Police Association Victoria secretary Wayne Gatt.Credit:Paul Rovere
He said it was difficult to provide advice to members without the written directions,which are normally published on theDepartment of Health website. “We seem to get them[the directions] at the last minute,” he said.
“That does make it very hard for police command. To be fair to them,it’s hard to provide guidance to your workforce,and it’s a big workforce,if you’re getting them[the directions] at literally the 11th hour.
“We will have members coming onto night shift,for example tonight at 11pm. They’ll be wanting answers,and it’s really hard for Victoria Police to mobilise and to brief them in good time.
“How they proceed under the Chief Health Officer directions is still a bit of a mystery. Hopefully we find out later today.”
Mr Gatt said he didn’t know whether police would be asked to enforce vaccine mandates,such as rules preventing those who haven’t had their jabs from attending hospitality venues and beauty services.
He acknowledged that businesses would want support to enforce the rules,but added he didn’t think that should be the role of police. However,he said if there were breaches of the peace,police had powers to respond.
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While police were expecting a busy few days as Melbourne reopened,Mr Gatt said members were also excited to see restrictions lifted.
“It’s heartwarming for our police to be able to watch because they’ve ... they had a front-row seat to Victorians in crisis,who have been in a lot of pain and pressure,” he said.
“I know my members will take a lot of reassurance from seeing some smiles on faces because we haven’t seen them for a little while.”
With Rachel Eddie,Rachel Clun,Lucy Carroll