Vic: Call for more police funding to stamp out bullying
MELBOURNE, Aug 3 AAP - The Victorian Police Association is today calling for more stategovernment funding to help stamp out bullying and harassment in the force.
Association spokesman Senior Sergeant Paul Mullett said five policewomen have beenpaid confidential damages in the past 18 months after complaining of discrimination orharassment.
Victoria Police is reported to have paid out more than $1 million in similar payoutsin the past three years, according to the Sunday Age.
But Snr Sgt Mullett said more money should be invested in the force's equity and diversityunit to prevent bullying, discrimination and harassment.
"We are calling for more funding and resources for the equity and diversity unit," he told AAP.
"We need to be more proactive in education and training because a preventative approachis better.
"Discrimination, harassment and bullying is not a huge problem across the board, butwe need to put in practices to prevent it."
The head of the Victoria Police equity and diversity unit Debbie Sonin said about $500,000had been paid out in settlements in 17 cases.
The $500,000-plus had gone on the costs of legal fees, investigations, counsellingand courses to assist complainants with career development, the Sunday Age reported.
Ms Sonin told the newspaper a planned survey to access the incidence of sexual harassmentand discrimination in police ranks would begin next month.
Comment from state government is being sought.
AAP kh/drp
KEYWORD: FUNDING
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