NSW'S front-line police have accused their boss, Commissioner Andrew Scipione, of joining a "disgusting attack" on their welfare by supporting the O'Farrell government's controversial plan to slash compensation payouts.
The feud between Mr Scipione and the NSW Police Association over planned changes to the death and disability scheme grew worse at the weekend, with officers threatening to pass a motion of no confidence against him.
A memo from the association to its members on Thursday encouraged them to issue discretionary warnings instead of fines for minor offences and to register their protest with Mr Scipione directly. The memo gave details of Mr Scipione's email address and phone number.
The cost of the compensation scheme has spiralled to more than $762 million a year, and the Minister for Police, Michael Gallacher, wants to wind it back.
Under the proposed changes, the government would use commercial insurance arrangements and place restrictions on officers' entitlement to workers' compensation top-up payments, which now are unlimited.
The association is angry that the proposed changes would cut compensation payouts. It said worried police had been bombarding the state's top cop with emails and phone calls, accusing him of betrayal for supporting the proposal.
"Commissioner is not focused on the welfare of police but instead is listening to his political masters," the Police Association memo declares. "This is a disgusting attack on the police officers of this state and is contrary to his own knowledge of the system."
The association's president, Scott Weber, called on Mr Scipione to show leadership and to tell the government its proposals were wrong.
"Police officers have been writing to the Police Minister and the Police Commissioner to express their anger about the proposed changes," Mr Weber said.
"Any motions of no confidence simply highlight that there are 16,000 furious officers out there who want the commissioner to stand up for them and the Police Minister to rethink his position."
Mr Scipione said the disability scheme in place was unsustainable and unaffordable.
'The new proposal offers the advantage of getting police back to work, which is in their best interest and the best interests of the community," he told The Sun-Herald in a statement.
"Equally, for those who cannot get back to work, the government proposal seeks to equip them to become employable elsewhere in our community."
The opposition spokesman for police, Nathan Rees, said Labor opposed the planned changes.
A former detective, Michael Kennedy, who lectures on policing at the University of Western Sydney, said the system was inadequate and needed to be reformed to benefit rank-and-file officers.
"What the majority of police require is a decent superannuation scheme that is in line with the professionalisation process and encourages officers to return to work after their issues are dealt with," Dr Kennedy said.
"At the moment the only incentive offered is for police to leave their job and in the process they can never gain any sustainable and meaningful employment again."
Frequently Asked Questions about this Article…
What changes has the O'Farrell government proposed to the NSW police death and disability compensation scheme?
The government proposal would rein in the current death and disability scheme by using commercial insurance arrangements and placing restrictions on officers' entitlement to workers' compensation top‑up payments, which are currently unlimited. The stated aim is to reduce the scheme's cost and make it more sustainable.
Why are frontline NSW police and the Police Association opposing cuts to compensation payouts?
Frontline officers and the NSW Police Association argue the proposed changes are a 'disgusting attack' on their welfare because they would reduce compensation payouts. The association says officers feel betrayed—bombarding the commissioner with calls and emails—and it has encouraged members to register their protest and consider tactics like issuing discretionary warnings for minor offences.
How much does the current NSW police compensation scheme cost taxpayers each year?
According to the article, the compensation scheme has spiralled to cost more than $762 million a year.
What has Commissioner Andrew Scipione said about the proposed reforms to the compensation scheme?
Commissioner Andrew Scipione has said the existing disability scheme is unsustainable and unaffordable. He supports the government's proposal, arguing it offers advantages such as getting police back to work and equipping those who cannot return to policing to become employable elsewhere in the community.
Who are the key stakeholders in this dispute over police compensation in NSW?
Key stakeholders named in the article include the O'Farrell government, Police Minister Michael Gallacher, NSW Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione, the NSW Police Association (led by president Scott Weber), opposition police spokesman Nathan Rees, and policing academic Michael Kennedy.
How might the use of commercial insurance affect officers' compensation and return-to-work incentives?
The government says using commercial insurance and limiting unlimited top-up payments would cut costs and encourage return to work. The Police Association counters that the changes would cut payouts and harm welfare. The article reports both positions but does not provide specific payout figures under the proposed insurance model.
Have any alternative reforms been suggested to improve the system for rank-and-file officers?
Yes. Former detective and policing lecturer Michael Kennedy suggested the system needs reform to better benefit rank-and-file officers — for example, a decent superannuation scheme aligned with professionalisation that encourages officers to return to work rather than exit the force permanently.
What should everyday investors watch for regarding this NSW police compensation dispute?
Investors following state finances should watch for any government decisions that change the budget impact of the compensation scheme, developments in industrial relations (such as motions of no confidence or association-led protests), and announcements about switching to commercial insurance. Those factors could influence NSW public spending priorities and political risk, although the article does not detail market or company impacts.
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