Queensland citizens draws to the attention of the House to the Independent Commission of Inquiry into Queensland Police Service (“QPS”) responses to domestic and family violence (“Independent Commission”) and the failure of the Queensland Police Commissioner (“Commissioner”) to address an extensive culture of sexist, misogynist and racist conduct within the QPS.

Despite the Independent Commission being established to inquire inter alia into the QPS‘s culture and complaints handling of domestic and family violence (“DFV”), in a disturbing decision the Commissioner initially rejected an invitation from the Independent Commission to attend (Transcript p1957). The Commissioner’s decision is inconsistent with her duties and reasonable public expectations.

The Commissioner stated she “didn’t support a commission of inquiry because [she] didn’t consider there were widespread cultural issues [within the QPS] ” (Transcript  p1957) However, when challenged, she later admitted that “there are significant cultural issues, relating to sexism, misogyny and racism, within the QPS’ (Transcript  p2070). The Police Commissioner also reportedly admitted in a letter to QPS officers that “As an organisation, we have failed victims, and we need to do better.” (C-Mail March 10, 2022)

Your petitioners, therefore, request the House to take notice that the evidence at the Independent Commission has exposed multiple failures by the Commissioner to effectively manage, investigate and discipline offending senior and front-line QPS officers responsible for protecting DFV victims.

Further, that the House take such action as necessary to ensure the termination of the Commissioner’s appointment under section 4.5(3)(b) of the Police Service Administration Act 1990.