Chief Superintendent Ray Rohweder returns to work at Queensland Police Service after sexist comments air
One of Queensland’s top cops who took leave after explosive testimony was aired at the police DV inquiry has returned to work in a senior position.
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A top Queensland cop who took leave after bombshell revelations of his sexist comments came to light has returned to work in his senior position.
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 Mr Taylor, during a formal speech at the conference earlier this year, referred to a gynaecologist friend as a “vagina whisperer”.
In a separate conference, Chief Superintendent 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.
Both incidents were dealt with by “local managerial guidance”, and Chief Superintendent Rohweder was promoted shortly after.
When the incidents were brought to light during evidence at the inquiry in August, Mr Taylor immediately resigned, but Chief Superintendent Rohweder took leave.
The Courier-Mail can confirm he returned to work in his Chief Superintendent position on Monday but was not working in his usual role in the Road Policing Unit.
On Tuesday, a Queensland Police spokeswoman confirmed Chief Superintendent Rohweder was back from leave.
“The officer returned from leave this week,” the spokeswoman said.
“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.”
The inquiry heard weeks of shocking evidence where Queensland police were accused of widespread sexism, racism and misogyny.
Ms Carroll’s leadership of the police service was called into question after she was grilled about specific cases where senior officers had sexually assaulted colleagues – and on many occasions, received little to no punishment.
She has admitted the “local managerial resolution” process – which involves a chat with a more senior officer – was being misused to “punish” serial and serious offenders.
In October, Ms Carroll ordered a review of cases where male officers escaped punishment for predatory behaviour and said she was seeking legal advice on what her next steps could be.
“The disgraceful examples we have heard of in recent weeks cannot and will not continue,” Ms Carroll said.
“I am making it very clear to our workplace, this behaviour will not be tolerated and anyone who perpetrates it has no place in our workforce.
“We will be doing everything we can through the appropriate legislation to ensure that these people are no longer part of the QPS.
“I have apologised to the members of our organisation who have been impacted by this behaviour, but again today I say, I am truly sorry.
“As an organisation, we have failed victims, and we need to do better.
The final report into the inquiry is set to be handed down this month.
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