June edition - The Police Association Victoria

You have your say
And the answer is
no
that the Government must either; express
their confidence in Simon Overland, resource
his agenda and hold him to account for
his actions or find a Chief Commissioner in
whom they do have confidence. What choice
the Government makes is a matter for them.
That is, surely, the sensible resolution to
the current turmoil in which the Force finds
itself embroiled − embroiled in turmoil as
a result of its own actions and not those
of The Police Association.
Mr. Kennett may
rest assured that
our first priority is,
most definitely, the
Enterprise Bargaining
claim for our members
and we have not been
diverted from that
priority by anything,
including an imaginary
attack on anyone.
Mr. Kennett may rest assured that our first
priority is, most definitely, the Enterprise
Bargaining claim for our members and we
have not been diverted from that priority
by anything, including an imaginary attack
on anyone.
He may claim what he wishes regarding
the integrity of the poll, or the actions
of The Police Association in this instance,
but he is incorrect on both counts.
In the end this poll indicates, purely and
simply, that Simon Overland has much to do
to win back his workforce. It is not a ‘sack
Simon Overland’ call; it is a wake-up call.
Last month you were
given the opportunity
to have your say
on whether Simon
Overland had your
continued support.
The result was a
wake-up call.
The decision by the Association Executive to hold a poll was
taken due to claims and counter claims as to whether such
support existed, yet the very people who matter most in this
issue − working police officers − are not allowed to publicly criticise the
Force or its policies, or the Government and its policies. This poll was
simply a means for you to express your honest views.
The Police Association’s online poll was open solely to members of the
Association, who comprise some 98 per cent of the sworn members
of the Victoria Police Force. Each member was allowed only one
vote and the poll question was put in such a way that there was no
recommendation or opinion preceding the question. Participation was
anonymous and voluntary.
The poll remained open for 72 hours.
The question asked was:
"Do you have confidence in the abilities of Simon
Overland to continue as the Chief Commissioner
of the Victoria Police Force?
At the close of the poll 2,974 (or 25 per cent of police members)
had voted.
The responses were 92 per cent ‘No’ and 8 per cent ‘Yes’.
"A 25 per cent response rate is far greater than most survey outcomes.
Television networks have recently invested $1.25 billion in broadcast
rights, based on surveys of much smaller percentages of the target
population," explains Association Secretary Greg Davies.
"This is not an orchestrated attack by The Police Association against
the Chief Commissioner. It is the views of you, the members expressed
in a clear and unadulterated way which, without this poll, would not
be possible and which indicates that there is a great deal of work to be
done by the Chief Commissioner to win back his workforce."
The membership has had its say and the answer was a resounding ‘no’.
YES 8% NO 92%
The Police Association Victoria Journal June 2011
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