyst for resentment and division and should be dealt with sharply. Having been part of discussions with the Branches involved in the Conference Motions and listening to all sides of the issues, I heard a clear consensus that some people may act in a manner not commensurate of a WAPU Member. I assure you the message is heard by the Board of Directors (BOD) and I heartily agree action needs to be taken more decisively where individuals are undermining the collegiality of WAPU. Rule 13 of the WAPU Constitution covers discipline within WAPU. As well as obvious and typical matters for most organisations (e.g. misappropriation see Rule 13 (a) & (b) for the full list) any WAPU Member who is responsible for conduct detrimental to the interests of WAPU or of its Members can be expelled from WAPU or have their membership suspended. The process for Rule 13 starts with a written complaint from any Member sent to WAPU HQ (email could suffice). A Special BOD Meeting is convened with at least 14 days’ notice to the Respondent and Complainant Members. The purpose of the Special BOD Meeting is to have an open debate into the veracity of the complaint where evidence and witnesses may be called.
This proceeding is not a court and standing orders for BOD apply with the BOD, Respondent and Complainant all able to participate through the chair of the meeting, if they wish. At the conclusion of the meeting, the BOD require a two-thirds majority for any resolution that expels or suspends a Member. Any decision to expel or suspend a Member is appealable at the next Annual Conference or Special General Meeting, not at normal or Special BOD meetings. It is only the general membership that can overturn the BOD decision. Even prior to the 2016 conference, the BOD has debated strongly over acting on the provisions of Rule 13 and with the current clear messages from all sides, I feel the harmonious future of WAPU requires it. I certainly don’t look forward to receiving a complaint but I can certainly assure you if any Member is acting contrary to the interests of WAPU or its Members, including promoting or procuring breaches of the Industrial Agreement, bullying or harassing Members, the matter will be pursued and your Directors will hold any Members found responsible to account.
27 POLICE NEWS FEBRUARY 2017
Vulnerability and courage in leadership: Speaking up and having a voice
BY LINDSAY GARRATT Metropolitan Region Director
INSPECTOR ALYSON BRETT RECENTLY PROVIDED ME WITH HER INSIGHTS INTO LEADERSHIP. Alyson had a very clear vision on leadership values necessary for the future. We talked about some of Alyson’s learnings from her time at the Australian Institute of Police Management, particularly around ‘leadership of self’ before leading others, and the importance of reflection and being self-aware when it comes to working with people. That entails knowing and acknowledging your strengths and weaknesses and working towards being the best person you can be, according to Alyson. “My personal view is historically we’ve had a very command and control style of leadership, and there is certainly a place for that in policing still today in a critical incident,” Alyson said. “However, the world is moving so rapidly, our challenges in policing are evolving so rapidly, and we need to be encouraging more conversations around those challenges. So, our leadership needs to be a type that initiates and allows those courageous conversations and doesn’t dispel or discourage people coming forward with new ideas and suggestions.” Alyson said that is sometimes a challenge for policing. “It is a different leadership application to allow those conversations to occur and to be aware of your own reaction to new innovative ideas and out-of-the-box thinking that may not have been something you thought of previously or been part of policing in the past,” she said. “Everyone has biases and unconscious biases. It’s so important for leaders to be self-aware, particularly to encourage conversations and consider how these biases may affect your perceptions,” Alyson explained.
Everyone has biases and unconscious biases. It’s so important for leaders to be self-aware, particularly to encourage conversations and consider how these biases may affect your perceptions. 28 POLICE NEWS FEBRUARY 2017
“Something quite interesting is that even by mannerisms, body gestures, or posturing, you can shut down a conversation particularly if you’re in a position of authority. Being aware of genuineness in wanting to hear points of view, ideas and enabling innovation and problem-solving to occur, which will hopefully provide good solutions to challenges. And that can be at any level, whether you’re a constable, a sergeant running a shift of constables, a senior sergeant or at commissioned officer level.” For Alyson, part of being self-aware is the need for leaders to reflect on their values and those of the organisation, and see how they can be aligned better. “It is a good exercise to come back to those values, reconnect with them and to reflect on why we do what we do,” she said. “We all work for the community, we police with the consent of the community, and the community trust us to make the best decisions and implement the right strategies that will keep them and their families safe. “Whilst we have policies, procedures, rules and legislation that govern what we do, the clear light that should inform our direction or benchmark is to ensure everything we do is aligned to our values.” For Alyson, values are the foundation for being the best police officer you can be. Consequently, she invites every leader at every level to get out the values, see how they feel in terms of their own values, reflect a little on why they are doing the job they are doing now, and consider if or how they could work a little better to align with them.
LEADERSHIP
… I think if you have something to say or contribute, then I encourage you to display courage and say what you need to say in a tactful way. If we practice that then we’ll develop the maturity to make those conversations richer in the future.
