É«ÀÇÉçÇøLegal Fund for members in NSW Police
26 November 2019
Earlier this year, the É«ÀÇÉçÇølaunched a new Legal Fund for members working in the Justice sector, including NSW Police.
The É«ÀÇÉçÇøstrongly encourages every member working in NSW Police to join the Legal Fund to ensure they have legal protection for matters that may arise in the course of their duties that are outside the scope of employment law.
The É«ÀÇÉçÇøencourages you to speak to any non-members to join the É«ÀÇÉçÇøand the Legal Fund to ensure they are also protected.
Regardless of your role in NSW Police, the nature of working for the agency puts you at greatly increased risk of requiring legal assistance compared to most other public service agencies.
The Legal Fund, modelled on a similar scheme already available to Prison Officers, provides a range of enhanced legal services for members commonly exposed to difficult and dangerous situations in the course of their employment, including:
- Alleged criminal offenses arising out of or in the course of employment.
- Making a claim under the Victims Right and Support Act 2013 which arises out of or in the course of employment.
- Any Coronial Enquiry where the interests of the member and their employer diverge.
- Any commission of enquiry or tribunal conducting an enquiry whose findings could have an adverse effect upon the member of the Legal Fund.
Membership of the É«ÀÇÉçÇøJustice Sector Legal Fund is available to É«ÀÇÉçÇøMembers for just $2 a week and is entirely tax deductible, just like your union fees.
Financial É«ÀÇÉçÇøMembers working in the NSW Justice Sector can join the É«ÀÇÉçÇøLegal Fund by filling in the attached APPLICATION FORM. Full terms and conditions are attached to the form.
Don’t forget that through your É«ÀÇÉçÇømembership, you already have various protections and benefits, including:
- Personal representation on individual Industrial Relations matters, including flexible working agreements, disciplinary and misconduct issues, Workers Compensation, return to work, etc. The union is YOUR protection in the workplace.
- Collective representation on issues such as rosters, staffing, gradings, health and safety, allowances, Award entitlements, etc. We are stronger when we fight for these things together.
- Journey Insurance: Income protection if you are injured travelling to or from work. This was taken from NSW public servants by the Liberal/National government in 2012 in legislation that made sweeping changes to Workers Compensation entitlements. If you are a É«ÀÇÉçÇømember, you have it as part of your membership.
- Personal Injury Insurance: Through lump sum payouts to members and/or their families, this insurance covers members for permanent disability or death that results from a personal accident. This coverage can be extended to direct family members for $11 per year.
- Annual Pay Rise: Each year, the É«ÀÇÉçÇøfights for an annual pay rise on behalf of its members all across the public service (currently 2.5 per cent p.a.). This is not an automatic annual increase – the strength and resourcing of our submission comes from our membership.
- Union Shopper access giving discounts on a wide range of gift cards (including 5 per cent off at Coles and Woolworths), entertainment, activities, whitegoods, electronics, and more for union members.
- Provident Fund: A benefit of $3,500 to a nominated beneficiary in the event of a member’s death.
- Nominate as a delegate and have a say in how your Union is run.
- Contribute to É«ÀÇÉçÇørepresentations at various WH&S, and Peak Consultative Committees with NSW Police.
If you would like any further information on how the É«ÀÇÉçÇøLegal Fund works, or about other É«ÀÇÉçÇømembership entitlements, how to join, or to organise a visit in your workplace please contact:
Roland Harris É«ÀÇÉçÇøOrganiser
A union workplace is a fairer workplace. Not a member? SIGN UP TODAY!