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Police Pay Australia
Force profile · Tasmania

Tasmania Police
the independent guide to working in Tassie

Pay locked in to December 2027, an all-in shift allowance, rent-free country stations, a 28-week academy linked to a UTAS degree, and a 12-week fast track for experienced officers. Everything here is read from the Police Award and Tasmania Police's own recruiting pages.

Updated 9 October 2026 18 min read Sources checked 9 October 2026 Independent, not advice

The short answer

A Tasmania Police Constable starts on $73,518 base (Level 1, from December 2025), or about $94,103 with the 28% shift allowance at a 24-hour station. Trainees earn $61,801 during the 28-week academy course. Pay rises 3% from December 2026 and 2.75% from December 2027 under Police Award No. 2 of 2026.

Constable Level 1

$73,518

base from Dec 2025

With 28% shift allowance

$94,103

24-hour station, our calculation

Trainee Constable

$61,801

28-week academy

Country station allowance

37%

plus a rent-free house

Contents +
  1. 1Tasmania Police at a glance
  2. 2Pay to 2027
  3. 3Shift allowance and overtime
  4. 4Country stations and islands
  5. 5Other allowances
  6. 6Eligibility and selection
  7. 7Fitness and suitability tests
  8. 8Academy, intakes and probation
  9. 9Experienced officers (ATP)
  10. 10Ranks and promotion
  11. 11Leave, super and retirement
  12. 12Workforce and recent news
  13. 13Pros and cons
  14. 14What isn't confirmed
  15. 15FAQs
  16. 16Sources

What is Tasmania Police, and how is it organised?

A small, state-wide force where you're likely to know the people you police.

Tasmania Police is the only police force in Tasmania and an operational arm of the Department of Police, Fire and Emergency Management, which also includes the Tasmania Fire Service, the State Emergency Service and Forensic Science Service Tasmania. The Commissioner, Donna Adams, is also Secretary of the Department and the state's first female Commissioner.

The force is organised into eight commands: three geographic districts (Southern, Northern and Western) and five specialist support commands covering Crime and Intelligence, Education and Training, Operations Support, Professional Standards, and Special Response and Counter-Terrorism.

Sworn officers

1,479

a record, reported July 2026

Constable Level 1

$73,518

base from Dec 2025

Top of Sergeant

$125,625

Level 6(ii)

Pay fixed until

Dec 2027

two rises already in the award

Graduates are posted to a 24/7 station (Hobart, Glenorchy, Bridgewater, Bellerive, Launceston, Devonport or Burnie) for at least two years. After that, Tasmania's country stations, the West Coast and the Bass Strait islands open up, and they come with some of the most generous allowances in Australian policing.

Where our figures come from

Pay and allowances are read from Police Award No. 2 of 2026 (Consolidated), made by the Tasmanian Industrial Commission on 4 March 2026. Some recruitment FAQ pages still show old figures (a $60,001 trainee rate, "more than $78,000" for a first-year constable and 14 weeks' maternity leave), so we've used the award instead.

How much does Tasmania Police pay, now and to 2027?

Tasmania's award already lists every rate until December 2027, so you can see your future pay today.

Police Award No. 2 of 2026: annual base salary

Trainee Constable

From Dec 2025 (current)
$61,801
From 1 December 2026
$63,655

Constable

Level
Level 1
From Dec 2025 (current)
$73,518
From 1 December 2026
$75,724

Constable

Level
Level 2
From Dec 2025 (current)
$75,973
From 1 December 2026
$78,252

Constable

Level
Level 3
From Dec 2025 (current)
$78,426
From 1 December 2026
$80,779

Constable

Level
Level 4
From Dec 2025 (current)
$80,875
From 1 December 2026
$83,301

Constable

Level
Level 5
From Dec 2025 (current)
$83,326
From 1 December 2026
$85,826

Constable

Level
Level 6
From Dec 2025 (current)
$85,780
From 1 December 2026
$88,354

Constable

Level
Level 7
From Dec 2025 (current)
$88,227
From 1 December 2026
$90,874

Constable

Level
Level 8
From Dec 2025 (current)
$90,680
From 1 December 2026
$93,401

Constable

Level
Level 9
From Dec 2025 (current)
$93,143
From 1 December 2026
$95,937

Constable

Level
Level 10
From Dec 2025 (current)
$95,582
From 1 December 2026
$98,449

Constable

Level
Level 11
From Dec 2025 (current)
$98,027
From 1 December 2026
$100,968

Constable

Level
Level 12
From Dec 2025 (current)
$101,487
From 1 December 2026
$104,532

Constable

Level
Level 13(i)
From Dec 2025 (current)
$104,456
From 1 December 2026
$107,590

Constable

Level
Level 13(ii)
From Dec 2025 (current)
$107,420
From 1 December 2026
$110,642