For leaders to work better as police officers and contribute to the overall goals of the organisation, she suggests that when things appear like they are not going so well, we need to be asking ourselves “what is my part of the mess”. “So if things aren’t working or not going to plan, one approach could be to look at others and be critical. However, it’s valuable to take a little time out for yourself to reflect on what you’ve said, what you’re feeling, how you’ve engaged in conversations, your level of participation, and get grounded in terms of your position or stance. This is a reflection to look at what is happening and what needs to happen, work on analysing what your part of it is and how you can re-engage to achieve the greater goal,” Alyson explains. “Building and nurturing really good relationships so people are heard, and supported, assists everyone to work in a more joined up and collaborative way towards the end goal,” she said. Alyson also talked of the importance of vulnerability and having courage in leadership. One of the consequences of being indoctrinated into the command and control style of leadership in every facet of our work, is that people may not feel safe to speak up. “That is, to say what is on your mind or to verbalise what you think will help those individuals or that team perform or function better and be more able to do their job with sustained fulfilment and wellness in the team,” Alyson said. “That is an area I believe we have some opportunities in because people may not speak up based on concern for how their views might be interpreted or received. However, I think if you have something to say or contribute, then I encourage you to display courage and say what you need to say in a tactful way. If we practice that then we’ll develop the maturity to make those conversations richer in the future. “But if we maintain the position that ‘oh look I don’t want to rock the boat so I’m not going to say this’ or ‘I know this person has an opposing view’, my advice is to very tactfully put your perspectives on the table. Because without those perspectives, we may not find solutions that could be better for everyone,” Alyson said. “That is important from a diversity perspective, to make sure everyone has a voice and we are getting a very balanced perspective or analysis of the issues. “Even if you feel a bit vulnerable, you need to be prepared to put your point of view on the table because it is for the greater good and again it’s in line with your values – one of them being honesty. And sometimes that means being courageous.” 29 POLICE NEWS FEBRUARY 2017
ADVENTURE CLUB FOR POLICE OFFICERS One of the objects of the WA Police Union is to encourage esprit-de-corps amongst Members of the Union.
With this in mind, WAPU Field Officer Dean Giacomini is seeking expressions of interest from Members wanting to join a WAPU Adventure and Recreation Club. Mr Giacomini said police officers and their families are traditionally great lovers of the outdoors and many Members take holidays to enjoy everything WA has to offer. “The Club would be for Members who are into fourwheel driving, camping, caravanning and boating with the goal of promoting ‘esprit-de-corps’ associated with being in the police family and especially the WAPU family,” Mr Giacomini said. “I’m sure most Members would agree that the police esprit-de-corps is an important part of being a police
officer and is vital in helping Members look after themselves and their families. “I know a lot of our Members are into these activities and some may belong to established clubs and groups already, but I believe that they may be more willing and comfortable to get involved in a club with fellow members of the police family rather than the general public.” The Club could cater for Members, serving and retired, in each of the different pursuits with a committee of management responsible for setting it up and planning the various events throughout the year. The Club would be an incorporated club supported by WAPU. “By involving not only serving Members, but our Retired Members, we will create an environment for people to relax and it would be a great way of keeping them in touch with each other,” Mr Giacomini said.
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED … … in pursuing this idea as a member or even as a committee member, please contact Field Officer Dean Giacomini by email on dean.giacomini@wapu.org.au If there is enough interest, a meeting will be held in April to elect a committee of management and organise future events.
30 POLICE NEWS FEBRUARY 2017
DIRECTOR OPINION
KEVIN McDONALD
Metropolitan Region Director
Tom Percy QC's top 8 election wishes IN HIS NOVEMBER 27, 2016 The Sunday Times opinion column, prominent Perth lawyer Tom Percy QC shared with readers his top eight law and order wish list he hopes a new Parliament will enact. I thought I would help analyse what he proposes.
Tom’s number one wish relates to changes to mandatory sentencing laws, which he says have done almost nothing to reduce the incidence of crime (i.e. assault public officer, three strikes etc.). Unfortunately, Tom’s rationale doesn’t hold water. Firstly because those offenders go straight to jail so it’s impossible for them to further offend and, prior to mandatory sentencing, weak sentences handed down by the courts did even less to reduce the incidence of crime. If Tom cares to read through Hansard he will learn why mandatory sentencing was necessary. A pattern of soft sentencing from the courts forced the Government to legislate and ensure court sentences met community expectations. Number two for Tom relates to confiscation laws and he repeats his broad theory; that these laws have done nothing to fix the drug problem.
Like mandatory sentencing, one punch legislation was enacted because court outcomes were not meeting community expectations. People were killing innocent people, destroying families and getting nothing more than a slap on the wrist.
The perspective that single issue strategies are the panacea for all problems is a flawed one. Asset seizures are a single component part of a larger, holistic drug strategy designed to disrupt and dismantle organised crime. On their own, confiscation laws are designed to remove the assets of drug dealers who profit from the misery of drug users (not to mention victims of crime). With approximately $7 billion profit derived from the sale of illicit drugs in Australia each year, it’s imperative governments make drug dealing less attractive. It follows that if people deal in human misery for profit, they deserve to have their assets taken away. Following to number three, Tom contends that possession of 2 grams of meth is an out of date, too small amount (for a drug trafficking) and should be increased. Far be it for me to correct a senior barrister on a point of law but possessing 2 grams of meth is the presumptive amount for sell/supply, not trafficking. Twenty eight grams is the amount of meth required for someone to be declared a drug trafficker. In the current environment in Western Australia, illicit drugs are readily available, account for most volume crime, increase unprovoked violent attacks, youth suicide and mental health decline. In the country’s worst State for meth addiction, I’d suggest Tom, now is probably not the best time to water down illicit drug laws. Moving on to number four. Tom says he wants to see a change to the one punch homicide law to allow for
a defence of accident. Like mandatory sentencing, one punch legislation was enacted because court outcomes were not meeting community expectations. People were killing innocent people, destroying families and getting nothing more than a slap on the wrist. Accidental deaths happen and there are other more appropriate circumstances that provide for that defence. But if you lean back and punch someone with such force that if the punch doesn’t kill them, the fall does, you’ve caused that death and it ain’t no accident. The punishment must fit the crime. Tom’s fifth and sixth wishes are a bit boring so I’ll move straight on to wish seven which is about making the prosecution pay the costs for accused persons on acquittal, because apparently in recent years, this group has suffered massive financial costs. My simple solution to this proposal is just reduce legal fees Tom. If lawyers charged reasonably for their services instead of outrageous amounts, acquitted persons would have plenty of cash left over to celebrate getting away with their crime. I’ll vote for a party that will review and legislate to reduce extravagant fees charged by lawyers and makes it an offence to rip people off! Last but not least is Tom’s number eight wish. Tom wants more Judges and Magistrates appointed to overcome delays in getting matters to trial. I actually agree with Tom. We do need more Magistrates and Judges but I see a broader set of causes for the delays. Continued on page 46 31 POLICE NEWS FEBRUARY 2017
CLAIRE LLOYD
Industrial Officer
Parental Leave and other entitlements QUITE OFTEN WE RECEIVE QUERIES FROM MEMBERS about what their entitlements are in respect to Parental Leave and just how that interacts with other entitlements.
