Commission of Inquiry into police responses to domestic violence reopens submissions

The Commission of Inquiry into police responses to domestic violence has sensationally reopened submissions to the public after several people came forward following evidence given by Commissioner Katarina Carroll.

The Commission of Inquiry into police responses to domestic violence has sensationally reopened submissions to the public after evidence given by Commissioner Katarina Carroll.

Ms Carroll was last week grilled at the inquiry and denied a widespread cultural problem with police but agreed there were issues relating to sexism, misogyny and racism.

Deputy Commissioner Paul Taylor resigned on Friday, a day after the inquiry heard he’d referred to a gynaecologist friend as a “vagina whisperer” during a formal speech at a leadership conference.

Paul Taylor arriving at Cairns airport from Brisbane last week. Picture: Brian Cassey

The inquiry also heard another senior officer, Chief Superintendent Ray Rohweder, called out “did she shut her legs on you”, after the emcee of a separate leadership conference joked about a “rough promotional process” while referring to a cut on his face.

Both Mr Taylor and Chief Supt Rohweder were dealt with at the time with “local managerial resolution”, which involved a discussion with a more senior officer about their behaviour.

Mr Taylor resigned on Friday, saying he was “deeply apologetic” and that it was “never my intention to offend anyone”.

Chief Supt Rohweder is on leave and the service has said Ms Carroll is seeking legal advice about the officer.

Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll leaving the Independent Commission of Inquiry into Queensland Police Service responses to domestic and family violence last week. Picture: Liam Kidston

DFV Inquiry Commissioner Judge Deborah Richards said the decision was made to re-open submissions after Ms Carroll gave evidence.

“After considering the answers to the questions put to her at that hearing and upon receiving further communications from current and former members of the QPS since that hearing, the commission has decided that it is necessary to re-open the call for submissions,” Ms Richards said on Monday.

“The commission is particularly interested in any cultural or other issues that may be affecting the ability of officers to effectively undertake the important and onerous task of protecting our most vulnerable citizens.”

Ms Richards said any submissions could be treated confidentially and people could also request to speak to counsel assisting the inquiry by phone if they did not want to make written submissions.

“The commission will also arrange for a recording of Katarina Carroll’s evidence to be uploaded to the website to assist any individual who may wish to address any of the issues canvassed during her evidence,” she said.

Ms Richards said: “I would particularly urge any current members of the QPS to provide any further information to the commission as they assist in the accurate, full and fair reporting of these matters in the final report.”

Judge Deborah Richards. Picture: Tara Croser

Any decisions on further public hearings will be made after September 5.

Ms Richards’ comments follow a statement from the DFV inquiry Monday morning.

“At a hearing of the Commission of Inquiry on Thursday, 18 August 2022, Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll agreed that there are significant cultural issues, relating to sexism, misogyny and racism, within the QPS,” the statement said.

“Following that evidence, the Commission of Inquiry has been contacted by a number of members of the QPS about those issues.

“In light of these matters, the Commission of Inquiry is calling for further submissions from people who have knowledge of the cultural issues within the QPS.

“The call for submissions will only be open for a short period. Submissions must be provided by 5pm, Monday 5 September 2022.

“Submissions can be made confidentially.

“Submissions can be emailed to [e-mail]

“The Commission of Inquiry will hold a brief hearing this afternoon (Monday 22 August) at 2.15pm in Court 23 of the Brisbane Magistrates Court to advise of the new call for submissions. The hearing will be open to the public and will be livestreamed from the Commission’s website.”