Queensland Police Union Journal

The QPU’s New Life Members
STEVE RYAN
UNION POSITION
Dalby branch secretary.
QPS POSITION
Sergeant, Officer in Charge at
Millmerran station.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU HELD YOUR
UNION POSITION?
Since August 1988.
HAVE YOU HELD POSITIONS AT
OTHER BRANCHES?
I was Secretary at Mt Isa branch for a
few months, but then I was transferred
to Dajarra.
WHY DID YOU BECOME A UNION
OFFICIAL?
To ensure the working conditions and
entitlements for police were improved.
The welfare of members is very
important to the QPU and to me, as
well.
WHO OR WHAT GOT YOU INTERESTED
IN BEING A UNION OFFICIAL?
I have always been interested in
Union affairs. I went to my first Union
meeting in 1978 at the Academy. The
QPS, or Force as it was when I started,
is a big organisation that can overlook
its workers (especially those a long
way from Brisbane). The QPU ensures
that this does not happen.
HOW DID YOU BECOME A UNION
OFFICIAL?
I was nominated and then elected by
the members.
WHAT DOES YOUR POSITION
INVOLVE?
General admin of branch affairs , and
coordinating meetings. The most
reward facet is representing members
during interviews and hearings,
to ensure the rights of the members
are looked after during a complaint
process.
WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHANGE YOU
HAVE SEEN SINCE BECOMING A
UNION OFFICIAL?
Technology, and in some cases the
negative attitude of members of the
public towards the police.
WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE IS THE
BIGGEST CHALLENGE FOR YOU AND
YOUR UNION?
To stay relevant to members, and to
continue to improve the conditions of
members. Also to keep members with
less service history interested in Union
matters.
WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE IS YOUR
GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT AS A
UNION OFFICIAL?
Representing members on several
occasions during very serious
situations, and getting the best
possible outcomes at hearings.
DENIS SYCZ
UNION POSITION
Assistant General Secretary.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU HELD YOUR
UNION POSITION?
Since 2002.
HAVE YOU HELD POSITIONS AT
OTHER BRANCHES?
1979 member.
1989 - 1993 Sub-branch secretary at
Stanthorpe.
1995 - Established Goodna subbranch,
and elected to Executive.
WHY DID YOU BECOME A UNION
OFFICIAL?
To help stop people getting (beep)ed
over.
WHO OR WHAT GOT YOU
INTERESTED IN BEING A UNION
OFFICIAL?
Merv Melling – he used to relieve
at Stanthorpe and he was on the
Executive.
HOW DID YOU BECOME A UNION
OFFICIAL?
There was a vacancy at Stanthorpe
and I thought I’d have a go.
WHAT DOES YOUR POSITION
INVOLVE?
Managing the Legal Unit. And helping
members, of course.
WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHANGE YOU
HAVE SEEN SINCE BECOMING A
UNION OFFICIAL?
Generation Y people who expect a
free hand-out without contributing or
serving an apprenticeship.
WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE IS THE
BIGGEST CHALLENGE FOR YOU AND
YOUR UNION?
Meeting people’s sometimes
unrealistic expectations. Paying your
Union dues is not an abrogation of
your responsibility.
WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE IS YOUR
GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT AS A
UNION OFFICIAL?
Making a difference every day.
Establishing the Legal Unit. And
of course, managing Calvin (QPU
Principal Solictor).
Queensland Police Union Journal June 2013
25