Queensland Police has taken a cheeky swipe at how much New Zealand officers are paid in a social media post – seemingly aiming at getting more to cross the Ditch for higher wages.
In the caption of the video, which was posted across Queensland Police social media pages, it said: “With NZ police facing a disappointing pay rise, we think it’s time they consider moving across the ditch.
“After all, QLD has a long-standing tradition of embracing the best of NZ and proudly calling them our own.”
The video shows acting Senior Sergeant Vernon Wootton walking through a police station being handed both a pavlova and a flat white over the classic song Don’t Dream It’s Over by Crowded House.
“Hey New Zealand police,” it begins.
“We know you’re working your jandals off!
“You deserve better, 1.3% is hardly enough for a flat white."
“Don’t dream it’s over. Queensland will look after you.
“Come over and earn a bigger piece of the pav (and pay)!”
Comments on the video seemed largely supportive of the cheeky marketing.
“As a Kiwi who has lived in QLD for 30+ years this is very cool,” one user said.
“Love the song choice,” said another.
Another New Zealander conceded: “As a Kiwi, this is great marketing.”
What is the pay difference?
In Queensland, a first year constable will earn about A$92,000, or NZ$111,715. In New Zealand, police officers in their first year out of college can expect to earn NZ$77,481 base pay (about A$63,803). Kiwi cops also get a 15% operational shift allowance, superannuation subsidy, insurance subsidy and physical competency test payment.
RNZ reported in May New Zealand police were offered a 0.6% pay rise, which was labelled as a "kick in the guts" after the Police Association had asked for an agreement which included a 5% general wage increase.
The same month, 1News reported the New Zealand police exodus to Australia had grown, with at least 144 Kiwi officers crossing the ditch in recent times thanks to salaries and incentives being offered in the lucky country.
New Zealand Police Commissioner Richard Chambers had also previously expressed his "displeasure" at the recruitment campaigns targeting Kiwis officers to make the move to Australia.
However, last month, 1News reported some Australian paramedics had swum against the trans-Tasman migration tide and have decided to call New Zealand home.
'No surprise' – NZ Police
In response to the video, New Zealand Police assistant commissioner of deployment Jeanette Park said: "We have a workforce of quality, well trained, world-class police officers, so it comes as no surprise they are in demand.
"Despite persistent recruitment efforts from other jurisdictions our constabulary workforce is continuing to grow and our attrition remains low."
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