Sydney: 3,000 police protest over benefit change

Sydney: About 3,000 protesting police officers have turned the grounds outside the state Parliament in Sydney into a sea of blue uniforms as they demonstrate against planned changes to the way injured officers are compensated.

Officers are upset at plans to alter the New South Wales state`s Death and Disability Scheme. The changes would restrict some compensation payouts and place more emphasis on getting injured officers rehabilitated and back to work.

The police came to Sydney on Tuesday from around the state and marched from Hyde Park to Parliament House.
Minister for Police Michael Gallacher said in a statement that the government remains committed to making changes to the scheme to ensure its long-term sustainability.

Bureau Report