The paid parental leave period can be extended by the employee taking double the leave on half pay but this would not double the entitlements accrued by the employee during the absence.
32 POLICE NEWS FEBRUARY 2017
These leave entitlements are provided under the WA Police Industrial Agreement 2014 and the WA Police Auxiliary Officers Industrial Agreement 2013. Clause 32 of the WA Police Industrial Agreement 2014 and Clause 34 of the WA Police Auxiliary Officers Industrial Agreement 2013 states that an employee is entitled to up to 52 weeks of unpaid parental leave in respect of the birth of a child to an employee or employee’s partner or the adoption of a child. Making up that 52 weeks unpaid parental leave, an employee who is the “primary care giver” and who has completed 12 months continuous service in the WA Public Sector immediately preceding the paid parental leave will be entitled to 14 weeks paid parental leave. At least eight weeks written notice of the intention to take the leave will be provided by the employee to the employer along with a medical certificate from your doctor naming the employee, confirming the pregnancy and providing the estimated date of birth of the child. The paid parental leave period can be extended by the employee taking double the leave on half pay but this would not double the entitlements accrued by the employee during the absence. Where both partners are employed in the WA Public Sector, parental leave cannot be taken concurrently except for special circumstances and with the approval of the Employer. But, where both partners are employed within the WA Public Sector, the 52 weeks entitlements may be shared between them as long as each are assuming the role of primary caregiver whilst accessing the leave. Paid and unpaid parental leave must be taken in one continuous period. If less than the total 52 weeks is taken, the remainder cannot be banked for future use. The period of paid parental leave must be concluded within 12 months of the birth of the child.
A pregnant employee can commence parental leave any time up to six weeks before the expected date of birth. All other non-birth parents identified as the primary care giver can commence parental leave from the birth date or in the case of adoption, from the day the child is placed. In the case of the birth parent, the minimum period of absence on parental leave shall start six weeks before the expected date of birth and end six weeks after the date of birth of the child. However, provided a certificate from a registered medical practitioner indicates that the employee is fit to continue or resume duty within the minimum period, the employee can apply to the employer to vary this period. An employee is entitled to remain on paid parental leave if the pregnancy results in a stillbirth, if the employee is incapacitated following the birth of the child or if the child dies or is hospitalised such that the employee or their partner is not providing principal care to the child.
PARENTAL LEAVE PAY – GOVERNMENT PAY PROVIDED BY CENTRELINK This is not an industrial entitlement but information can be found at www.humanservices.gov.au/customer/ services/centrelink/parental-leave-pay. This payment provides financial support for up to 18 weeks to help working parents care for a newborn or recently adopted child. The eligibility basics are that you must: • Be the primary carer of a newborn or recently adopted child; • Meet a work and income test; and • Be on leave or not working from the time you become your child's primary carer until the end of your Paid Parental Leave period. Parental Leave Pay is currently $672.60 per week before tax for a maximum of 18 weeks. This is the weekly rate of the national minimum wage. It’s a taxable payment that can be paid by your employer or by Centrelink directly.
INDUSTRIAL REPORT
If you're eligible for Parental Leave Pay as well as Dad and Partner Pay for the same child, the total you receive from both payments can’t be more than 18 weeks’ pay. You can access up to 18 weeks of government funded Parental Leave Pay as well as any of your existing employer provided paid or unpaid leave.
You can access up to 18 weeks of government funded Parental Leave Pay as well as any of your existing employer provided paid or unpaid leave.
CLAUSE 32(6) – UNPAID PARTNER LEAVE, WA POLICE INDUSTRIAL AGREEMENT 2014
DAD AND PARTNER PAY – GOVERNMENT PAY PROVIDED BY CENTRELINK
An employee not taking parental leave is entitled to one week’s unpaid partner leave with respect to the birth of a child to the employee’s partner or the adoption of a child which must be taken immediately following the birth or, in the case of adoption, the day of placement. Other leave such as annual and long service leave may be used to substitute any part of the unpaid leave. The employee is entitled to request an extension up to a maximum of eight weeks to the period of unpaid partner leave and this will be considered by the employer who will respond in writing either accepting or if refusing the extension, will provide details as to why. The employee can choose to utilise accrued annual leave, long service leave or TOIL during the period of unpaid partner leave. Sick leave may not be utilised during this period.
While this is not an industrial entitlement, it may assist to bridge the gap when on unpaid partner leave. More information can be found at www.humanservices.gov.au/ customer/services/centrelink/dad-and-partner-pay. Dad and Partner pay provides up to two weeks government funded pay to dads or partners caring for a newborn or recently adopted child. Eligibility basics: • Provide care for a newborn or recently adopted child; • Meet a work and income test; and • Be on unpaid leave or not working while getting the payment. Dad and Partner Pay is currently $672.60 per week before tax, for a maximum period of two weeks. This is the weekly rate of the national minimum wage. You receive the payment after your child is born or adopted and your claim is finalised. If you choose to take your Dad and Partner Pay period at a later date, you’ll be paid at that time. Dad and Partner Pay is paid into your nominated bank account in one instalment.