Sergeant

Level
Level 1
From Dec 2025 (current)
$108,929
From 1 December 2026
$112,197

Sergeant

Level
Level 2
From Dec 2025 (current)
$111,506
From 1 December 2026
$114,851

Sergeant

Level
Level 3
From Dec 2025 (current)
$114,079
From 1 December 2026
$117,501

Sergeant

Level
Level 4
From Dec 2025 (current)
$116,653
From 1 December 2026
$120,152

Sergeant

Level
Level 5
From Dec 2025 (current)
$120,422
From 1 December 2026
$124,035

Sergeant

Level
Level 6(i)
From Dec 2025 (current)
$123,022
From 1 December 2026
$126,713

Sergeant

Level
Level 6(ii)
From Dec 2025 (current)
$125,625
From 1 December 2026
$129,394

Inspector

Level
Level 1
From Dec 2025 (current)
$170,026
From 1 December 2026
$175,127

Inspector

Level
Level 2
From Dec 2025 (current)
$172,004
From 1 December 2026
$177,164

Inspector

Level
Level 3
From Dec 2025 (current)
$175,712
From 1 December 2026
$180,983

Inspector

Level
Level 4(i)
From Dec 2025 (current)
$179,684
From 1 December 2026
$185,074

Inspector

Level
Level 4(ii)
From Dec 2025 (current)
$181,869
From 1 December 2026
$187,325

Commander

Level
Level 1
From Dec 2025 (current)
$188,217
From 1 December 2026
$193,864

Each date is the first full pay period on or after that date. Base salary excludes the shift and penalty allowance. The Commander rate applies under the award only on reversion or relief; fixed-term Commanders and above are outside the award.

Constables start at Level 1 after the trainee course, reach Level 2 after 12 months (subject to probation and a satisfactory assessment), then climb one level each anniversary to Level 12. An approved bachelor degree gained by independent study before you joined lets you jump to Level 3 after probation. Levels 13(i) and 13(ii) need extra qualifications, described in the ranks section below.

The gap between the top Sergeant level ($125,625) and Inspector Level 1 ($170,026) is large because Inspectors move off the overtime and shift-allowance system. The full scale history and a comparison with other states are on Tasmania police salary, and the deal itself is covered on the Tasmania police pay deal page.

From December 2026 a Level 1 Constable earns $75,724, and a trainee $63,655. Both rises are already written into the award.

The shift and penalty allowance, and overtime

Tasmania pays one flat percentage instead of separate night, weekend and public holiday penalties.

Instead of per-shift penalties, eligible Constables and Sergeants get a single annual allowance worked out as a percentage of salary. It's paid every fortnight regardless of exactly which shifts you work, which makes take-home pay predictable. On a 24/7 rotating roster it's 28% of normal salary a year, up from a reported 24% before the latest deal.

Shift and penalty allowance (in lieu of all shift, weekend and public holiday penalties)

24-hour rotational roster

Allowance
28% of normal salary a year
Who qualifies
Constables and Sergeants on a 24/7 rotating roster with at least 80 afternoon/night hours per 5 weeks

Special Operations Group, physical/technical surveillance

Allowance
26% of normal salary a year
Who qualifies
SOG and physical/technical surveillance members not on a 24-hour roster

non-24-hour rotational roster

Allowance
21% of normal salary a year
Who qualifies
Members on a non-24-hour rotating roster with at least 80 afternoon/night hours per 5 weeks

other rosters

Allowance
15% of normal salary a year
Who qualifies
Rosters with afternoon/weekend shifts not exceeding 80 hours per 5 weeks

Worked example: a first-year constable at a 24-hour station

Base only

$2,287

per fortnight after tax, on $73,518

With 28% allowance

$2,826

per fortnight after tax, on $94,103

Difference

$538

extra take-home each fortnight

These are our calculations ($73,518 × 1.28 = $94,103), using 2026-27 tax with no HELP debt or overtime. Some secondary sites quote $94,109; the award arithmetic gives the figure above.

Overtime

  • All overtime at double the normal salary rate (200%); TOIL hour-for-hour by agreement; the rate is inclusive of other penalties.
  • Call back: minimum 4 hours at the overtime rate (cl 14.3).
  • Rest period breach: double time for ordinary hours until the member has had 10 consecutive hours off (cl 14.2.3).
  • Not payable to officers (Inspector and above, cl 14.1.8), designated country station allowance recipients (except cl 9.3.6), sea-going members away overnight, or academy-accommodated trainees.
  • Non-shift Constables and Sergeants get time and a half additional for public holiday work; shift workers' public holidays are covered by the shift and penalty allowance.
  • Overtime meal allowance: up to $15.57 after 2 hours, up to $29.77 for dinner, up to $15.56 for each further 5 hours (receipts required).

Double time for all overtime is generous by national standards: several states start at time and a half. On-call work pays an availability allowance of $4.08/hour (minimum $26.52) and standby $7.80/hour (minimum $62.40), but not for officers or country station members.

Free tool

Model your Tasmanian pay after tax

Choose Tasmania, your level and roster (28%, 26%, 21% or 15%), add double-time overtime, and see your fortnightly take-home.

