Editorial: Support our police not just in words but deeds

Our police need to know they are supported not only in word, but in deed, and providing life-saving equipment is a good start, writes the editor.

Slain senior constable Brett Forte

Frontline police officers put their lives on the line every single day.

They go to work not knowing for certain if they will make it home afterwards.

Their families also are aware of the dangers, and all too often, the tragic sacrifices that are made in the name of serving the community and enforcing law and order.

Being a police officer is not a job for the faint-hearted. It takes courage in the face of enormous risk, and despite concerted efforts by the state government to tackle Queensland’s crime crisis, that risk remains.

For this reason, anything and everything that can be done to improve the safety of our men and women in blue should be done.

Few know this better than Luke Forte, whose brother Brett Forte was fatally shot by fugitive killer Ricky Maddison in 2017.

Senior Constable Forte was gunned down after Maddison lured the Tactical Crime Squad officer and his police partner down a deserted road in the Lockyer Valley.

Mr Forte tells The Courier-Mail today that his brother’s death “underscores the dangerous nature of police work and the urgent need for enhanced protection and response equipment for all frontline officers in Queensland”.

To this end, Mr Forte is throwing his weight behind a push for the Queensland Police Service to issue all officers with personal issue tourniquets.

It comes after a terrifying incident in Brisbane last Friday when Acting Sergeant Liam Bailey was shot in the leg after a 26-year-old man ran at him and his colleague with a plank of timber in the backyard of an Annerley property.

First-year constable Boyd Harrington-Karaitiana shot the man twice, then gave his own tourniquet to Liam Bailey.

It was a quick-thinking act which Queensland Police Union president Shane Prior said saved the officer’s life.

The union has been calling for officers to be issued with personal tactical aid kits and tourniquets, rather than having supplies stored in police cars.

When every minute counts, as is frequently the case in a shooting, urgent access is paramount.

Crucial time could be lost tracking back to the vehicle, meaning the difference between life and death.

Luke Forte has started a petition demanding the QPS mandate that all frontline officers carry a personal issue tourniquet and tactical medical kit.

It has already received more than 200 signatures.

He cites a study which shows immediate access to tourniquets could increase survival rates by nearly 90 per cent.

Mr Forte also says the potentially lifesaving advancement will serve as a testament to the sacrifices made by brave officers like his late brother.

Police commissioner Steve Gollschewski says he is committed to providing the best equipment for those on the frontline.

Surely, the provision of personal kits is a no-brainer. It would seem an obvious and overdue change to the way those on the thin blue line do their jobs.

Crime is a growing concern for all Queenslanders and our police service is already stretched to breaking point trying to cope with a rising number of call-outs and increasingly violent encounters.

Police officers need to know that they are not only supported in word, but also in deed, and giving immediate access to life-saving equipment is a good place to start.

GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY

Last year’s announcement that the Queensland Academy of Sport would be unshackled from the bureaucracy to stand independently was one of the few significant decisions made to ensure Brisbane shines in 2032.

As politicians continue to change positions and plans for 2032 Games infrastructure, the move by then premier Steven Miles in May to give QAS independence will ensure our athletes have their best chance for success at a home event.

It is heartening to hear new Olympic and Paralympic Games Minister Tim Mander commit to progressing these plans and fitting the government is engaging with Chelsea Warr – dubbed the “gold medal maker”. Ms Warr, frustrated with the direction of QAS and involvement of bureaucrats, quit QAS in February.

Now, as the academy faces independence, a new chief executive officer will be required. We weren’t told the details of Ms Warr’s meeting with Mr Mander’s chief of staff, but the importance of sporting success in 2032 requires her to be on the shortlist.

Bipartisan support for QAS’s independence is a positive shift from three years of Olympic bickering between the two major parties.

It ensures, on the field at least, Brisbane will shine.

Responsibility for election comment is taken by Chris Jones, corner of Mayne Rd & Campbell St, Bowen Hills, Qld 4006. Printed and published by NEWSQUEENSLAND (ACN 009 661 778). Contact details here