In response to the Police Association of Tasmania media release on Friday 23 June 2023, Stephen McCallum, Industrial Organiser, United Firefighters Union of Australia Tasmania Branch provides the following quotes:
This media release is an embarrassing moment for the Police Association. This is effectively an admission that they are more concerned with representing the interests of the DPFEM than the interests of front-line officers within Tasmania Police.
Whilst we encourage other unions to raise issues or concerns directly with us, the decision of the Police Association to release this correspondence to the media demonstrates that this is not a genuine concern raised in good faith.
The release of this letter demonstrates the power that one person has, that extends outside of the Department of Police Fire and Emergency Management, into the Police Association of Tasmania.
It was ridiculous for the Minister to ask the Department Secretary if they were planning to take over the fire service - anyone put in that position would say no.
That is exactly the point we made in our facebook post. We were referring to the actions of the Minister, in reference to the Secretary of the Department and the futile nature of asking such a question whilst avoiding answering the question he was asked.
We understand why the Police Association might be confused as it is difficult to separate the roles of someone who sits at the Budget Estimates table as the Secretary of the Department, while wearing the uniform and markings of the Commissioner of Police.
This is not an attack on an individual, this is about the proposed reforms of the Fire Service Act and ensuring a clear chain of command that’s understood within our organisations and by the Tasmanian community.
This is a good example regarding the confusion surrounding the current chain of command as it is clear that even the Police Association were not able to understand or differentiate between the two roles held by one person.
There was nothing derogatory or disrespectful in the comments. The video clip was not edited in a way that changed the meaning of anything that was said.
The UFU will continue to hold politicians and senior public servants to account in the interests of our members and the Tasmanian community.
We strongly encourage the Police Association to reflect on their actions.