Calculate my Tas pay →

Country stations, the West Coast and the islands

A 37% allowance, a guaranteed pay floor and a rent-free house: Tasmania's country package is one of its best features.

Constables and Sergeants at designated country police stations receive a 37% of normal salary allowance in lieu of availability, call-back, overtime, shift allowance and meal allowance. They also get a rent-free departmental residence, and a Constable at a designated country station is paid at least Constable Level 6, whatever their actual level.

Level 6 + 37%

$117,519

a year, our calculation

Take-home

$3,438

per fortnight after 2026-27 tax

Housing

Rent-free

departmental residence

That means a junior constable who takes a designated country station can earn $117,519 a year (our calculation: $85,780 × 1.37) and pay no rent. Designated stations include Nubeena, Dunalley, Orford, Triabunna, Swansea, Bicheno, Oatlands, Liawenee, Bothwell, Kempton, Maydena, Hamilton, Bushy Park, St Marys, Fingal, Dover, Geeveston, Cygnet, Woodbridge, Rosebery, Zeehan, Waratah, Strahan and Alonnah.

Country, isolated and island allowances

Designated Country Police Station Allowance

Amount
37% of normal salary
Who gets it
Constables and Sergeants at designated country stations (e.g. Nubeena, Dunalley, Orford, Triabunna, Swansea, Bicheno, Oatlands, Liawenee, Bothwell, Kempton, Maydena, Hamilton, Bushy Park, St Marys, Fingal, Dover, Geeveston, Cygnet, Woodbridge, Rosebery, Zeehan, Waratah, Strahan, Alonnah)

Isolated Community Expense Allowance: Alonnah, Currie (King Island), Lady Barron, Whitemark (Flinders Island)

Amount
$11,623.07 a year
Who gets it
Members on permanent transfer

Isolated Community Expense Allowance: Liawenee, Waratah, Queenstown, Rosebery, Strahan, Zeehan

Amount
$7,988.20 a year
Who gets it
Members on permanent transfer

Community Assistance Expense Allowance

Amount
$3,632.63 a year
Who gets it
Members permanently transferred to 37 listed rural stations

Bass Strait Islands leave fares

Amount
3 return fares a year (member and dependants) to mainland Tasmania
Who gets it
Members stationed on the Bass Strait islands

Removal expenses on transfer

Amount
Up to $2,904.09
Who gets it
Plus displacement allowance up to $3,749.86, property sale/purchase costs, education assistance etc. (cl 11).

The isolated community allowances stack on top for permanent transfers: $11,623 a year for King Island, Flinders Island, Alonnah and Lady Barron, and $7,988 for the West Coast stations and Liawenee. Compare these with remote packages in other states in remote and rural policing incentives.

Specialist, detective and other allowances

Designated detectives receive $6,586.34 a year, indexed to CPI each March. Specialist roles from crash investigation to the Special Operations Group carry a five-level specialist allowance, forensic services have their own four levels, and sea-going members get a 60% of normal salary loading when away overnight. Every member who uses a personal phone for work receives a communications expense allowance of $2,919.92 a year.

Specialist and expense allowances (Police Award No. 2 of 2026)

Detectives Allowance: designated detective

Amount
$6,586.34 a year
Who gets it
Designated detectives (CIB, DIS, Professional Standards, Crime & Intelligence, JCTT etc.)

Detectives Allowance: non-detective attached to investigative areas

Amount
$3,183.90 a year

Specialist Allowance (non-forensic), Levels 1-5

Amount
L1 FT $671 rising to $1,007 after 2 years (secondary $904 to $1,242); L2 FT $1,342 to $2,013 (secondary $1,753 to $2,421); L3 FT $2,684 to $3,355 (secondary $3,326 to $3,880); L4 FT $4,026 to $4,698 (secondary $4,845 to $5,515); L5 (SOG) $6,538 to $7,209; a year
Who gets it
L1 crash investigators, POMT, bomb scene examiners; L2 advanced crash, dignitary protection, PTU, SOG support, OSIs; L3 drone pilots, negotiators, bomb response, search and rescue, crash analysts; L4 SAR mission controllers, senior drone pilots, surveillance; L5 SOG

Specialist Allowance (Forensic Services), Levels 1-4

Amount
L1 $1,671 rising to $2,007 after 2 years; L2 $3,013; L3 $4,355; L4 $5,698; a year

Sea Going Allowance

Amount
60% of normal salary
Who gets it
Members on sea-going duties away overnight

Skipper's Allowance

Amount
Paid at Sergeant Level 1
Who gets it
Constable skippers with Master Class 5 plus EDG2/3

Plain Clothes Expense Allowance

Amount
$3,091.81 a year (regular); $1,971.07 a year with protective clothing; $12.10 a day occasional; $1,502.89 a year DPU
Who gets it
value is the regular annual rate.

Communications Expense Allowance

Amount
$2,919.92 a year
Who gets it
cl 10.11 (Inspectors provide their own mobile).

