Outspoken detective senior constable to lead Qld Police Union

Shane Prior, a detective senior constable, a former State Crime Command officer and president of Queensland Police Legacy will become the new Queensland Police Union president.

Ian Leavers’ right-hand man Shane Prior will take over as boss of the Queensland Police Union.

It comes after Mr Leavers was appointed the inaugural cross-border commissioner following a wave of youth crime in Goondiwindi and nearby Boggabilla.

Shane Prior has been with the Queensland Police Union since 2017, serving as its vice president under Mr Leavers since 2019.

Mr Prior, a detective senior constable, is a former State Crime Command officer and is also president of Queensland Police Legacy.

Ian Leavers and Shane Prior. Picture: Liam Kidston

Mr Prior hasn’t shied away from speaking out on topics impacting officers, most recently in May calling out the state government after overcrowding revelations surfaced in Mount Isa, declaring they were concerned about a death in custody.

He’s also been outspoken about a lack of police resources in the state’s bikie-busting Taskforce Maxima, and blasted Queensland Health during the Covid-19 pandemic for not telling officers in quarantine when or how they will be tested.

Mr Prior, in his role with the Queensland Police Legacy, was shoulder-to-shoulder with Mr Leavers during the horrific months following the Wieambilla massacre where Constables Rachel McCrow and Matthew Arnold were murdered.

Mr Leavers said he had ultimate faith in Mr Prior taking on the presidency.

Ian Leavers will become a cross-border commissioner. Picture: David Clark

“I’ve worked with him closely over the last three years. I think he will do an outstanding job,” Mr Leavers said.

“I’ve been there for 15 years, and he has my full support. I think he will certainly advocate on behalf of the police.”

Mr Prior is a father-of-three and married his wife, Amy, in September 2022.