WA Police Union

08/09/2026

This morning, WAPU Governing Board Simone Taplin spoke with Stan on the ABC South West WA Brekkie Show about the growing workforce challenges facing police in Bunbury due to a housing crisis and the urgent need for action.

While there is no shortage of officers who want to work in Bunbury, the cost and availability of housing continues to be a major barrier to attracting and retaining police officers in the region.

WAPU's concerns are clear: without meaningful solutions, staffing pressures will continue to increase, placing further strain on frontline officers and impacting the level of policing available to the community.

This is not just a policing issue. It is a community safety issue.
Bunbury officers are already carrying heavier workloads, fatigue is becoming more evident, and vacancies remain difficult to fill.

“When people call for police assistance, they deserve confidence that help will be available when they need it.”

Listen to the interview now from 1:13:12 onwards.

LINK: https://okt.to/SU64Rx

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04/09/2026

𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗱 🚔

Recently, Matt Gren from the Governing Board and Field Officer Kevin McDonald travelled through the South West, stopping in Donnybrook, Bridgetown, Manjimup, Pemberton, Augusta, Margaret River, Dunsborough, Capel and Australind to catch up with WAPU Members.

And what did they hear?
Staffing shortages. Regional hubbing. On-call and OIC allowances. Increasing workloads. Rising violent offending. The rising cost of living. And ongoing shortages of GROH housing.

These are the issues Members are dealing with every day, and hearing directly from Members helps WAPU understand what is happening on the ground and where we need to keep pushing for change.
Matt and Kevin also carried out several welfare visits, because looking after our Members is at the heart of what we do.

P&N Bank representatives joined the trip too, providing Members with information about the services, discounts and benefits available exclusively to WAPU Members.

These conversations matter.
The feedback from our regional Members helps shape our advocacy, media campaigns and engagement with decision-makers at both the local and State level.

Wherever you serve across WA, WAPU is there to listen, support and stand up for you. 💙

28/08/2026

THE POLICE OFFICER PROTECTING YOUR FAMILY COULD BE STRUGGLING TO PAY THEIR RENT.

Around 90% of WA Police officers could be considered vulnerable to housing stress.

That's not just a housing crisis.
That's a policing crisis.

WA is growing. Our police need to be able to afford to live in the communities they protect.

Cook Government: when are you going to act? John Carey

👇 Do you think WA Police officers deserve affordable housing?
COMMENT. SHARE. TAG THE GOVERNMENT.

Don’t let them ignore us.
Our police protect WA. WA needs to protect them.

25/08/2026

🚔💙 POLICE LIFE CHECK-IN! 💙🚔
Every police officer has that one thing they always seem to carry on shift...
So, we want to know:
👮 What's your policing essential?
👍 The trusty notebook 📒
❤️ The radio 🎙️
😂 A stash of spare pens 🖊️
😮 Hand sanitiser 🧴
🥰 A good sense of humour 😄
👏 My work bestie 👮‍♀️👮‍♂️
Or tell us in the comments what item gets you through the day! 👇
And while you're there...
What's the best piece of advice you've ever received on the job? 💭
Whether it's a lesson from a senior officer, a funny saying from a colleague, or something that's stuck with you throughout your career, we'd love to hear it.
Let's share a little wisdom, a few laughs, and celebrate the everyday moments that make policing such a unique profession. 💙
🚔✨

24/08/2026

🏠 Housing stress is hitting WA Police officers too.
A new national report has highlighted the growing pressure housing costs are placing on essential workers.

For WA Police officers, the numbers are concerning. Based on current base salaries and the proportion of income spent on rent, around 90% of WA Police officers are considered vulnerable to housing stress.
For Members, this is about more than a statistic.

It is about the reality of paying the rent or mortgage, covering the bills and supporting your family, while working a demanding job that asks more of you every day.

Working as a WA Police officer should provide financial security, not leave you vulnerable to housing stress.

This is a reality our Members are facing, and it is one we cannot ignore.

Read the full report below ⬇️
https://okt.to/mpxFas

18/08/2026

🔥 ADVENTURE AWAITS. ARE YOU READY? 🔥
The World Police & Fire Games 2027 Perth are coming soon, and registrations are NOW OPEN! 👮‍♂️🚒🏅

From 12–21 March 2027, thousands of police, fire, emergency services and corrections personnel from around the world will come together in Perth to compete, connect and experience the adventure of a lifetime.
With more than 60 sports on offer, there’s a challenge for everyone. Whether you’re chasing the podium or simply looking for a new challenge, this is your chance to get involved.

🌏 Compete on the world stage
💪 Test your limits
🤝 Connect with first responders from around the globe
🌅 Experience the best of WA while you’re here
Registrations are open now. What are you waiting for?

👉 Register at wpfg2027.com
Perth 2027. The adventure of a lifetime starts here.

17/08/2026

A special day recognising service, dedication and the people behind the badge. 💙

On Friday 14 August, we had the privilege of attending the Mid West-Gascoyne District service awards ceremony.

Congratulations to all the officers recognised for their years of dedicated service to the WA community. Your commitment, professionalism and the work you do every day deserves to be celebrated.

We also extend our best wishes to those who are retiring from WA Police. After years of serving and protecting our community, we thank you for your contribution and the difference you have made along the way.

From all of us at WAPU, congratulations to all award recipients and retiring officers. We wish you and your families all the very best for the next chapter. 👏💙

14/08/2026

Recognising extraordinary courage 🏅

The 2026 WA Bravery Awards recognised Western Australians who have demonstrated extraordinary courage, selflessness and commitment to protecting others.

Among those honoured were police officers who put themselves in harm’s way in the course of their duties, showing courage in some incredibly challenging and dangerous circumstances.

These awards are a powerful reminder of the bravery that exists within our police family and the risks our officers can face while keeping our community safe.

A special congratulations also goes to Senior Constable Matt Gren, who is currently a member of the WAPU Governing Board, and his colleagues who were recognised with a Group Bravery Citation for their actions during the 2012 Marmion Armed Robbery Series.

To all of today’s recipients, congratulations on this well-deserved recognition.

Your courage, dedication and willingness to put others before yourselves is something our entire community can be proud of. 👏

https://youtu.be/kS5rOlDAZ-8?si=KTdawTzfHU0mkHa1

13/08/2026

Every day, our officers step up to support and protect communities across Western Australia. Whether they're responding in times of crisis, helping someone on their worst day, or simply taking the time to make a positive difference, their commitment does not go unnoticed.

👇 Tell us what you appreciate most about WA Police officers by voting with an emoji!

If you serve/served as a police officer, tell us what you appreciate most about the job.

💙 Their dedication to serving the community
👏 Their professionalism under pressure
🤝 Their compassion and care for others
🛡️ Their courage to step forward when needed
😊 Their positive impact on local communities
📣all of the above

💬 Drop your emoji in the comments and tell us about a positive experience you've had with a police officer.

If you liked this conversation, give us a like.

04/08/2026

Another day, another important conversation.

WAPU representative Simone Taplin spoke with 6PR about the significant pay rise for WA Police Assistant Commissioners, which takes their salaries above $300,000.

The increase is 19.75%, bringing their total pay increase to more than 28% since 2024.

The question is simple: if the role of senior police leadership has changed significantly, haven’t the roles and responsibilities of frontline police officers changed too?

Our Members are dealing with increasing demands, growing risks and a challenging policing environment every day.

They deserve to see that recognised too.
🎧 Listen to Simone’s interview with 6PR below.
https://omny.fm/shows/6pr-mornings/significant-pay-rise-sees-western-australian-police-assistant-commissioner-salaries-exceed-300-000