Queensland residents draws to the attention of the House that Queensland Police Service (QPS) Commissioned Officers appointments do not reflect the cultural diversity of the community they represent. Aboriginal people under this policing oversight have remained over represented in the justice system continuing to be a major social issue. Cultural competency of the system at all levels needs to be increased to reduce the effects of ‘systemic whiteness'.

Best Practice does not discriminate in hiring practices in order to build the strongest possible workforce. A focus on diversification helps establish a more trusting climate between the police and different population groups. Increasing diversity offers access to a broad range of skills and services. QPS states it is a equal opportunity employer this is not reflected in commissioned positions historically or present.

Queensland enacted the Family and Child Commission Act 2014 from 1 July 2014. This Act requires two Commissioners to be appointed to the commission. One commissioner must be an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. This response addresses whiteness and racism. It enables depth of understanding of how racialising practices are at work in policy, professional practices and personal standpoint, even when approaches to embedding Indigenous perspectives align with recommended strategies.

Your petitioners, therefore, request the House to amend the Queensland Police Service Administration Act 1990 to reflect best practice and cultural competency by appointing a second Commissioner of Police with the requirement being that person must be an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.