[t9jla]

I am in the situation where OH has been offered 457 sponsorship in Perth with OHs job in demand. The problem is I have just filled in my careerbreak paperwork asking for 4 years special leave and whilst the decision will be that of the ACC, my divisional commander is likely not not support it, since it is well known it is his personal opinion that career breaks do not benefit the organisation. What if they say no ? Should I stay or resign and take the biggest gamble of our lives. We've got 2 children of primary age. Anyone been in a similar situation or had a career break refused or taken the plunge ? I'm a sergeant with 19 years in the job and unfortunately not going to be protected by Winsor on either the age or the length of service front.

[Pincher]

Hi.
On reading the post my immediate reaction is go for it, nothing ventured nothing gained. However, looking at it objectively your decision should be based on a couple of points.
Could you too get a job if your OH goes out on a 457? (I don't know enough about this type of visa to answer this for you). WA Pol are recruiting at the mo' if this type of visa makes you eligible.
If not, could you survive in Perth on his salary alone?
If the answer to either is yes, then go for it.
Good luck.

[quoll]

I'd appeal a decision which impedes you accompanying a spouse on a temporary posting (and I certainly wouldnt be telling your organization that this may turn permanent!!!). You may claim that it is discriminatory in some way, you being the woman and all.

[daunted]

if you can secure a visa granting you PR you can apply to wapol who are recruiting. only citizens or PR tho

[paddyo]

You can work here whilst your OH is on a 457 Visa sponsorship but not for a government entity, they are reserved for PR if lucky but usually citizens. I have met a couple of ex Met guys who have joined the Federal Police over here, they did a sponsored Via by a state police and then as soon as they could they transfered to Federal Police.
The bit you mention about your "my divisional commander is likely not not support it, since it is his personal opinion career breaks do not benefit the organisation" concerns me because if this is a commonly known understanding then your DivComm is NOT supporting the Police Force as a whole. It is also a discriminatory viewpoint and I find it strange in the ultra PC world of the Police Force today that it is accepted. I would crack on and apply for the break anyway and then upon receiving the response act accordingly. If it is a No then ask for the reasons, but, I would actually be a bit sneaky and in my application state that 'I am aware that our DivComm does not support Career Breaks but I feel it is in the interests of the service and my career to do so"

[paddyo]

Originally Posted by daunted if you can secure a visa granting you PR you can apply to wapol who are recruiting. only citizens or PR tho

I think WAPOL can sponsor you if you are a serving UK Police officer, a colleague of mine did so but whether or not that route is still open I do not know. I always encourage people to ask, can't do any harm!

[Dorothy]

Originally Posted by paddyo I think WAPOL can sponsor you if you are a serving UK Police officer, a colleague of mine did so but whether or not that route is still open I do not know. I always encourage people to ask, can't do any harm!

Not anymore.

[paddyo]

Here is the Internatioanl Prior Service application from:

http://stepforward.wa.gov.au/images/...iorservice.pdf

Their website states "Transfer your skills and experience and become a WA Police Officer. You will enjoy benefits that include flexible work options, great career advancement, family friendly working conditions and six weeks annual leave. WA Police recognise and utilise the skills and abilities of applicants by recognising their prior policing service with compatible policing jurisdictions."

However, yep there is always a 'however', the mininum pre-requisites are:
* Australian or New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident of Australia
* Prior service with a compatible policing jurisdiction
* Current Manual 'C' class Motor Driver's Licence or equivalent
* Senior First Aid Certificate - 90 days to provide (HLTFA301B minimum requirement)

The first one puts you out of contention in normal circumstances, but if you go PR after 2 years then this route could be one to take.
Again, doesn't hurt to ask and get it from the horses mouth, here is the email contact to start the ball rolling:
police.recruiting@police.wa.gov.au

[blondiefee]

Originally Posted by t9jla I am in the situation where OH has been offered 457 sponsorship in Perth with OHs job in demand. The problem is I have just filled in my careerbreak paperwork asking for 4 years special leave and whilst the decision will be that of the ACC, my divisional commander is likely not not support it, since it is well known it is his personal opinion that career breaks do not benefit the organisation. What if they say no ? Should I stay or resign and take the biggest gamble of our lives. We've got 2 children of primary age. Anyone been in a similar situation or had a career break refused or taken the plunge ? I'm a sergeant with 19 years in the job and unfortunately not going to be protected by Winsor on either the age or the length of service front.

Go for it... stick in for the career break - you have good grounds for the break and if refused make sure you ask why, it can not just be his personal opinion. Have several friends who have gone WAPOL & SAPOL and none have any regrets...

[t9jla]

Panic over, it's been granted !!

[paddyo]

good...although if you don't mind I think I will take all the credit!!

[t9jla]

You can take the credit of course. I didn't actually use your line, but I did labour the family stuff though. In the end the argument sounded so persuasive I think HR had no choice but to say yes. So everything is getting exciting now and the thought of only a few shifts left is quite liberating !!
Thanks for all the comments.

[paddyo]

I know what you are saying, but reading between the lines I think you are really saying "Thanks Paddyo, if it wasn't for you I would be stuck here forever!"
It might just be me reading it that way though!

[t9jla]

Of course that's what I meant

[blondiefee]

Great result... hope it all goes well.