Additional Duties Allowance: Inspectors (after-hours supervision)

Amount
$2,053 a year
Who gets it
Inspectors

Licensing allowance

Amount
$1,956.72 a year
Who gets it
Members on full-time licensing duties

Specialist allowances aren't cumulative: you get the highest that applies. Higher duties pay the difference to the higher rank once you've acted for 38 working hours or more.

Can you join Tasmania Police? Eligibility and the selection process

A rolling intake, eight steps and typically 8 to 12 weeks from interest to offer.

Entry requirements

  • ✓ Apply from 17.5 years; must be 18 before starting the recruit course; no upper age limit (compulsory retirement at 65).
  • ✓ Australian or NZ citizen, or Australian permanent resident (visa subclasses 100, 189, 190, 191 listed).
  • ✓ Education: left school after 2020, Year 12 or Certificate III; left before 2020, Year 10 with a C pass in Maths and English (Certificate II in General Education for Adults accepted).
  • ✓ Current Australian driver licence (provisional accepted).
  • ✓ First Aid Certificate with HLTAID009, HLTAID010 and HLTAID011.
  • ✓ Swimming certification from Royal Life Saving Australia or AUSTSWIM.
  • ✓ No visible tattoos on neck, face, scalp, ears or hands; no offensive tattoos; no ear spacers.
  • ✓ Undischarged bankrupts are ineligible; discharged bankrupts can apply after 3 years.
  • ✓ Zero tolerance for illicit drug use; all offences (including juvenile) must be disclosed.
  • ✓ No AI (e.g. ChatGPT) may be used for written answers; random checks apply.
  • ✓ Colour vision: must pass the Farnsworth D-15.

Two requirements catch people out: the First Aid certificate must include HLTAID009, HLTAID010 and HLTAID011, and you need a swimming certificate from Royal Life Saving Australia or AUSTSWIM. Both are at your own cost, along with the National Police Certificate and medical tests. Tasmania also says plainly that AI tools such as ChatGPT can't be used for written answers, and runs random checks.

  1. 1

    Expression of interest

    Online, rolling intake.

  2. 2

    Background checks

    Integrity, criminal and traffic history (including juvenile) and social media. Prior History Offence Guidelines are published.

  3. 3

    Fitness assessment and online suitability testing

    Fitness test in Hobart, Launceston or Burnie (interstate applicants may submit video), and online suitability/psychometric testing completed within 7 days.

  4. 4

    Full application

    Within 14 days: application form, 2-page selection criteria statement, resume, ID, licence, TCE results and certificates.

  5. 5

    Interview and assessment day

    At the Academy, 8am-4pm: group exercise, individual police-incident scenario and a 3-member panel interview (behavioural, personal history, police scenarios). Interstate applicants via Teams.

  6. 6

    Certificates

    National Police Certificate, First Aid and swimming certificates, at the applicant's cost.

  7. 7

    Medical

    GP-completed medical package, audiologist hearing test and optometrist eye test at the applicant's cost; specialist reports may be requested. Hearing aids allowed if worn on duty; mental-health history assessed case by case; COVID vaccination no longer required. Blood pressure is taken by the GP.

  8. 8

    Review and selection

    By the Commander and Inspector, Recruiting Services. Offers usually go out about 4 weeks before the course starts; the process typically takes 8-12 weeks.

The assessment day at the Academy runs 8am to 4pm and combines a group exercise, an individual police-incident scenario and a three-member panel interview covering behavioural questions, your personal history and police scenarios. Interstate applicants can do it by Teams. Read our Tasmania Police interview guide and the full how to join Tasmania Police walkthrough.

Free tool

Rehearse the panel interview

Practise behavioural and scenario questions out loud and get a STAR score and fixes in seconds. Two free scored answers a day.

Try a mock interview →

The fitness test and online suitability testing

A traffic-light system: hit the minimum to pass, aim for 'strong' to stand out.

Tasmania Police fitness test (traffic-light system)

Broad jump (metres x bodyweight kg)

Minimum standard
Score of 80 minimum
'Strong' result and notes
Strong: males above 165, females above 105.

Beep test (20m multi-stage fitness test)

Minimum standard
Level 6.01 minimum
'Strong' result and notes
Strong: above 9.01.

Illinois agility run

Minimum standard
Under 22 seconds
'Strong' result and notes
Strong: under 20 seconds.

Plank

Minimum standard
60 seconds minimum
'Strong' result and notes
Strong: 120 seconds (cap).

Grip strength (each hand)

Minimum standard
Males 40-49.9kg, females 20-29.9kg acceptable
'Strong' result and notes
Strong: males 50kg or more, females 30kg or more.

Waist

Minimum standard
Males 94-102cm, females 80-88cm acceptable
'Strong' result and notes
Strong: males under 94cm, females under 80cm. The page does not state what happens above 102/88cm.

Hand-release press-ups (3-second cadence)

Minimum standard
10 reps minimum
'Strong' result and notes
Strong: above 30; cap 40.

