Police Death and Disability Scheme

The Hon. MICHAEL GALLACHER: My question is directed to the Treasurer. What steps will he take to ensure that the New South Wales Police Death and Disability Scheme remains fully funded in the wake of the Auditor-General's revelation that its cost increased from $29 million in 2006 to $147 million in 2009? Given that this fund is crucial to supporting our injured police officers and the families of police officers who have been killed in the line of duty, and that keeping it is of the highest priority to his Government, will he outline to the House and to concerned police officers his long-term measures regarding the protection of the New South Wales Police Death and Disability Scheme?

The Hon. ERIC ROOZENDAAL: I thank the Leader of the Opposition for his question and for his interest in this matter. The Government is committed to a death and disability scheme to ensure that injured police officers obtain adequate compensation. I am pleased to report to the House that this commitment has been reaffirmed as part of the finalisation of the new salary award with the Police Association. An in principle agreement has been reached that there will be no change to benefits, entitlements or employee contributions.

[Interruption]

The Leader of the Opposition has asked the question on this important matter and then continually interjects. He is not allowing me to give my answer. An in-principle agreement has been reached that there will be no change for the next two years to benefits, entitlements or employee contributions that exist under the current death and disability award. The Government is committed to maintaining full funding of the scheme to ensure that injured officers obtain adequate compensation. I am advised that the New South Wales Police Force and the Police Association will recommence negotiations for a new death and disability award in time for the 1 July 2011 commencement date.