Statement from Queensland Human Rights Commissioner Scott McDougall regarding the response to the Strengthening the Service review of workplace equality in the Queensland Police Service

I received a letter from the Acting Commissioner of the Queensland Police Service (QPS) yesterday detailing QPS’s response to the Strengthening the Service review.

I thank Acting Deputy Commissioner Mark Kelly for his acknowledgment of the Commission's collaborative approach and work on this review and extend my thanks to the QPS staff involved.

I also extend my thanks to the members of the Advisory Panel for their commitment and expertise throughout the review process. It is disappointing that the QPS has decided not to continue to receive expert guidance from the Advisory Panel as they proceed to implementation of the accepted recommendations.

The review made 36 recommendations to drive equality across the service. The Commission’s extensive research found that to access the best talent, and get the most out of its workforce, QPS needs to dismantle structural disadvantages to women, First Nations and culturally diverse peoples. The Commission’s review was informed by input from over 2,700 QPS members, Police Liaison Officers and recruits. I am pleased that QPS has accepted, without limitations, to embed victim-centred and trauma-informed practices into their policies.

I am disappointed that several critical recommendations designed to hold QPS leadership accountable for measurable change have been declined or only partially accepted. For example, the recommendation that substantial progress be made to achieving minimum diversity targets in their Executive Leadership Team within two years. This response confirms our findings about the strength of resistance within the service that continues to act as a barrier, particularly to the progression of women in the service.

Each of our recommendations had been developed in close consultation with QPS leaders. The recommendations provided an achievable path forward aligned with the strategic vision of the QPS. In addition, they supported key portfolio deliverables in the Minister for Police and Emergency Services’ Ministerial Charter Letter – to reduce attrition and boost retention of QPS members.

I have spoken to the Police Minister and requested that the Government prioritise funding for all of the recommendations that have been accepted subject to funding.

In two years, the Commission will evaluate QPS’s success in achieving a more inclusive workforce. While the Commission will continue to extend our support to QPS as it implements some of the recommendations, responsibility for strengthening the service now falls to the Executive Leadership of the QPS.

- ENDS

More information

The Strengthening the Service: independent review of workplace equality in the Queensland Police Service report is available on the Commission website.

Media Contacts

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Email: comms@qhrc.qld.gov.au

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