A recent Prisoners Review Board decision has highlighted a massive flaw in mandatory sentences and offenders’ eligibility for parole.

Sergeant Wayne Godwin was cowardly struck from behind to the back of his head on 1 January 2011 by Sarah Blanchette, who laughed while he lay motionless on a Northbridge footpath. 

The unprovoked attack was absolutely horrendous, vicious and senseless. It was so serious that the Magistrate imposed an immediate jail term three months over and above the six-month mandatory sentence.

However, WAPU and the community have since come to realise that mandatory does not mean what we thought it meant.

News story 05/05/2013, courtesy Channel 7 Perth

An overwhelming win for the Liberal-National Coalition in our State Election has returned Colin Barnett to the Premier’s seat and Liza Harvey to her role as Police Minister.

“While I look forward to continue working with the Minister and further developing our productive working relationship, I will hold the Government to account for their election promises and continue to strive for the best deal for our Members,” WAPU President George Tilbury said.

Members of the WA Police Union will soon be asked to elect two new Metropolitan Region Directors.

Brad Bird stepped down from his Board position after choosing to seek employment outside of the WA Police, while Chris Cassidy has been transferred to the Wheatbelt District.