CLAUSE 34(6) – PARTNER LEAVE, WA POLICE AUXILIARY OFFICERS INDUSTRIAL AGREEMENT 2013 An employee not taking parental leave is entitled to one week’s partner leave in respect of the birth of a child to the employee’s partner or the adoption of a child. This entitlement shall be taken as paid personal leave. However, in the absence of an entitlement to paid personal leave, partner leave may be taken as paid annual or long service leave; TOIL or unpaid partner leave.
33 POLICE NEWS FEBRUARY 2017
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FIELD REPORT
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Upgrades to Northam approved FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS, THE AVON BRANCH has been lobbying WAPU to assist with access to capital funding to enable urgent upgrades of the Northam Police Station. WAPU has been working with the Wheatbelt District Office to gain traction with the project and recently upgrades were approved. The main deficiencies identified by WAPU were: • Inappropriate and crammed female change rooms and toilets; • Crammed conditions for the Wheatbelt detectives; • Insufficient staff parking within the complex; • Dysfunctional layout of the main station; • Poor use of the old OIC quarters; and • Unsecure Sally Port. The Northam Police Station is a mix of various structures ranging from the old Moondyne Joe lock up built in 1866, to the bolt-on temporary charge room and lock up conveyed from Carnarvon in 2014. The main station currently houses general duties, crime and traffic and was built in 1993 with public access from Gardiner Street. There has always been issues with the position of the charge room and the long outside walk to the isolated lock up.
The Northam Police Station is a mix of various structures ranging from the old Moondyne Joe lock up built in 1866, to the bolt-on temporary charge room and lock up conveyed from Carnarvon in 2014.
In general, heritage listed buildings always pose problems when trying to make police stations fit for modern policing.
The original station, now demolished, was probably built at the same time as the existing lock up and was replaced with a new station in 1896. This was the same time as the adjacent court house situated in Wellington Street. This building is heritage listed and includes the old OIC quarters and sleep out and is still occupied today by Wheatbelt CICU, Family Violence, Prosecuting and the Brief Handling Manager. The heritage listed Moondyne Joe lock up has been upgraded on a number of occasions to meet the requirements of the Inspector of Custodial Facilities. In general, heritage listed buildings always pose problems when trying to make police stations fit for modern policing. The 1993 OIC quarters, also situated on Wellington Street, has recently been used as a change room and gym by staff. It is now to be gutted and converted for use by the Wheatbelt Detectives. This includes converting the garage into a witness complainant interview room, while the patio will remain and could be suitable for an outside social area for Members. Refurbishments to the main station include a new car park access via Gardiner Street, a modern gym, change and locker rooms facilities, toilets, a new public entry and a refurbishment to the main office. The Sally Port remains a concern and requires extending by the use of mesh fencing to enable vehicles to be enclosed on arrival and departure. A firearms unloading area is also required to bring Northam up to the standard of other modern stations which have recently been built. Additional shade is also required in the car park to help protect modern electronic equipment such as dash mounted cameras and speed measuring equipment in police vehicles which will otherwise be exposed to extreme heat in the summer months. Overall, the improvements to the station will assist Members and helpfully additional funding can be secured for allay WAPU’s other concerns.
35 POLICE NEWS FEBRUARY 2017
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PERSONAL INJURY • Motor accident injury compensation
• Public liability
• Workers compensation
• Superannuation claims (TPD) Tim White
Richard Yates
Wendy Barry
Renee O’Callaghan
Rosemary Caruso
Fiona Fagan
Richard Yates
Samuel Joyce
FAMILY AND DIVORCE Matrimonial, De Facto and Same-Sex Relationships • Children’s Issues
• Property Settlements
• Child Support matters
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WILLS AND ESTATES • Wills and Testamentary Trusts
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• Enduring Powers of Attorney
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CRIMINAL AND DISCIPLINARY • The Corruption and Crime Commission
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Tindall Gask Bentley is a leading Australian law firm. We’ve been helping people with injury, family and estate matters for more than 40 years. With a culture of service and empathy, we are fiercely committed to our clients.
SAMUEL JOYCE
LEGAL
Senior Associate, Tindall Gask Bentley Lawyers
Mandatory blood testing – your rights AS A WAPU MEMBER IT IS NOT uncommon to deal with manic offenders who spit, bite and scratch you. After such an interaction it’s natural to fear you have been exposed to an infectious disease.
It is mandatory for the suspected transferor to submit to an Approval or Order. It is not mandatory for a medical professional to take the sample.
For that reason, in 2014, WA Parliament passed the Mandatory Testing (Infectious Diseases) Act, which allows Members to seek a Disease Test Approval so that the offender – or “suspected transferor” – is obliged to provide a blood sample for testing for an infectious disease. There is a different process for children and incapable persons. In most cases, the suspected transferor will comply with a Disease Test Approval and submit a sample of blood for analysis. But what if they refuse? Can a police officer use reasonably necessary force to take a sample? A senior police officer may give a Disease Test Approval if they are satisfied there are reasonable grounds for disease testing and the suspected transferor is not a child or incapable person. “Reasonable grounds for disease testing” means “reasonable grounds for suspecting that there has been a transfer of bodily fluid from a suspected transferor to a public officer as a result of; • An assault by the suspected transferor against the public officer; • The lawful apprehension or detention of the suspected transferor by the public officer; or • Any other prescribed circumstance involving the suspected transferor and the public officer. The senior police officer is able to make their approval conditional on any reasonable conditions he or she considers is appropriate.
