General Secretary's - Queensland Police Union

Queensland Police Union Journal Apr 10 2010 Annual Conference • 19
INDUSTRIAL officer Geoff Simpson made history when he was the first civilian to be
awarded life membership at the QPUE 2010 conference. Geoff was recognised for his
achievements during his 17-year career with the union. In a surprise presentation,
President Ian Leavers paid tribute to the enormous support Geoff has shown to members
and his deep respect for the work police officers do.
“He would go into bat for each and every member no matter how small or big the issue
was. He also showed incredible loyalty to the organisation itself – always providing
honest and unbiased advice – regardless of whether the official liked the advice or not.
“His overriding objective was to see a strong, forthright union that could effectively
represent the interests of its members – and for this dedication and hard work I am
honoured to present this award of Life Membership,’’ Mr Leavers said.
Geoff was employed as an Industrial Officer at the Queensland Police Union on 19th
October 1992 in an industrial landscape far different from now. Since then he has
overseen the development of a strong industrial section that has supported many members.
“This support has been on a personal level, where Geoff has assisted many thousands of
police officers with transfers, pay point progressions, sick leave bank applications,
underpayment of wages and many more industrial matters,” Mr Leavers said.
“Of particular relevance has been his complete and unswerving support of members
injured on the job. These members - many with severe physical or psychological injuries -
have been supported and helped by Geoff as they battle the Queensland Police Service and
have issues with WorkCover.” Geoff’s expertise extended to his advocacy in the Queensland
Industrial Relations commission where he had repeated successes in conducting numerous
conciliation conferences and arbitrations.
“But perhaps Geoff’s greatest achievement for the Queensland Police Union is his
overseeing of Enterprise Bargaining. His arrival at the QPUE coincided with the
introduction of one of the biggest changes in the history of Australian industrial Relations.
We moved from a period of 80 years of centralized wage fixing to the completely new
concept of Enterprise Bargaining. “Geoff negotiated the first Queensland Police Service
Certified Agreement in 1994, and as we know, he handled the negotiations for all 5 EBAs,”
Mr Leavers said.
“Before Enterprise bargaining began, the starting wage for a constable was approximately
$25,000 per annum and it is now nearly double that. A senior sergeant was on $43,000 per
annum and that rate is now $86,000.” But Geoff did not just concentrate on base rates.
He oversaw the introduction of a broad range of other initiatives that put
more money into the pockets of police officers. This included OSA, and
allowances for one and two officer stations.
At all times during negotiations or other dealings with the QPS, Geoff
was held in the highest regard by friends and foe alike. He established
good working relationships with the service’s representatives based on
integrity and mutual respect and he is highly respected by the Industrial
Commissioners he appeared before. “His overriding objective was to see
a strong, forthright union that could effectively represent the interests of
its members,’’ Mr Leavers said.
The award was presented during the formal dinner for the conference
which was held at the RACV Royal Pines on the Gold Coast. It followed
two days of motions and guest speakers, including Federal MP and
former police officer Peter Dutton, who spoke about retention of staff
still being a major problem facing Queensland police. Police Minister
Neil Roberts and Police Commissioner Bob Atkinson also spoke. South
Australian police provided a unique insight into their new anti-bikie
legislation with a documentary on the outlaw motorcycle gang culture.
Western Australian police gave a presentation on their laws of
unexplained wealth and how they were using them to tackle organised
crime.