BMI

Minimum standard
18.5-34.9 per the fitness test page (fail above 35)
'Strong' result and notes
Conflict: the FAQ page says 18.5-29.9 meets requirements and above 29.9 generally does not.

Test order: broad jump, beep test, Illinois agility, plank, grip, waist, hand-release press. Blood pressure is taken by the GP later. BMI standards conflict between the fitness page (18.5-34.9) and the FAQ (18.5-29.9).

The BMI standard is inconsistent

Tasmania's fitness test page says a BMI of 18.5 to 34.9 is acceptable (fail above 35), while its FAQ says 18.5 to 29.9 meets requirements and above 29.9 generally does not. The page also doesn't say what happens if your waist is above the acceptable band. If you're near either line, ask Recruiting Services before you test.

The test is held in Hobart, Launceston or Burnie, and interstate applicants may submit video. Training plans for each element are on our Tasmania Police fitness test page.

Online suitability testing

Talogy tests are webcam-proctored with 7 days to complete. The PAI is reviewed by DPFEM psychologists (no pass/fail). The Talogy component covers cognitive reasoning, reading comprehension and a personality questionnaire. Our Tasmania Police entrance test guide explains each part.

The academy, intake dates, pay while training and probation

28 weeks at Rokeby (or Launceston on some intakes), paid as a Trainee Constable.

Trainee Constable pay

$61,801

rises to $63,655 Dec 2026

Course length

28 weeks

incl. 6 weeks at a station

Board at the Academy

$225

a fortnight, room and meals, optional

The course runs at the Tasmania Police Academy in Rokeby, Hobart, with a northern satellite course at the UTAS Newnham campus in Launceston on some intakes. Living in costs $225 a fortnight for a room and all meals but isn't compulsory. Recruits complete 15 of the 24 units of the UTAS Bachelor of Social Science (Police Studies), a real head start if you want a degree later.

Listed start dates (2026-27):

  • 12 January 2026
  • 16 March 2026
  • 1 June 2026 (Academy and Launceston)
  • 5 October 2026
  • 11 January 2027 (Academy and Launceston)
  • 22 March 2027
  • a date printed as '31 June 2027' (Academy and Launceston)
  • 9 August 2027
  • 18 October 2027

One listed intake is printed as "31 June 2027", which isn't a real date, so confirm it with Recruiting. Offers usually go out about four weeks before a course starts.

New constables serve their first year on probation. Under the Police Service Act 2003, probation for a non-commissioned appointment is up to 12 months as the Commissioner decides and can be extended. More on the day-to-day of training is on our Tasmania Police Academy guide.

Already a police officer? The Accelerated Training Program

A 12-week route in for officers from other Australian forces and New Zealand.

The ATP is for sworn officers with at least two years' post-probation service in Australia or New Zealand, who left less than four years ago (less than six if you've stayed in related law enforcement). Your rank doesn't transfer, probation is six months, and the next ATP is anticipated in early to mid 2027.

ATP pay examples at December 2025 rates

5 years

During ATP training
Constable Level 3: $78,426
On probation
Level 4: $80,875
After probation
Level 5: $83,326

15 years

During ATP training
Constable Level 10: $95,582
On probation
Level 11: $98,027
After probation
Level 12: $101,487

Former Sergeant or commissioned officer

During ATP training
Constable Level 11: $98,027
On probation
Level 11: $98,027
After probation
Set by experience, up to Level 12

Pay reflects prior service up to 12 years: two levels below your experience during training, one below on probation, then at your experience level, up to Constable Level 12.

Former Tasmania Police officers who left less than two years ago can use the Re-Engagement Training Program instead, which recognises non-commissioned rank and has probation of at least three months.

UK and other overseas officers

The ATP is limited to Australian and New Zealand service, and we found no Tasmania Police pathway for UK or other overseas officers. If you're a UK officer, SAPOL's transition program recruits from the UK directly, and our guide to UK police officers moving to Australia compares the options.

Ranks and how promotion works

A short rank ladder, with pay progression tied to qualifications and UTAS study.

Tasmania Police ranks and pay progression

Constable (incl. Senior Constable titles)

Pay range (Dec 2025)
$73,518 to $107,420
How you progress
Annual increments to Level 12; Level 13(i) needs 12 months on Level 12 plus the Sergeant Professional Development Program or an approved tertiary qualification; 13(ii) needs both

Sergeant

Pay range (Dec 2025)
$108,929 to $125,625
How you progress
Open to members who've passed the Sergeant qualifying exam and course; start at Level 1 (Level 2 with an approved tertiary qualification); Levels 6(i)/(ii) need the Inspector program and/or a tertiary qualification

Inspector

Pay range (Dec 2025)
$170,026 to $181,869
How you progress
Recommended to the Minister; Level 4(ii) needs 12 months on 4(i) plus an AQF8+ qualification

Commander and above

Pay range (Dec 2025)
Commander $188,217 (award rate on reversion/relief only)
How you progress
Fixed-term appointments outside the award

Promotion is merit-based. The Commissioner promotes below Inspector, using Promotion Selection Committees of three or more members and a Qualification and Accreditation Committee. Qualification programs (PQAP and the Sergeant and Inspector Professional Development Programs) are integrated with UTAS study, so the degree units you start at the Academy keep paying off. See Tasmania Police promotion for the exam detail.