A disease test approval allows; • A police officer may apprehend the suspected transferor and detain him or her for as long as is reasonably necessary to enable the taking of a sample of the suspected transferor’s blood; • A police officer may enter any place where they suspect, on reasonable grounds, the suspected transferor might be located for the purposes of apprehending and detaining the suspected transferor to obtain a sample; • A police officer may take the suspected transferor to a place the police officer considers has appropriate facilities for taking the blood sample; • A blood sample to be taken from the suspected transferor in accordance with the approval by a doctor, nurse or qualified person; • A police officer to require the suspected transferor to submit to the taking of the blood sample in accordance with the approval, and; • The blood sample to be tested for an infectious disease. It is a summar y offence for a suspected transferor to fail to give a blood sample and the maximum penalty is a fine of $12,000 or 12 months imprisonment. A police officer executing a disease test authorisation may ask a doctor, nurse or other qualified person to take a blood sample from a suspected transferor under the approval.
The doctor does not have to agree to take it. If the doctor, nurse or other qualified person agrees to take the sample, and needs help doing so, he or she may ask another person to give any reasonably necessary help. It is not mandatory to ask for help. The doctor, nurse or qualified person, and a person helping them take the sample, may use any reasonably necessary force for taking the blood sample. Likewise, it is not mandatory to do so. The power to decide whether to use reasonably necessary force to compel a suspected transferor to submit to a blood sample is entirely at the direction of the medical professional taking the blood sample, not a police officer. The medical professional may ask another person (such as a police officer present) to help them take the sample. Only if they have asked for this help is the power for the helper to use reasonably necessary force enlivened. It would seem the nomenclature of “mandatory testing”, encouraged by the inclusion of those words in the Act’s title is apt to mislead. It is mandatory for the suspected transferor to submit to an Approval or Order. It is not mandatory for a medical professional to take the sample. There are no repercussions for a medical professional who declines to take a blood sample. They control the procedure. There is no obligation to use reasonably necessary force to take a sample or, by asking, to give over the power to do so to police. Continued on page 46 37 POLICE NEWS FEBRUARY 2017
SAVE with WAPU Member benefits www.wapu.org.au
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HEALTH
POLICE HEALTH
How lack of sleep can kill ROTATING SHIFTS AND irregular hours can play havoc with sleep routines and is a fact of life for most police officers. Trying to switch off while your brain is still processing the events of a traumatic day is never easy.
Lack of sleep can affect your memory, sex life, looks, weight and ability to function effectively. You end up with the reaction times of a drinker and impaired judgement.
If it's just the odd sleepless night – or day – that’s not too much of a problem. Apart from feeling grumpy and a bit fuzzy headed you soon recover. But some people believe they get used to coping with less sleep and even see it as badge of honour – and that’s a serious mistake. It ’s cr itical that you adopt strategies to help you get quality shut-eye because the physical and mental impacts of long-term sleep deprivation are life threatening. Lack of sleep can affect your memory, sex life, looks, weight and ability to function effectively. You end up with the reaction times of a drinker and impaired judgement. Longer term you have a higher risk of serious medical conditions which will shorten your life expectancy.
SLEEP LOSS MISERY Medical studies have shown that quality sleep of about seven to eight hours a day is as important as a good diet and exercise. This is what can happen if you skip your sleep: Reaction time cut – a person who has been deprived of sleep for 18 hours reacts as slowly as someone with a blood alcohol level of 0.05. This jumps to an equivalent of 0.1 at 24 hours. Such sleep loss creates a significant public safety hazard, especially on the roads. Sex drive hit – a healthy 20-yearold male who manages with just five hours of sleep a day will find their testosterone levels plummet. Both sleep-deprived men and women report lower libidos and less interest in sex.
Fertility decline – regular sleep disruptions can reduce the release of reproductive hormones and make it harder for men and women to conceive a child. Memory loss – cognitive processes critical for effective policing are affected. Sleep deprivation slows normal thinking and learning, and affects concentration, reasoning and problem solving. You become forgetful and struggle to remember what you experienced the previous day. Judgment impaired – you become confused and lose the ability to interpret events correctly, which affects decisionmaking. This can be a serious problem in a job where you are required to make judgement calls quickly and accurately. Depression – studies have found a strong link between sleep disorders such as insomnia and depression. The two conditions also feed of each other – sleep loss can aggravate symptoms of depression and depression makes it harder to fall asleep. Early ageing – more of the stress hormone cortisol is released when people are deprived of sleep and this breaks down skin collagen which keeps our skin smooth and elastic. At the same time the body produces less human growth hormone which helps promote increased muscle mass, thicker skin and stronger bones. Weight gain – the less sleep you have the more you want high-fat,
high-carbohydrate food – and that leads to weight gain. One study found that people who sleep less than six hours a day are almost 30 per cent more likely to become obese than those who have seven to nine hours sleep. Obesity can also trigger sleep apnoea, a breathing disorder which leads to even worse sleep stress. Serious health problems – over time sleep disorders and ongoing sleep loss can place you at serious risk of various other chronic health conditions leading to a premature death. They include heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke and diabetes.
CATCHING UP ON LOST SLEEP If you’ve had months of restricted sleep, recovery can take several weeks. Good sleeping habits are critical, so get into a routine of going to bed at the same time if possible, even on days when you’re not working. The following proven strategies should help improve your sleep: • make sure your bedroom is quiet and dark, even in daylight; • eat healthy and exercise often; • try using relaxation techniques to relieve stress; • transition to night-shift by sleeping in later in the morning; • avoid caffeinated drinks and alcohol before bedtime; and • start having power naps of up to 30 minutes.
