Let my pipers go!

No, the represented their country, something a little larger than their organisation.

I’d support them all the way if the required framework didn’t exist for them to do what they want to do but it does. They can take rec leave, leave without pay, as well as other provisions. No doubt they are doing it the hard way and trying for something they aren’t entitled to. In fact they probably don’t want leave at all, but want it to be ‘work’.

Those people that went o/s for sport were also representing at the biggest event their sport had outside the Olympics, a world champs

“As I said though, this is costing each of us in excess of $3500 plus personal leave taken,and the preparation time of course. AFP is assisting by freighting uniforms and drums/equipment for the band.”

Sorry, they are getting help from the AFP, and taking personal leave. There is no issue here. As wonderful as they are, in a time of fiscal restraint such as this in the public sector (and it costs to replace people) bigger questions would be asked.

Just take leave and stop whingeing

“I know of people in the AFP who have made national sporting teams (in an Olympic sport) who travelled overseas to compete.”

I’m pretty sure these people don’t represent the AFP at the Olympics vg. These guys are representing the AFP at the biggest piping event in the world. Maybe a bit of support wouldn’t go astray.

YapYapYap said :

What sort of leave were you denied gump?

:} thats grump,not gump! 🙂

I’m a civvie not a police officer so don’t know the criteria or discretionary elements of the leave requested. also agree senior officers have decisions questioned in the media won’t readily change their minds now!!! As I said though, this is costing each of us in excess of $3500 plus personal leave taken,and the preparation time of course. AFP is assisting by freighting uniforms and drums/equipment for the band.

Promotional value for the AFP of course is priceless if that’s a word that can be used in this context.

I would add (2 post nutbag) that an ideal way to try and make your point with the ACT’s most senior Police officer isn’t to

a) use an MLA who is not in government; and
b) do it through the press

If they weren’t inclined to grant you special circumstances in the 1st place I’ll give you the tip, they are less inclined now.

grump said :

yes there’s mostly civlians but there are 5 police officers in the band going (pipers and drummers). we all are paying our own way and give time outside our employment for police ceremonial occasions eg funerals

Why can’t you just take regular holiday leave? I know of people in the AFP who have made national sporting teams (in an Olympic sport) who travelled overseas to compete. Paid their own way and took holiday leave to do it. None of them went to an MLA about it.

I see no special circumstances here, sorry

What sort of leave were you denied gump?

yes there’s mostly civlians but there are 5 police officers in the band going (pipers and drummers). we all are paying our own way and give time outside our employment for police ceremonial occasions eg funerals

YapYapYap said :

Hardly surprised that this has Vicki up in arms – she reminds me of a bagpipe; round, full of hot air and very unpleasent to listen to.

Does that mean a fat scot slobbers all over her after a few pints?

neanderthalsis said :

Agreed, let them go. A few years ago there was a police Pipes/Drums band from South Aus, so there is a precedent.

Unless maybe he wants to keep them here and redesignate them to crowd/riot control. I always thought 100 men in skirts marching towards the barricades emitting an horrific wailing sound would put the wind up the most ardent anarchist.

The Qld Police have one too, there was a story about them on The Shak last year. OMG!! I needed a cold shower after that . . .

I’d be very interested why they aren’t just taking rec leave. Methinks they are applying for something special they aren’t entitled to