Leave, super, injury and retirement

Strong leave entitlements; super and medical retirement are less clearly documented.

Tasmania Police leave

Annual leave

What applies
228 hours a year (6 weeks) for officers entitled to the shift and penalty allowance (Police Service Regulations 2023, reg 7); maximum accumulation 2 years' entitlement. The recruitment site says 6 weeks for sworn officers; the entitlement for non-shift officers is not confirmed.

Sick leave

What applies
410.4 hours (54 x 7.6-hour days) on full pay per year of service; does not apply to on-duty injury or illness. Medical certificate needed if more than 7 consecutive days or more than 4 occasions a year.

Parental leave

What applies
18 weeks paid primary caregiver leave and 4 weeks paid secondary caregiver leave, each after 12 months' continuous service (award). The recruitment site still says 14 weeks paid maternity leave, which is out of date.

Long service leave

What applies
Under the Long Service Leave (State Employees) Act 1994 (award cl 15.16): entitlement after 10 years' continuous employment, with pro-rata payout from 7 years in specified circumstances (ill-health, retirement etc.). The amount is not verified.

Other leave

What applies
Family violence leave: up to 10 days paid a year (award). Disability leave: up to 5 days paid a calendar year (award). Aboriginal cultural leave, compassionate/bereavement, carer's, defence, foster/kinship, gender affirmation, surrogacy and special leave (award). Police Accumulated Leave Scheme (salary averaging for extra leave) and reduced-hours work (award).

Sick leave of 410.4 hours a year (54 days of 7.6 hours) is unusually generous, and it doesn't apply to on-duty injury or illness, which is handled separately. More on Tasmania police leave.

Superannuation

Police are members of the Tasmanian Accumulation Scheme unless they choose another complying fund or are in the closed Retirement Benefits Fund defined-benefit scheme. The award doesn't state the employer rate. It's understood to be the 12% Superannuation Guarantee, but we haven't confirmed that on a primary source, nor the default fund. See Tasmania police super.

Injury, workers comp and retirement

Compulsory retirement is at 65, with voluntary retirement from 55. If an officer can't perform their duties because of illness, injury or physical unfitness, the Commissioner can direct a medical examination (Police Service Act s 29), and the officer may retire with the Commissioner's written agreement. The money you'd receive depends on your super and insurance, which we haven't researched in detail.

Police are reported to be covered by the Workers Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 (Tas), and Tasmania was the first state, in 2019, to legislate a presumptive PTSD provision for public sector workers including police. That comes from a secondary source, so check it against the Act. Our Tasmania police workers comp and medical retirement guides go deeper.

Workforce and recent news

A record headcount, and a pay deal won only at the third attempt.

Tasmania Police timeline

25 July 2026

What happened
19 graduate as force hits record 1,479
Detail
Course 1/2026 (10 women, 9 men) graduated; the force is at a record 1,479 officers; the Northern Recruit Course was promoted.

4 March 2026

What happened
Police Award No. 2 of 2026 made by the TIC
Detail
Consolidated award with a new salary table, specialist allowance and special leave changes, operative from the first full pay period on or after 1 Dec 2025.

13 February 2026

What happened
21 new constables join Tasmania Police (course 4/2025)
Detail
Graduation of 21 new constables (media release; not independently verified).

24 December 2025

What happened
Police back three-year pay deal
Detail
Reported: the third offer was accepted by a small majority (about 600 against): 3%, 3%, 2.75%; 24-hour shift allowance lifted from 24% to 28%; an uplift guarantee if other state servants get more; funded by dropping 50 new positions. The percentages and dates are confirmed in the award; the rest is from the news report.

14 December 2025

What happened
Police reject second offer as pay gap widens
Detail
Reported: an offer of 3%/3%/2.75% was rejected; the Police Association of Tasmania said Tasmanian police earn about 16.8% below the national average.

October 2025

What happened
Police reject first wage offer
Detail
Reported: nearly 1,000 officers rejected an earlier offer.

The deal funded the 28% allowance and the 3/3/2.75 rises partly by dropping money for 50 new police positions, according to news reports. The Police Association of Tasmania said before the deal that Tasmanian police earned about 16.8% less than the national average. The deal reportedly also carried an uplift guarantee if other state servants received more.

Is Tasmania Police a good force to join? The honest pros and cons

Works in your favour

  • ✓Certainty: every pay rate to December 2027 is already in the award.
  • ✓Simple, predictable shift pay: a flat 28% on 24-hour rosters, paid every fortnight.
  • ✓Double time for all overtime, with a four-hour minimum on call-backs.
  • ✓Outstanding country package: 37% allowance, a Level 6 pay floor and a rent-free house, plus isolated-community allowances.
  • ✓No upper age limit, 54 days' sick leave a year and six weeks' annual leave on shift rosters.
  • ✓Academy study counts towards a UTAS degree, and promotion qualifications build on it.

