Ballarat police officers will this morning join others across the state as they fight for a pay increase and better health outcomes.
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From 7am, police will warn drivers of speed cameras, write their frustrations in the form of messages on their cars and even help school children cross the road - as a measure of positively engaging with the community.
In a press release, The Police Association Victoria said despite negotiating for more than six months on a 4 per cent annual payrise, the government "had failed to make a pay and conditions offer to police and PSOs that fairly acknowledges and represents the challenging and dangerous work they perform for our regional communities each day".
WATCH TPAV SECRETARY WAYNE GATT BELOW
"This is not action that they wanted. It's action that they now have to take, commencing today," TPAV secretary Wayne Gatt said.
"Regional communities across Victoria should expect to see more of their police during this industrial action.
"You'll see more of your police and PSOs flashing lights to slow motorists down near mobile and fixed speed cameras, warning drivers of potential revenue traps.
"You'll see more of your police helping school kids cross the road in the last week or two of school."
The union is also seeking the introduction of minimum staffing standards which would see more police in frontline positions in stations across regional Victoria, and the introduction of 10-hour shifts for general duties police.
A government spokesperson on Sunday said: "We are continuing to work with police on a fair and responsible enterprise bargaining agreement that reflects the work our police do for our community."
- With The Age
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