Qld police: Ray Rohweder back on leave after minister urges resignation

A senior Queensland policeman caught up in a sexism row is back on leave just days after returning to work and less than 24 hours since the state’s Police Minister said the officer should resign.

A beleaguered Queensland cop who allegedly made sexist comments has gone back on leave just days after quietly returning to work.

The news come less than 24 hours after Police Minister Mark Ryan said the veteran policeman should resign.

Chief Superintendent Ray Rohweder took leave in July after explosive testimony was aired at the Commission of Inquiry into Queensland Police Service Response to Domestic and Family Violence that he and former deputy commissioner Paul Taylor made lewd comments at leadership conferences.

The inquiry heard that Chief Supt Rohweder called out “did she shut her legs on you” when the MC joked about a “rough promotional process” while referring to a cut on his face.

When the incident was brought to light during evidence at the inquiry in August, Chief Supt Rohweder took leave.

The Courier-Mail revealed this week Chief Superintendent Rohweder had returned to work as of Monday but was not working in his usual role in the Road Policing Unit.

Acting Deputy Commissioner Mark Wheeler, on Thursday, confirmed Chief Supt Rohweder was on leave again, as of November 9.

Police Minister Mark Ryan in Question Time on Wednesday. Picture: Dan Peled/NCA NewsWire

“I think his remarks and conduct is totally inconsistent with the values of the Queensland Police Service,” Mr Ryan said.

“There’s also an obligation here for the individual concerned to consider his position.

“He needs to think about whether his conduct and comments are consistent with the values of the Queensland Police Service.

“I’ll give him a hint: They’re not, and I think he should do the honourable thing and take appropriate action.”

When asked if he meant that Chief Supt Rohweder should resign, Mr Ryan said: “Yes.”

Mr Ryan said Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll was seeking further industrial relations advice.

On Tuesday, a Queensland police spokeswoman confirmed Chief Supt Rohweder was back from leave.

“The officer returned from leave this week,” the spokeswoman said.

Chief Superintendent Ray Rohweder

“He is working in a non-public-facing research role while the matter remains under consideration.

“The Queensland Police Service is committed to improving its response to inappropriate workplace behaviour and has recently implemented new oversight measures as part of an ongoing review into its local managerial resolution system.”

Deputy Commissioner Paul Taylor resigned after testimony was aired at the commission of inquiry that he also made a lewd comment at a leadership conference.

The inquiry heard Mr Taylor, during a formal speech at the conference earlier this year, referred to a gynaecologist friend as a “vagina whisperer”.

The Courier-Mail approached QPS for comment from Chief Supt Rohweder.

A spokeswoman reiterating he was now working in a non-public-facing research role.

“It would not be appropriate to provide further commentary while the matter remains under consideration,” the spokeswoman said.

After the Queensland Police Union opposed moves to give the police commissioner the power to dismiss officers found unfit for the job, an amendment was tabled to allow the sacking of police who have been jailed.