Police numbers continue to be a focus for the upcoming state budget.
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Vice-president of Tasmania’s Police Association Gavin Cashion said resourcing was still an issue for the state’s officers who remain the “lowest paid in the country”.
“In recent years, we have suffered staff cuts, then a subsequent wage freeze,” he said.
“The focus for the association is ensuring we have enough police to keep our members safe, sufficient support and resources to do the job and keep the community safe.”
During this year’s state election, the Liberals promised to employ an additional 125 police officers, including an increase of frontline police at all main police stations.
This was expected to include 15 more officers in Launceston, and 10 each in Burnie and Devonport.
The party also promised to establish a full-time Special Operations Group.
“The Police Association of Tasmania will examine the budget closely when it is handed down to ensure that everything that has been promised is being budgeted for,” he said.
“We have no desire to wish for things that are either not achievable or will affect the future salaries of our members.”
Last year, $33.5 million was committed to rebuilding the police force.
Another $3.4 million was included in the budget for body worn cameras, with the funds expected to be rolled out over four years.
A further $1.5 million was promised per year over the next four years for a new Wellness Program to assist with officers’ mental and physical health.
“The Police Association of Tasmania is grateful for the advancements that have been promised and provided regarding people, technology and equipment such as body worn cameras etc,” Mr Cashion said.
“But our members will expecting that going forward they are recompensed appropriately for the job that they do.”
The 2018-19 Tasmanian Budget will be handed down on Thursday, June 14.
