State says police will cop some virus cash

POLICE officers will receive a $1250 payment and an extra two weeks of leave as part of a deal struck with the State Government for what they say is recognition for “going above and beyond” during the coronavirus pandemic.

The deal follows the State Government setting a 12month wage freeze for all public servants and unions individually negotiating for their members.

It’s understood the police are the only union to have negotiated the extra leave, an entitlement they say was also given to frontline officers for the Commonwealth Games and G20 Summit in Brisbane.

Queensland Police Union president Ian Leavers said the deal came after “thorough negotiations and discussions”.

The $1250 payment is estimated to cost the State Government $15 million.

“As we all are only too aware, police and all members of the QPU are the ones on the frontline during this pandemic,” Mr Leavers wrote to members.

“We are the ones working on the borders. We are the ones doing the compliance. We are the ones keeping the public safe.

“The QPU has secured recognition from the Government of just how much we are going above and beyond to keep Queensland safe.”

In March it was revealed about 107,000 government workers had already been paid one-off $1250 bonuses, costing the State Government more than $130 million.

Mr Leavers said union members would receive the two weeks of extra leave and the $1250 payment in coming weeks.