Watch out for

  • ✕Base pay is lower than most mainland forces; the association put the gap at about 16.8% before the latest deal.
  • ✕Members rejected two offers, and the deal was funded partly by dropping 50 new positions.
  • ✕No separate Senior Constable pay scale and no overtime for Inspectors.
  • ✕No dedicated Aboriginal entry pathway and no UK/overseas transfer route.
  • ✕You pay for your own first aid, swim, medical, hearing and eye tests during selection.
  • ✕Some recruitment pages are out of date, and the BMI rules conflict.

Comparing small forces? See South Australia Police and NT Police, or the AFP and ACT Policing. If you're planning to buy, read first home buying for Tasmanian police.

What we couldn't confirm (and who can)

The open questions on Tasmania Police as at 9 October 2026, so you know what to ask.

Open questions as at 9 October 2026

Whether the deal's reported 'uplift guarantee' has been triggered by the March 2026 state service pay package.

Who can confirm it
Police Association of Tasmania or DPFEM

The employer super rate and default fund for police (probably the 12% Superannuation Guarantee).

Who can confirm it
DPFEM payroll or Tasmanian Treasury

How much long service leave you get (secondary sources describe an hours-based formula we haven't verified).

Who can confirm it
DPFEM Human Resources

Annual leave for officers who don't receive the shift and penalty allowance.

Who can confirm it
DPFEM Human Resources

The BMI standard (18.5-29.9 or 18.5-34.9) and what happens if your waist is above the acceptable band.

Who can confirm it
Tasmania Police Recruiting Services

The pre-deal 24% shift allowance, the vote margin and the uplift guarantee, which come from news reports.

Who can confirm it
Police Association of Tasmania

The intake printed as '31 June 2027', which isn't a real date.

Who can confirm it
Tasmania Police Recruiting Services

Whether there's any sign-on or relocation bonus for recruits (we found none, but there's no statement either way).

Who can confirm it
Tasmania Police Recruiting Services

Workers comp cover and the presumptive PTSD provision, which come from a secondary source.

Who can confirm it
WorkSafe Tasmania or the Police Association

What you'd receive on medical retirement, which depends on your super and insurance.

Who can confirm it
Your super fund

The award was read from an archived copy because the Tasmanian Industrial Commission site blocked automated access.

Who can confirm it
Tasmanian Industrial Commission
Joining Tasmania Police Recruiting BMI and waist standards, intake dates and the next ATP. Pay Police Award No. 2 of 2026 The official pay and allowance rates. The Police Association of Tasmania can explain the uplift guarantee. Super Tasmanian Treasury: super Accumulation and defined-benefit scheme questions.

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Everything changing at Tasmania Police: pay, intakes and rules

The December pay rises, new intake dates, the next Accelerated Training Program and any change to the fitness or BMI standards: we email you when Tasmania Police moves.

  • ✓A reminder before each December pay rise
  • ✓New academy and ATP intake dates
  • ✓Changes to entry and fitness standards

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Frequently asked questions

How much do Tasmania Police officers earn?

From the first full pay period on or after 1 December 2025, a Constable earns $73,518 at Level 1, rising to $107,420 at Level 13(ii). Sergeants earn $108,929 to $125,625, and Inspectors start at $170,026. Most frontline officers also receive a shift and penalty allowance of 15% to 28% of salary.

Is there a Senior Constable pay rate in Tasmania?

No. Tasmania has a single Constable scale running from Level 1 to Level 13(ii). 'Senior Constable' and 'qualified Senior Constable' are gazetted titles, and each gives you one accelerated increment within that scale. The top two levels need 12 months on Level 12 plus the Sergeant Professional Development Program and/or an approved tertiary qualification.

How long is the Tasmania Police Academy?

The recruit course is 28 weeks, including six weeks of practical training at a station. It runs at the Academy in Rokeby, Hobart, and some intakes also run a northern course at the UTAS Newnham campus in Launceston. You complete 15 of the 24 units of a UTAS Bachelor of Social Science (Police Studies) along the way.

What is the Tasmania Police fitness test?

It uses a traffic-light system across a broad jump scored against bodyweight, the beep test (minimum level 6.01), the Illinois agility run (under 22 seconds), a 60-second plank, grip strength, waist measurement and hand-release press-ups (minimum 10). Testing runs in Hobart, Launceston or Burnie, and interstate applicants may submit video.

What is the upper age limit for Tasmania Police?

There's no upper age limit to apply. You can apply from 17.5 and must be 18 before the course starts. Compulsory retirement is at 65, and voluntary retirement is possible from 55, so an older recruit can still have a long career.

Do Tasmania Police get overtime?

Constables and Sergeants are paid double time for all overtime, with a four-hour minimum on a call-back. Inspectors and above don't get overtime. Officers at designated country stations are paid a 37% allowance instead of overtime, shift allowance, availability and call-back.