DID YOU KNOW Our brains are very active while we sleep with some parts using more oxygen and glucose than when we are awake. 39 POLICE NEWS FEBRUARY 2017
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MOTORING
FLEET NETWORK
Toyota C-HR rewrites the SUV rule book Car lovers in Australia are about to witness the most exciting Toyota arrival in about five years – the stylish CH-R. It’s definitely not just another Toyota.
The C-HR combines the faceted profile of a coupe, with the stance and size of a SUV and the agility of a hatchback. It’s built with the engine lower down in the engine bay, allowing for a better centre of gravity and an overall lower vehicle height. This does two things: firstly, it theoretically improves handling and, secondly, it allows a car that measures only 1565mm high, to look more like a hatchback than a small SUV while still offering SUVlevels of practicality and spaciousness. The sleek lines of the CH-R are distinctive and contemporary, pushing the boundaries of Toyota’s design language to a new level. It has the look of a 2-door coupe when in fact it’s a 5-door with the rear door handles disguised near the roof. Firstly, the seats. These are said to be the best seats in any Toyota. They are not only comfortable, but they look amazing. You would be thrilled to see them in a car with a six-figure price tag, let alone one which is suspected to start in the mid to high $20,000s (pricing will be confirmed early 2017).
The infotainment system is good with the 6-inch screen facing towards the driver, but both models miss out on fundamental technologies such as Apple Carplay and Android Auto. Realistically, the Toyota C-HR is not going to fit five adults, but despite initial appearances of zero headroom in the rear, drivers were pleasantly surprised by just how much room was present. The rear seats are positioned rather low and deep into the car, giving a great deal of both head and leg room. Overall, though, it’s a vast improvement on the inside than something like a Corolla. Powering the Japanese built vehicles destined for Australia is an efficient four-cylinder 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine that produces a respectable 85kW of power and 185Nm of torque. It can either be purchased as a front-wheel drive with a six-speed manual or as an all-wheel drive with a continuously variable transmission. What’s most impressive about the new C-HR, apart from the interior, is the array of standard active safety systems. Everything from pre-collision autonomous emergency braking (from 10km/h), smart active cruise control, lane departure warning and automatic high beam assist will be available. Other features include blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert while parking sensors and a reversing camera are also standard. This is a remarkable amount of technology for a mainstream car under $30,000. Features of the entry-level C-HR include:
• • • • • •
Front and rear parking sensors; 17-inch alloy wheels; Forward collision warning; Heated folding side mirrors; Satellite navigation; Led daytime-running lights and led fog lights; • Rear-view camera; • Hill-start assist; • Automatic power windows; • Multifunction steering wheel and adaptive cruise control; • 4.2-inch driver’s instrument display; • Automatic high-beam; • Six-speaker sound system; • Dual-zone climate control; • Autonomous emergency braking (AEB); • Lane departure alert; • Blind spot monitoring; and • Rear cross traffic alert. If you are interested in learning more about the new Toyota CH-R, or any other vehicles, the team at Fleet Network have extensive experience in procuring and salary packaging vehicles across Australia.
Speak to one of Fleet Network’s expert Consultants for an obligation-free quote today. Let us show you how to best use your pre-tax salary and SAVE THOUSANDS on your next new car. It’s one of the benefits of being a police officer. Make the call to Fleet Network on 1300 738 601 or visit www.fleetnetwork.com.au. 41 POLICE NEWS FEBRUARY 2017
READ
WATCH
GETTING AWAY WITH MURDER
THE NOWHERE MAN
From 1977 to the end of 1986, Duncan McNab was a member of the NSW Police Force. Most of his service was in criminal investigation. The many unsolved deaths and disappearances of young gay men are the crimes that continue to haunt him. Around 80 men died or disappeared in NSW from the late 70s to early 90s during an epidemic of gay-hate crimes. The line between a vicious assault and murder is a slender one and this was a time of brutal attacks on gay men, featuring gangs of young thugs like the 'Parkside Killers' and 'Bondi Boys', who took to the growing gay rights community with fists and feet. This book is the story of a unique time in our history when social change, politics, devastating disease and police culture collided, and you could get away with murder.
He was once called Orphan X. As a boy, Evan Smoak was taken from a children's home, raised and trained as part of a secret government initiative buried so deep that virtually no one knows it still exists. But he broke with the programme, choosing instead to vanish off grid and use his formidable skill set to help those unable to protect themselves. One day, though, Evan's luck ran out. Ambushed, drugged, and spirited away, Evan wakes up in a locked room with no idea where he is or who has captured him. With time running out, he will need to outthink, out-manoeuvre, and outfight an opponent the likes of whom he's never encountered to have any chance of escape. He's got to save himself to protect those whose lives depend on him or die trying.
DUNCAN McNAB RRP: $34.99
GREGG HURWITZ RRP: $32.99
TRACEY ULLMAN’S SHOW
HALFWORDS
After 30 years of fame and acclaim in the US, British comedy treasure Tracey Ullman is back with this hilarious all-new character-driven sketch comedy series. Discover the secret life of a shoplifter and hooligan Dame Judi Dench; Dame Maggie Smith’s home-filmed auditions for blockbuster feature films; an inside look at the life of Germany’s Angela Merkel, topless feminist MP Sally Preston; Hayley the obsessive zookeeper; Dominic, the coffeeshop app-conceiver and many, many more. If you want to find out what happens when Camilla Parker Bowles and Carole Middleton take turns babysitting the littlest in line to the throne, then take a seat as the curtain rises on Tracey Ullman’s Show.
In the bustling streets and back alleys of Jakarta, a parallel world of bloodthirsty creatures from Indonesian mythology has lived alongside humans for generations. Taking on the appearance of humans themselves, the true identity of these “Demit” has been carefully concealed for centuries by a powerful family of mortals. The arrival of a mysterious supernatural event known only as the Gift will bring this hidden world to the surface. As the day of the Gift approaches, a young street artist named Sarah unexpectedly finds herself in the eye of the storm. Once the Demit realise who Sarah really is, and what she must do, humans and Demit are set on a collision course that could change the balance of their two worlds forever.
