Hannah Clarke’s parents support Commissioner Katarina Carroll in wake of damning findings

The parents of murdered Brisbane woman Hannah Clarke have thrown their unwavering support behind Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll despite damning findings over a “failure of leadership”.

The parents of murdered Brisbane woman Hannah Clarke have thrown their unwavering support behind Queensland Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll despite damning findings doubting her leadership.

Small Steps 4 Hannah Foundation, founded by Lloyd and Sue Clarke, backed Ms Carroll in a statement released on Monday night, saying she was not only a strong leader but a caring and wonderful friend to them.

It comes after the Commission of Inquiry into Queensland Police Service response to domestic and family violence findings painted a bleak picture of misogyny, racism and sexism within the service, with 78 recommendations handed down.

The 400-page report repeatedly blamed a “failure of leadership”, with Ms Carroll admitting the service had “let people down”.

Mr Clarke, whose daughter and grandchildren were murdered by Hannah’s ex-husband in 2020, said Ms Carroll wasn’t to blame for the problems.

Hannah Clarke with her children (L-R) Laianah, Aaliyah and Trey.

“It’s clear the Queensland Police Service has had its challenges in relation to the behaviour of some individuals, and some longstanding cultural issues,” Mr Clarke said.

“These cultural issues long predate Ms Carroll’s appointment as Commissioner, but we believe she is the best person to tackle those issues and set the Queensland Police Service on the path to best service all Queenslanders.”

Mr Clarke also said Ms Carroll had been a “tireless champion” for coercive control law reform, a form of domestic violence which Hannah was subjected to before her tragic death.

Speaking on The Today Show on Tuesday, Mr Clarke said the inquiry findings were “shocking”, but said they had been treated “very well” by police.

Mrs Clarke said Hannah was treated well by the female police officer who spoke with her.

“Hannah came home and felt so validated – I’ve spoken to a lot of survivors and unfortunately it seems to be 50/50, every second woman seems to get an uninterested or apathetic listener,” she said.

Mrs Clarke said Queenslanders were lucky to have a caring leader in Ms Carroll.

Sue and Lloyd Clarke at Queensland Parliament House as the first phase of legislation to combat coercive control is detailed. NewsWire / Sarah Marshall

“Ms Carroll does so much work publicly to support organisations such as Small Steps 4 Hannah Foundation. However, she also gives tremendous support behind closed doors to families such as ours, and no doubt many others in similar situations,” she said.

“We can’t fully express our gratitude and admiration for her kindness and empathy. All we can do is tell Queenslanders what a wonderful person we have leading our police service. We hope she will continue in this role for many years to come.”

Katarina Carroll Police Commissioner during a press conference, Brisbane. Picture: Liam Kidston

The report from the Commission of Inquiry into Queensland Police Service Responses to Domestic and Family Violence was yesterday made public, recommending 78 changes, including effectively putting an end to “police investigating police”.

It detailed how “burnt-out” police avoided responding to domestic violence calls for help, remarking “not another domestic” or rating victims on their looks and making jokes about the circumstances.

The inquiry found gaps in resourcing and training but also heard stories of “dedicated and caring” police who “protect victim-survivors of domestic and family violence as best they can”.

Among the major recommendations put forward by Commissioner of the Inquiry, Judge Deborah Richards, was the implementation of a civilian body within the Crime and Corruption Commission to investigate all complaints against police.

Hannah Clarke's parents Lloyd and Suzanne Clarke beside Queensland Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll during a vigil for Hannah Clarke and her three children Aaliyah, 6, Laianah, 4, and Trey, 3, at Bill Hewitt Reserve in Brisbane. Picture: AAP Image/Sarah Marshall

Deputy Commissioner Steve Gollschewski has also been appointed to the role of “Special Co-ordinator for Police Reform” to implement the recommendations and will report directly to the government.

The government will spend $100m to fund more specialist domestic violence police, embed more support workers in police stations and put on more victim liaison officers, domestic violence liaison officers and cultural liaison officers across Queensland.

Ms Carroll admitted the thought of resigning had crossed her mind, but said Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk supported her ability.

Asked about whether there had been a failure of leadership, the Premier said: “The report clearly says that in some instances that there has been”.

“The report does not make any recommendations about the leadership. The report sets up a path for reform.”