Victoria Police reach breaking point as industrial action escalates.

Victoria Police officers in Victoria are preparing to walk off the job for the first time in 25 years, pushing for better pay and improved working conditions. Police Association Secretary Wayne Gatt explained that officers plan to stop work at the police academy and several stations, including Broadmeadows, on Thursday.

"Our members are struggling financially, and they're facing a lot of pressure at work," Gatt said. Just two months ago, the police rejected a government offer of a 3% pay rise and a nine-day fortnight. In contrast, nurses and midwives recently secured a 28.4% pay increase over four years.

Gatt emphasized that police deserve a better deal. "We’re dealing with over a thousand job vacancies, a concerning attrition rate, and hundreds of officers on long-term sick leave. They’re doing more work than ever but for less pay," he explained. "Now, they're reclaiming something the employer has long taken from them— their time."

He reassured the public that safety won't be at risk. “Our members will always prioritize the community's safety, and if a triple-zero call comes through during a stoppage, they’ll respond,” he said. "The community isn’t the target here—the employer and the government are."