Out now RRP: $19.99
Out now $29.99
WIN
WIN
Thanks to the Penguin Random House, we have one copy of Getting Away with Murder and The Nowhere Man to give away. To enter, email jessica.porter@wapu.org.au with your name, work address and title of the book. Winners will be drawn on 6 March, 2017.
Thanks to NIX CO entertainment, we have 5 copies of Tracey Ullman’s Show and Halfwords to give away. To enter, email jessica.porter@wapu.org.au with your name, work address and title of the movie. Winners will be drawn on 6 March, 2017.
POLICE NEWS FEBRUARY 2017
SEE
LISTEN
T2 TRAINSPOTTING
HUMAN
SEASON COMMENCES February 23
HIDDEN FIGURES
First there was an opportunity … then there was a betrayal. Twenty years have gone by. Much has changed but just as much remains the same. Mark Renton (Ewan McGregor) returns to the only place he can ever call home. They are waiting for him: Spud (Ewen Bremner), Sick Boy (Jonny Lee Miller) and Begbie (Robert Carlyle). Other old friends are waiting too: sorrow, loss, joy, vengeance, hatred, friendship, love, longing, fear, regret, diamorphine, selfdestruction and mortal danger, they are all lined up to welcome him, ready to join the dance.
Hidden Figures is the incredible untold story of Katherine Johnson (Taraji P. Henson), Dorothy Vaughn (Octavia Spencer) and Mary Jackson (Janelle Monae). Brilliant AfricanAmerican women working at NASA, who served as the brains behind one of the greatest operations in history: the launch of astronaut John Glenn into orbit, a stunning achievement that restored the nation’s confidence, turned around the Space Race and galvanised the world. The visionary trio crossed all gender and race lines to inspire generations to dream big.
Out now
RAG’N’BONE MAN Out now Rory Graham (aka Rag’n’Bone Man) announces the release of his highly anticipated debut album Human, out now on Columbia Records / Best Laid Plans and Sony Music Entertainment Australia. Rory visited Australia at the end of October for a promotional visit, resulting in his single ‘Human’ hitting the top 10 on iTunes chart, making lasting impressions and creating a strong connection with the Australian public. At the age of just 15 he started rapping in his hometown of Uckfield and then at 19, encouraged by his father, started singing at local blues nights. His combined love for blues and rap soon developed into something bigger, when he joined Brighton’s hip-hop crew The Rum Committee, regularly travelling up to London to play hip-hop nights in Brixton.
ENTERTAIN ME
BLACK AND WHITE NIGHT 30 ROY ORBISON Out now
To celebrate the 30th anniversary of Roy Orbison’s renowned 1987 televised comeback concert at the Cocoanut Grove night club, Sony Music Entertainment Australia has released Black and White Night 30; a re-imagined, remastered and expanded version of the original television special. Black and White Night 30 is not a reissue. Because the concert was shot using seven separate cameras, there were hundreds of hours of footage that went unused. Roy’s youngest son Alex Orbison and his co-editor Luke Chalk have reedited the entire performance. The vast majority of footage in Black and White Night 30 has never been seen by the public. The program has been restored so viewers can see Roy blast through massive Orbison hits just as the live audience witnessed them on that very night.
WIN
WIN
We have two double passes to give away to T2 Trainspotting and Hidden Figures. To enter, email jessica.porter@wapu.org.au with your name, work address and title of the movie. Winners will be drawn on 6 March, 2017.
Thanks To Sony Music Entertainment Australia, we have five copies of Human and Black and White Night 30 to give away. To enter, email jessica.porter@wapu.org.au with your name, work address and title of the CD. Winners will be drawn on 6 March, 2017. 43 POLICE NEWS FEBRUARY 2017
NEW MEMBERS
01 02
WAPU WELCOMES ITS NEWEST MEMBERS 44 POLICE NEWS FEBRUARY 2017
01 GOLD SQUAD 05/2016 02 BLUE SQUAD 06/2016
RETIREMENTS & RESIGNATIONS
VALE
RETIRING MEMBERS 6385 Salvatore SABATO 6417 Kyran O'DONNELL 8300 Steven HEMINGWAY
RETIRED 3623 1/C Sergeant ARTHUR NORMAN PICKETT Aged 79
3854 Det. Superintendent FREDERICK (FRED) JOHN ZAGAMI Aged 71
2100 Second Class Sergeant EDWARD (TED) THOMAS WHITNEY Aged 91
4502 Sergeant LESLIE WARWICK AISBETT Aged 62
2014 Senior Constable JOHN EDWARD O'SULLIVAN Aged 100
3546 Sergeant FREDERICK JAMES (JIM) EVERY Aged 78
2960 Superintendent JOHN ANTHONY (TONY) JENKINS Aged 83
8810 Michael DEVILEE 40048 Dennis DANN
RESIGNING MEMBERS 8680 Mark FOLKARD 8750 Dean LYON 9819 Darren SLYNS 10044 Jason GEIKIE 10136 Natalie KAZANDZIS 10444 Robert TRAVERS 10495 James REID 12026 Damian BOUCKAERT 12601 Peter YORKE 14029 Kerryn BENNETT 14057 Huia GIBBS 14235 Tommy COLLINS 14416 Matthew RAVEN 14440 Griffin LUMBERS 14805 Sonia COWELL 14986 Elizabeth TANNER 14999 Miguel REES 15227 Anthony NEALE 15417 Matthew CRAWFORD 15739 William GOKEL
RETIRED 1896 Det. Superintendent LIONEL CLAUDE HULL Aged 97
15757 David GRAINGER 15860 Sean BENNETT 15920 Kate TAYLOR 50062 Craig BUCKLEY 50062 Kareena BAKER 50063 Natasha DeCEGILE 50064 Charles EAMES-BUTCHER 50066 Stephen FAIRBOTHAM 50067 Zac HOLBROOK 50073 Oliver SAUNDERS 50075 Taome WOOLSEY 50077 Morgan O'ROURKE 50078 Lloyd TAMARIKI 50079 Nicholas THOMSON 50081 Mitchell PARGIN 50085 Jordan WYDRA 50089 Briana BAXTER-FAHEY 99715 Eileen DAYSON 99968 Kushalen JEYAMOHAN
EMERGENCY 24/7 DIRECTOR 0438 080 930
639 Murray Street, West Perth WA 6005 PH: (08) 9321 2155 F: (08) 9321 2177
Mick Kelly
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WAPU
wapu.org.au admin@wapu.org.au