Can interstate police transfer to Tasmania Police?

Yes, through the 12-week Accelerated Training Program for sworn officers with at least two years' post-probation service in Australia or New Zealand. Rank doesn't transfer, but pay reflects up to 12 years of prior service, capped at Constable Level 12. The next ATP is anticipated in early to mid 2027.

When is the next Tasmania Police pay rise?

The award already contains the next two rises: 3% from the first full pay period on or after 1 December 2026 (Constable Level 1 to $75,724) and 2.75% from 1 December 2027. Whether an 'uplift guarantee' reported in the deal has been triggered isn't confirmed.

Evidence

Sources and how we checked them

Every figure on this page comes from the sources below, read on 9 October 2026. Pay rates and rules change when new agreements are made, so check the source for the date you're reading this. Where we couldn't confirm something from an official source, the page says so instead of guessing. Spotted an error? Read our corrections policy.

  1. Police Award No. 2 of 2026 (Consolidated), TIC T15311 of 2026 (read via Wayback Machine copy 2026-05-20) — read 9 October 2026
  2. Tasmania Police Recruitment: Benefits — read 9 October 2026
  3. Tasmania Police Recruitment: Accelerated Training Program — read 9 October 2026
  4. Tasmania Police Recruitment: FAQs — read 9 October 2026
  5. Tasmania Police Recruitment: Fitness Test — read 9 October 2026
  6. Tasmania Police Recruitment: Online Suitability Testing — read 9 October 2026
  7. Tasmania Police Recruitment: Recruitment process — read 9 October 2026
  8. Tasmania Police Recruitment: Entry requirements — read 9 October 2026
  9. Tasmania Police Recruitment: Commencement schedule — read 9 October 2026
  10. Tasmania Police Recruitment: University of Tasmania and Tasmania Police — read 9 October 2026
  11. Tasmania Police Recruitment: Postings — read 9 October 2026
  12. Tasmania Police Recruitment: Opportunities for promotion — read 9 October 2026
  13. Tasmania Police Recruitment: Career Development Program (Year 12 students) — read 9 October 2026
  14. Police Service Act 2003 (Tas) — read 9 October 2026
  15. Police Service Regulations 2023 (Tas) — read 9 October 2026
  16. Long Service Leave (State Employees) Act 1994 (Tas) — read 9 October 2026
  17. Tasmanian Treasury: Retirement Benefits Fund article library — read 9 October 2026
  18. myosh: Tasmania introduces Australian-first post-traumatic stress legislation (secondary) — read 9 October 2026
  19. Pulse Tasmania: Tasmanian police back three-year pay deal after months of negotiations — read 9 October 2026
  20. Pulse Tasmania: Tasmania Police officers reject second wage offer as pay gap widens — read 9 October 2026
  21. Pulse Tasmania: 19 new Tasmania Police officers graduate as force hits record 1,479 — read 9 October 2026
  22. Tasmania Police media release: 21 new constables join Tasmania Police ranks — read 9 October 2026
  23. Tasmania Police: About us (structure) — districts and commands, read 9 October 2026
  24. Tasmania Police: Commissioner of Police — read 9 October 2026

Related guides

Tasmania police salary 2026 → Every level of the Constable, Sergeant and Inspector scales. How to become a police officer in Tasmania → The recruitment process step by step. Police take-home pay calculator → Tasmanian pay after tax with the shift allowance. Tasmania police pay deal → How the 3/3/2.75 deal was won, and the uplift guarantee.

Forces

More in this series

Force profiles NSW Police Force: the independent guide Pay, the ADAP and Goulburn, fitness, remote incentives, promotion, EPSS and super for NSW Police. Force profiles Victoria Police: the independent guide Pay and allowances, the entrance exam, 25-week academy, ESSS defined benefit super and PSOs. Force profiles Queensland Police Service: the independent guide Pay with the 21% OSA, 18% super, double-time overtime, PACE for experienced police and rural incentives. Force profiles WA Police Force: the independent guide Pay, flat shift allowances, the 28-week Joondalup academy, UK and NZ transition and regional housing. Force profiles South Australia Police (SAPOL) Pay, loadings, country incentives, recruiting, the transition program for UK and interstate officers, and the proposed new EA. Force profiles Northern Territory Police The 5/4/3/3 deal, 23% consolidated allowance, housing allowance, remote incentives, ACPO and PPSO pathways and accelerated entry. Force profiles Australian Federal Police and ACT Policing National policing, ACT Policing and PSOs: bands, the 22% composite, 15.4% super, recruiting, the AFP College and progression. Hub Every Australian police force compared Pay, fitness, academy, super and retirement age for all eight forces, and how to choose between them.
See every forces guide →

General information, not advice. This guide explains published rules and rates. It doesn't consider your personal circumstances and isn't financial, legal, tax or credit advice. Confirm anything you rely on with your force, your police association, the ATO or a licensed professional.