Police seek early super access

The Federal Government has rejected an application by the Police Federation of Australia (PFA) to allow its members early access to their superannuation at the age of 55.

The PFA made the application on the grounds that policing had become more dangerous in recent years, making it unrealistic to expect members of the police force to work until their late 50s.

It was hoped the Government would take into account practices employed overseas, where mandatory retirement at the age of 55 is imposed upon police, before making a decision.

However, the Government maintained all police officers born since June 30, 1964 have to work at least till the age of 60.

“The Government has only listened to superannuation and Treasury officials,” PFA chief executive Mark Burgess said.

“It ignored submissions from the Police Federation, Police Commissioners and Police Ministers, the people who know best about the physical and physiological rigours of policing,” he added.

Police and other emergency services are also fighting a superannuation battle against the Victorian Government in an effort to retain the independence of the Emergency Services Superannuation Scheme.

The Victorian Government has outlined plans to merge the Emergency Services Superannuation Scheme with the Government Superannuation Office Fund, a move the emergency services believe will weaken their existing fund.

The police, ambulance and fire fighters’ unions have approved a rally later in the month, at which time they will consider possible industrial action and will call on the Victorian Finance Minister, John Lenders, to resign.