Victoria Police have threatened to indefinitely suspend on-the-spot fines as the force steps up its long-running industrial action.
Police union boss Wayne Gatt told ABC Radio Melbourne that members of the Police Association Victoria (TPAV) would continue to arrest offending drivers, but would only issue a fine if it would result in a suspension or termination. disqualification of license.
“These are serious offenses that could lead to road trauma,” TPAV secretary Gatt told the ABC on Friday.
He said this measure was necessary because remained “very unchanged”.
“We will deny the government consolidated revenue in these small cases,” he said.
Gatt asked, “How long is a piece of string?” when asked how long this element of industrial action could continue. He said the duration would be dictated by the response of Premier Jacinta Allan and Police Chief Commissioner Shane Patton.
“They are the ones who can come back to our members with a revised offer,” he said. “Ultimately, they control the ‘how long’ question.”
TPAV members are also expected to give up volunteer work starting next Wednesday.
This means they will not patrol major and local community events, including the AFL Grand Final.
A Victoria Police spokeswoman told the Herald Sun newspaper on Wednesday there would be enough frontline officers to keep the community safe amid the industrial dispute.
Police are seeking a 24 percent pay rise over the next four years and the introduction of 8.5 hour shifts.
They have already rejected an offer of a nine-day fortnight and a 16 percent pay rise.
“We remain committed to negotiating in good faith with Police Association Victoria and independent representatives to reach an agreement that recognizes the challenges of policing and is fair to police, protective service officers and the community Victorian,” the Victoria Police spokeswoman told the Herald Sun. .
