grasping coppers

There is a bizarre story in the news today concerning the police force in Victoria.

At the same time as some of world’s best poker players are staring each other down at Crown Casino the Police Association is playing its own game of bluff poker away from the tables.

They are demanding that police officers get a bonus of $100 a day during the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne next month. One hundred dollars a day! What? For doing their job?

Will the caterers serving hot dogs and pies be eligible for a hundred buck extra for doing their job? And what about the starters and the volunteers? Can they put their hands up for a hundred dollars a day bonus?

The word is that if the coppers don’t get their daily bonus they may not issue fines.  Which means they won’t be doing the job that they are paid to do.

The Police Association secretary, Paul Mullett, is quoted as saying that police officers would be “unable to enjoy the event like other Australians”.

Yep, like some of us had to work during the Sydney Olympics and will have to work during the Commonwealth Games. It aint as universal holiday Mr. Mullett – and to demand bonuses of $100 a day is almost blackmail.

IF I were the organisers I would tell you to piss off, stay well, away, and hire a team of private security guards.

Tuesday, January 17, 2006

©Copyright Derryn Hinch 2006