‘Targeted for seeking the truth’: Brett Forte whistleblowers demand justice

The widow and police partner of murdered police officer Brett Forte say they want a thorough investigation into claims they were bullied and intimidated for asking questions about his death.

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The widow and police partner of murdered officer Senior Constable Brett Forte say they want a thorough investigation into claims they were bullied and intimidated for asking questions about his death.

Senior Constable Susie Forte and Senior Constable Cath Nielsen told an inquest into Brett’s murder they were targeted – and even subjected to complaints of perjury – for speaking out.

Their treatment was mentioned by State Coroner Terry Ryan in his findings this week, as well as by Judge Deborah Richards in a separate inquiry about police responses to domestic and family violence.

“I want them to take responsibility for what has happened to Susie and I,” Sen Const Nielsen said yesterday.

“It has been for me, and other police here at the coal face, it has just been disrespectful to Bretty’s death – and that’s just not good enough.

“And if they don’t do a thorough investigation of things that have come out of this, in my view, they are allowing hard working police who go on the road every day to be treated like this.”

Susie Forte and Senior Constable Cath Nielsen. Picture: Liam Kidston

Brett was murdered by domestic violence offender Ricky Maddison on May 29, 2017, after he lured police down an isolated dirt track and opened fire with a machine gun.

Sen Const Nielsen, in the passenger seat, smashed the windscreen and dragged Brett out while Maddison continued to fire.

Susie, who was working that day, heard her husband’s murder unfold over the police radio.

The murders happened during an investigation into reports of automatic gunfire on Wallers Rd – the same road where Brett was killed.

In the weeks and months that followed, both women began asking questions about the automatic gunfire investigation and whether Brett’s murder could have been prevented.

Sen Const Nielsen told the inquest she was lied to about who knew what about the automatic gunfire.

She said she was bullied and had her gun taken away from her. The inquest also heard allegations that Susie was “blamed” for Brett’s death by a senior officer.

Senior Constable Brett Forte (centre) receives a service medal during his time at Caboolture Police Station.

After these claims were made, complaints were lodged against both women by an Ethical Standards Command investigator, accusing them of failing to report misconduct and perjury.

The complaints were ultimately dismissed by the ESC, which noted it was “important to understand that both Catherine Nielsen and Susan Forte are affected persons and victims of crime”.

Judge Richards, who headed the Commission of Inquiry into Queensland Police Responses to Domestic and Family Violence, criticised the action taken against the officers and told Commissioner Katarina Carroll that it should have never happened.

The inquiry found the women should have been supported in raising their concerns rather than being referred for “poorly considered disciplinary proceedings”.

State Coroner Terry Ryan on Tuesday agreed and said the actions against the officers was “unwarranted”.

“How can police that have to give evidence in coronial hearings not fear that the same thing is going to happen to them,” Sen Const Nielsen said.

“Susie and I both feel that this has ruined our credibility in the job. In this job, credibility is everything.”

Police at the scene where Brett Forte was shot by Ricky Maddison in 2017. Picture: AAP Image/Dan Peled

Susie said she continued to stay strong for her husband, which meant turning up to work and doing her job as best she can, because “it’s what he would have wanted”.

“I have Brett in my mind always,” she said.

“Even though I have had many dark days, and have forced myself out of bed on many occasions, I will continue to fight for what is right.”

Asked whether an investigation would be conducted, a Queensland Police Service spokesperson said: “Ethical Standards Command is undertaking inquiries in relation to matters raised with all parties involved.”