Queensland police union chief calls state government pay offer ‘grossly inadequate’ days after approving it

Queensland Police Union of Employees general president Shane Prior said he believed the state government’s 8% pay rise offer was ‘grossly inadequate’ and ‘insulting’ but that he had negotiated $163m in additional payments.
Photograph: Darren England/AAP

Queensland’s police union chief has conceded a permanent pay increase he approved earlier this week is “grossly inadequate” and “insulting” as officers threaten industrial action and the Crisafulli government faces a protracted battle with key unions over pay deals.

Under a preliminary deal announced this week, police would receive an 8% pay rise over three years, plus two $4,000 bonuses for general duties officers. The state and union had agreed to the offer in principle on Monday night, but it must go to members before it takes effect.