Advisory group reformed after sacking of members last year

Improved policing outcomes and better representation of first nations peoples are two key aims of the reformed First Nations Police Advisory Group after the sacking of the former group last year.

The Police First Nations Advisory Group has been re-established to assist the Queensland Police Service to achieve a diverse and far-reaching representation of First Nations peoples. Picture: Supplied

Improved policing outcomes and better representation for First Nations people are two key aims of the reformed Police First Nations Advisory Group after the former group was sacked.

In February 2024 the Queensland Police Service sacked a panel of First Nations community leaders and elders after members refused to sign nondisclosure agreements.

In a statement at the time the group said members were given contracts to sign containing confidentiality clauses.

These clauses “would prevent us from speaking publicly about the work of the (group)” and were contrary to the group’s terms of reference, according to the statement.

But on Friday Queensland Police announced the re-established group and released a photo of the new members with Queensland police commissioner Steve Gollschewski.

The members bring together varied experiences working in their communities, including from Seisia in the Torres Strait, Cape York, North Queensland, North-West Queensland, Gulf of Carpentaria and South-East Queensland.

The renewed group, made up of 10 members from First Nations communities across Queensland held its inaugural meeting last week where improving safe service outcomes for First Nations peoples and communities was a focus.

“The QPS has made significant efforts to recruit members from a diverse cross-section of urban, rural and remote First Nations communities, ensuring there are voices from a wide range of cultural, geographic and social contexts across Queensland,” Commissioner Gollschewski said.

“I am confident that the First Nations Advisory Group will help us improve safe outcomes for First Nations peoples and communities.”

The Advisory Group was initially established in 2022 as an advisory body to the QPS designed to make recommendations intended to strengthen relationships and foster safe key policing responses.

And in 2024 a review found the group would benefit from a broader representation and now elders, youth, the disabled, community advisers and LGBTQIA representatives are part of the group.

“At the first official meeting of 2025, the group discussed the terms of reference and their annual work plan, looking to set a clear direction for the year ahead,” he said.

Executive Director of QPS First Nations Division and Advisory Group committee co-chair, Alan Dewis said 49 expressions of interest were received from First Nations peoples across Queensland wanting to take part in this work and contribute to positive change.

The Advisory Group will meet quarterly over the next two-year term, with the next meeting planned for May 2025.

Police First Nations Advisory Group members

Aunty Rose Elu

Lucretia Huen

Tania Major

Aunty Colleen McLennan

Jerome Pang

Nathaniel Prior

Peta Ross

Lee Smallwood

Edward Solien

Steve Watson

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Originally published as Advisory group reformed after sacking of members last year