Employees reportedly changing profiles to 'gender neutral' for clothing allowance
The Victoria Police will be investigating allegations that several cops have been identifying as "gender neutral" in their HR system to receive an additional $1,300 allowance, according to reports.
"Victoria Police is aware of these accusations and will be looking further into the matter," a representative told news.com.au.
The statement came as recent reports claim that several employees are taking advantage of this benefit by changing their profile to "gender neutral" in the HR system.
A majority of a crime investigation unit in the Southern Region are allegedly part of this scheme, said alternative news outlet discernable.
"Members have confirmed that they will receive an extra $1,300 per year as a result of doing so and that it appears in their pay as a clothing allowance," discernable said on Twitter.
Victoria Police extends a $2,554 annual civilian clothing allowance for male employees and $3,674 for women, according to the Herald Sun report.
The Voice for Victoria later doubled down on the report, revealing the number of employees allegedly involved.
"It started with a few people & has now blown out to about 20-30," it said on Twitter. "They will all now get an extra $1300 a year in pay, tax free, as a result.”
There are currently 139 employees in the Victoria Police who "self-described" as neither male nor female as of June 27, much higher than the 32 employees recorded last year, according to news.com.au, which cited the organisation's data.
Unhappy management
Voice for Victoria described management as "very unhappy” about the situation.
"The sworn members are saying that management is pulling their hair out," discernable said in another tweet.
A Victoria Police source told the Herald Sun that the case is "offensive" to genuine non-binary employees. But Voice for Victoria's source said it only intended to attack the organisation.
"I'm told this is intended to be a ‘f**k you’ to the organisation only & not the LGBTQI+ community," it added.
It will now be a challenge for Victoria police on how they plan to question their employees identify, according to Voice for Victoria.
"This is what happens when staff are left under resourced, over worked & under appreciated for too long. Would expect the union also has no idea how to handle this situation."
