The Victorian government’s new offer aims to resolve a longstanding police pay dispute. The proposed $450 million deal includes a 4.5% annual pay increase for the next four years, an additional 0.5% increase for frontline police, and no requirement to “kit up” outside of shift times. This offer, which would cost around $456 million, is a compromise from the 6% annual increase the police union initially sought.
It would also remove a costly “golden handshake” clause, potentially saving up to $50 million annually. The Police Association has welcomed the offer, and a formal vote by members is pending. If accepted, this deal could resolve nearly two years of industrial action and disputes, while costing significantly less than an earlier $840 million proposal.
The previous proposal included new shift patterns and more days off, which were controversial among members and ultimately rejected. The new deal would be retroactively effective from June 1 if agreed upon.