Police union boss Ian Leavers claims ‘free pass’ on Treaty: What you said

Ian Leavers’ extraordinary claims about the Truth and Treaty body has sparked a war of words. JOIN THE CONVERSATION

“Make him Premier”.

Ian Leavers’ extraordinary claim that the state government’s Truth and Treaty body is nothing more than a feel-good attempt to divide the state has largely been hailed by readers, some even suggesting he should be running Queensland.

The Queensland’s Police Union President may have come in for strong criticism for what is being called an “ignorant and factually wrong diatribe”, but he largely received backing for his views online.

“For police, the most concerning aspect of all of this ‘truth telling’ is the notion that people could have an unfiltered ability to ‘share their truth on their terms’,” he said.

Queensland Police Union president Ian Leavers

“In this woke world there may be the concept of sharing your own truth, however in the world of policing, truth is not subjective. It is objective. Either something is the truth or it is not.”

Transport Minister Mark Bailey issued a stinging rebuke of Mr Leavers, calling his “ignorant and factually wrong diatribe is an embarrassment to the Qld Police Union”.

“He should be working on rectifying the identified racism, misogyny and sexism in the force to make it an inclusive and lawful workplace,” Mr Bailey said.

As president of the Queensland Police Union Mr Leavers advocates on behalf of the service’s 17,000 officers and staff on industrial, legal, social and political issues.

“All police I have spoken to are very worried that the inner-city latte sippers have grabbed control of the law and order agenda and now wish to further attack police and water down laws as they affect First Nations offenders through the Truth and Treaty Body,” he said.

Mr Leavers acknowledged people would “whip themselves into a frenzy” over his comments.

However many readers were quick to support his view, with about 90 per cent voting in agreeance in an online poll.

Bazza & TBH wrote: “Someone with a backbone at last!”

Anthony was also in support: “Well said Ian, you should be running for Premier in the next election to fix the mess created by the current incumbent of that office.”

Peter claimed it was time politicians left the conversation.

“Politicians need to stay out of policing and health and leave it to the experts that know what they are doing,” he wrote.

See what you had to say below and join the conversation or on Facebook >>>

WHAT YOU SAID

Leavers is spot on

Robert

Can he run for parliament. Vote 1 QPU

Anthony

Well said Ian, you should be running for Premier in the next election to fix the mess created by the current incumbent of that office.

Robert

Once he’s done being the union boss, make him Premier. People need to hear this – he has hit the nail on the head

Brian

Well he’s dead right. Simple.

Artemis

Ian Leavers comments are correct. All the woke nonsense in every facet of our lives does more to divide us than anything. When will commonsense prevail?

Bazza & TBH

Someone with a backbone at last!

Queensland premier Annastacia Palaszczuk may need to be worried about her job, according to some readers.

Crime is out of control

Graham

If you look at the statistics on youth crime and stolen cars that horse has left the stable

Realist

He is bang on the money! Although, they already get a free pass.

Ewan Mee

It’s past time to refer to all Australians as just that Australians. Everybody must have the same rights and obey the same rules and the same penalties must apply equally.

Peter

Politicians need to stay out of policing and health and leave it to the experts that know what they are doing.

Ian Leavers said people within Indigenous communities had begged him to help control youth crime.

Labor has to go!

Mark

Why does the Labor party keep dividing the country? This is beyond ridiculous post the referendum result.

2oddsox

Watch out Mr. Leavers, you’ll be in the government’s firing line soon.

Barry T

The lefties want the blindfold to be removed from the statue of Lady Justice.

Bernadette

I hope Ian Leavers’ views as QPU rep ring loud and clear in George St. How refreshing to have a union rep actually speaking his mind based on on-the-ground discussions with indigenous elders and communities as well as police rank-and-file members. I can’t imagine the Teachers’ Union rep being as objective and willing to express an anti-Labour line.

Bernard

No need to change the name of Queensland just change the government