• NSW Government announces financial assistance for future Police Officers while they train
• Students in Charles Sturt's Associate Degree in Policing Practice and at the NSW Police Force Academy to be supported

Charles Sturt University whole-heartedly supports the announcement by the NSW Government of financial assistance for future NSW Police Officers.

From March 2024, student police officers will be paid to study at the Goulburn Police Academy, receiving a salary of approximately $30,984 plus superannuation over their 16-week study period.

At the end of their studies, students will be employed and paid as Probationary Constables, as is the current arrangement.

Charles Sturt Vice-Chancellor Professor Renée Leon said current policing students will receive a scholarship, administered by the University, to provide them with support.

“Financial assistance for future NSW Police Officers in our Associate Degree in Policing Practice and at the NSW Police Force Academy will increase enrolments and mean more police for NSW communities,” Professor Leon said.

“For 25 years, Charles Sturt has played an integral role in helping to train tens of thousands of NSW Police Officers.

“We look forward to continuing our important partnership with the NSW Police Force and welcoming the first recruits under this exciting new scheme in 2024.”

Premier of NSW, the Hon. Chris Minns MP, said “we owe a great debt of gratitude to NSW Police”.

“Police do an incredible job to keep us safe, but the truth is they are stretched and overworked, and we can’t fix that if we don’t recruit and retain more officers,” he said.

“We want to attract a diverse new cohort of NSW Police Officers. My message to anyone who has considered joining the NSW Police is that now is the time to apply.”

NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb said the announcement is a “game changer”.

“Breaking down the barriers for people to leave one job and start with us without being financially disadvantaged is the most attractive incentive we’ve been able to offer for many years.”

“I can’t think of a more exciting announcement for the NSW Police Force and it comes at a time when I know all our current, hard-working, dedicated officers will be very relieved. The cavalry is coming.”