Police working hard to keep people safe
The Police Association of Tasmania believes it must respond to comments in the Mercury (April 16, 2024) regarding police at the scene of public disorder in Bridgewater on Saturday, April 13.
Some members of the community believe there are officers available at the drop of a hat to respond in numbers to deal with these sorts of incidents.
The reality is our loyal and committed police women and men are doing their best with limited shift numbers across the state, caused by long-term sick leave, including mental health leave.
Officers often attend these incidents in groups of two to four until assistance arrives.
Mercury photographs (April 15) depict members of the public seemingly breaching laws unchallenged.
What isn’t depicted are outnumbered police officers doing their best to stave off violent, ignorant and obstructive community members who engaged in anti-social and dangerous behaviours.
Instead of remarking on police tolerance, “Taken for a ride” could perhaps reflect on the great job our police officers did for their community that day – ensuring no member of the public was seriously injured.
Our members should be applauded for their courage and determination. The Police Association would also like to thank Brighton Mayor Leigh Gray for his support for our members.
Shane Tilley, president,
Police Association of Tasmania
JLN hypocrisy
It was with some unease that I read reports that the three JLN members had labelled criticism of their deal with the Rockliff government as “sniping from the sidelines” (Mercury, April 13).
Analysts and experts alike have branded the agreement so prohibitive that in practice it effectively renders the JLN as a coalition partner in the current government. Whichever way you shake it JLN holds the balance of power in a government whose performance is critical to the next four years for our state. Therefore, the public, other MPs, and the fourth estate have every right to scrutinise them.
The JLN website seems to be in a folksy, homespun way anti-politician and says of politicians: “They rack up incredible expenses on the taxpayers’ dime and justify it all as within the rules.”
Then they proceed to squeeze an extra four staff and other perks out of Mr Rockliff, which to quote “Jacquispeak” is on the taxpayers’ dime. Talk about hypocrisy!
Further examination of the JLN website tells us: “We try to be as transparent as possible.”
Well, I’m not sure Tasmanian electors are clear as to the reasons for the ejection of Senator Tammy Tyrell from the JLN. Wouldn’t transparency dictate this should happen? Nor do we know much about the board that runs the JLN – we know more about who runs the Communist Party of China than the JLN.
What does make me even more uneasy is the wording in the agreement on donations reform, RTI and the Integrity Commission. There are no firm commitments, just vague
statements kicking the issue down the road. Sir Humphrey Appleby would be proud to have authored it.
There is good news though. If the statements of all non-government members of the House of Assembly prior to the election are to be believed, then they are all committed to political reform.
Combined they have the numbers on the floor of the house. All they need to do is network effectively to produce a Bill that, with the JLN transparency champions supporting it, could see reforms that enhance transparency.
Memo to the JLN – you don’t need a note from your mother to pass it – Australia’s leading constitutional expert advises the agreement does not legally bind you to vote with the government.
Greg Cure
West Hobart