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POLICE NEWS FEBRUARY 2017
DIRECTOR OPINION
LEGAL
Continued from page 31
Continued from page 37
The system itself facilitates delays by providing offenders with constant, time-wasting adjournments. Adjournments caused by accused persons wanting to extend their freedom for a bit longer, have time to intimidate witnesses, postpone trials so the memory of witnesses fades or, so offenders can change their name, get out of town and set up a new life somewhere else. I’m also suspicious of this wish because as we know, Magistrates and Judges are former lawyers. An expansion of the court system will necessarily create new high paying jobs for some of Tom’s lawyer mates or maybe even Tom himself. And since we are talking about expansion, I recommend growth of the corrective services system. If we build a few more prisons, it might alleviate some of the internal pressure on Magistrates and Judges who regularly opt for non-custodial sentences for serious offenders because there aren’t enough beds. Overall, I think with a list of eight wishes, Tom is being a tad greedy when one wish would probably accomplish everything he is asking for. But best of luck Tom.
Whether a sample is obtained and the circumstances under which it is obtained is entirely a matter for the medical professional “asked” to take a sample under the approval and who agrees to do so. Police officers have no power to influence that process. They may only use reasonably necessary force if asked by the medical professional to assist. The remedy for a suspected transferor failing to submit to a test is to charge the person with an offence under the Act. However, that does not mean that there is an impediment to a police officer re-apprehending a suspected transferor after an initial refusal by a medical professional to take a sample because taking that sample was impractical due to the behaviour of the suspected transferor, or an initial refusal of approval or other delay in the approval process has meant there is no other lawful authority to hold the suspected transferor and so they have been released. The request made to a senior police officer is for a Disease Test Approval. The Disease Test Approval can include any conditions that the approving officer sees fit. If no conditions are included on the approval then, prima facie, a police officer may apprehend the suspected transferor and detain him or her for as long as is reasonably necessary to enable the taking of a sample. That might include waiting until the suspected transferor has calmed down and is willing to submit to the sample, or until a police officer can find a doctor, nurse or other medical professional who is willing to take a sample. The person to whom the request to use reasonably necessary force should be directed is the medical professional who holds the statutory power to authorise it.
If you have any questions relating to the content of this article or have a general enquiry, please do not hesitate to contact WAPU HQ on 9321 2155 and ask to speak to one of the team from Tindall Gask Bentley.
46 POLICE NEWS FEBRUARY 2017
Police officers have no power to influence that process. They may only use reasonably necessary force if asked by the medical professional to assist.
Left to right: Senior Constable Donald Everett, First Class Constable David Dewar, Senior Constable Philip Ruland and Constable Gavin Capes.
FROM THE ARCHIVES
FEBRUARY 2001 FOUR OFFICERS KILLED IN PLANE CRASH The February 2001 edition of Police News had a solemn feel following the death of four police officers in a plane crash at Newman on Australia Day 2001. Senior Constable Donald Everett, Constable Gavin Capes, First Class Constable David Dewar and Senior Constable Philip Ruland all died when their Cessna 310 crashed as it was preparing to land at Newman Airport. Earlier that day, the officers had flown some 900 kilometres to Kiwirrikurra in response to a reported assault. After investigating the incident, they headed back to Newman. Union President Michael Dean said the tragic loss of the four officers demonstrated yet again in the most devastating way just how dangerous the profession of policing was. “Sen. Const. Everett, Sen. Const. Ruland, 1/C Const. Dewar and Const. Capes were tragically killed in the performance of their duty while serving the Western Australian community,” Mr Dean said. Representatives from all Australian police unions and associations attended their respective funerals and a gathering was organised following the funerals to remember the friends and colleagues lost in the Newman tragedy. A commemorative service for the officers was held at Newman on February 9, 2001.
ENTERPRISE BARGAINING 2001 Negotiations for a new agreement had commenced by February 2001 with the Union Team presenting WA Police with a “comprehensive” log of claims. Industrial Officer Peter Kelly said Union representatives made it clear to the Commissioner of Police’s negotiating team that any proposal which reduces existing entitlements would not be entertained.
NEW POLICE MINISTER The then Labor Government lead by Premier Geoff Gallop appointed Michelle Roberts as Police Minister, following its election success. In Opposition, she had been the spokeswoman from Crime Prevention, Police and Emergency Services.
47 POLICE NEWS FEBRUARY 2017
Police officers look after each other. And that flows through to how Police Health do their business and look after us as members. Ian Moore, Western Australia
Ph. 1800 603 603 policehealth.com.au
If policing was an ordinary job, we’d be an ordinary health fund. But it’s not, and that’s why you have us.