WA police will continue to benefit from the Regional WA Attraction and Retention Allowance through the Regional Police Incentives Program if The Nationals WA are re-elected at the March 2017 State election.
Member for the Mining and Pastoral Region Dave Grills MLC said The Nationals WA understood the important work undertaken by regional police.
“I strongly support the extension of this excellent program, which is designed to attract and retain officers in communities where it is hard to fill and retain positions, such as those in regional and remote areas,” Mr Grills said.
“This program is essential to communities throughout the Mining and Pastoral Region.
“Sadly, crime, youth crime and anti-social behaviour are all too present in many of our regional and remote communities and with this in mind it is even more vital that the police presence is strong.
“Importantly, $10.5 million has been allocated up to June 2017 to provide police officers with incentives towards undertaking regional service in hard to fill locations.”
Mr Grills said since the introduction of the Attraction and Retention Allowance in 2013, the number of weeks taken to fill a vacancy had more than halved.
“This is a great result and highlights how effective this investment has been,” he said.
“If re-elected on March 11, The Nationals WA will fight to ensure the continuation of this important allowance in recognition of the important services provided by police across regional WA.”
Mr Grills said The Nationals WA had a strong record of delivering for regional police through investment into regional communities, communications, emergency services and infrastructure, such as funding delivered for courthouses and police stations, thanks to Royalties for Regions.
Mr Grills is a former police officer, serving many years of his long-term career in WA’s regions.
“In regional WA our police are so much more to their communities than just ‘law enforcement’. Regional police are friends, mentors and a very importantly a guiding force for at-risk young people,” he said.
“They spread vital safety messages to our schools, they are coaches, part of the local sports teams, peace keepers, and always help those in need. It’s a great lifestyle and I enjoyed my time working as a police officer in Kalgoorlie-Boulder – there is such a fantastic sense of community in regional WA.”
For media enquiries contact Dave Grills MLC on (08) 90711 500 or email dave.grills@mp.wa.gov.au
