NEW WAGE AWARD FOR THE NSW POLICE FORCE

Minister for Police and Industrial Relations Michael Gallacher and Treasurer Andrew Constance today said the NSW Police Association executive has accepted an offer for a new three-year salary Award from July 2014.

“I have been advised that an overwhelming majority of more than 80 per cent of members who voted supported the new deal,” Minister Gallacher said.

“The award will provide increases in remuneration of 2.5 per cent per annum, inclusive of superannuation increases, which is in accordance with the Government’s Wages Policy.

“The NSW Government has also agreed to provide a three-year 67 per cent subsidy of $655 for the recent increase in First State Super Premiums, commencing 1 January 2014.

“The NSW Government is committed to providing the NSW Police Force with the best resources and fair pay rises.

“Under this Government, there will be more and better resourced police than ever before in the history of NSW,” Minister Gallacher said.

The Government has also committed to continuing the current arrangements in place for Workers’ Compensation and Death and Disability entitlements over the life of the Award.

NSW Treasurer Andrew Constance said the deal reflects the dedicated work of police in protecting our community and keeps in line with the NSW Government’s wages policy.

“This is a great result for police and their financial security,” Mr Constance said.

“This gives police certainty on pay for the next three years and supports the NSW Government’s aims under our wages policy.

“We value and respect the work of police in keeping our communities safe, and I acknowledge the collaborative approach that’s been taken at a Ministerial level towards achieving this outcome,” Mr Constance said.

Minister Gallacher has also paid tribute to Premier Mike Baird who was crucial in reaching this agreement.

The current award is due to expire at the end of June 2014. Work will now start to ensure arrangements are in place in time for the 1 July start date.