REVIEW DIVISION

Application to review directed TRANSFER –– s.146(1)(h) of the Victoria Police Act 2013 –– Decision to transfer Applicant to a regional station in Western Region Division 4 made under section 35 (“reasonably necessary to do so for the provision of policing services”) following the General Duties Allocation Committee (GDAC) process –– Applicant did not apply for any metropolitan priority positions; did not seek to apply for a ballot exemption –– Applicant selected in ballot for WD4 position –– Applicant argues transfer “harsh, unjust or unreasonable” as changed circumstances relating to wife’s promotion, impact of transfer on her wellbeing,  purchase of house near family for support with young child. Applicant given leave to submit statutory declaration (in form of written submissions) and short doctor’s report outlining circumstances –– not part of the “file relating to the decision” but Board satisfied of exceptional circumstances(s.149(2)) –– Board satisfied that it is in the public interest to exclude information from this statement of reasons capable of identifying the Applicant, due to the personal nature of some of the information. Board considered competing public interests of: ensuring policing services provided to everyone in the community; ensuring the integrity of the GDAC process; holding people to commitments given on joining Victoria Police –– not satisfied transfer would impose any unusual burden on Applicant and his wife (wife’s skills transferable, no permanent loss of earning potential). Transfer not harsh, unjust or unreasonable, transfer affirmed.