There are calls for an election commitment to reestablish a full-time Special Operations Group to become a reality.
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The police association is not only asking the state government to honour the promise, it also wants meaningful and sustainable investment in the police budget.
The needs have been outlined in a powerful opinion piece penned by Tasmania Police Association assistant-secretary Andrew Bennett. The piece also praises the work of the SOG.
“What is largely unknown in the Tasmanian community is the huge amount of work done by the SOG during planned investigations and operations,” Mr Bennett said.
“From the events and outcomes of the recent Trevallyn siege it would be easy to assume that the current capability of the SOG is not eroded or limited by this. Unfortunately, this is not the reality.”
In the 2018-19 budget, the state government pledged an additional $240,000 over two years to support a full-time SOG.
When a call-out such as the New World Avenue incident occurs, most of the SOG members responding have already worked a full shift.
- Andrew Bennett
But Mr Bennett labelled the offer a piecemeal amount, saying it will do little to further the capability and capacity of the highly trained team or invest in the human resource element of the group.
Police Minister Michael Ferguson said the funding will provide capability for enhanced rapid response to terrorism incidents and other emergencies, and to support high‑risk police operations.
“Having an enhanced specialist ability will ensure a timely and appropriate response to high‑risk incidents and is an important part of the government’s plan to keep Tasmanians safe,” he said.
There have been two sieges in Tasmania’s North in the past month, with the SOG forced to storm a house at Trevallyn after a woman’s life was allegedly in danger.
Police have not taken action like that since the Port Arthur Massacre.
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Mr Bennett said the capabilities of the SOG are significant, with members of the tactical response team training 45 days a year
Members of the SOG juggle their everyday role, as well as the high-intensity training requirements demanded from their specialised role including being on call at all times.
“When a call-out such as the New World Avenue incident occurs, most of the SOG members responding have already worked a full shift and are then required to stay awake for over 24 hours whilst responding to an exceptionally high-risk incident,” Mr Bennett said.
“In a world of modern management where the concept of providing safe work places and work life balances is of paramount importance it seems there is a significant disconnect when it comes to the SOG.”
Tasmania is only jurisdiction in the country with a part-time Special Operations Group.