Hidden reviews into Gold Coast police has Opposition asking for answers

The State Government is refusing to divulge if or when it will release three long-awaited reports into Gold Coast policing.

Gold Coast police at a crime scene. Picture: Jerad Williams.

THE State Government is refusing to divulge if or when it will release three long-awaited reports into Gold Coast policing.

The Gold Coast Bulletin last month detailed concerns by Opposition MPs and Gold Coast criminologist Dr Terry Goldsworthy that the reports were being hidden to stop debate about the need for more police on the Glitter Strip.

Police Minister Mark Ryan and Assistant Commander Brian Wilkins at Surfers Paradise headquarters. Photo: Emily Halloran.

The Opposition has since asked Police Minister Mark Ryan when the Government will release the reviews into the evaluation of the Gold Coast Domestic Violence Taskforce, Rapid Action Patrol Group and the police culture.

Mr Ryan told Parliament he had been advised by the Queensland Police Service that a progress evaluation report on the DV taskforce was being considered by senior officers.

“I am informed that a review into the Rapid Action and Patrols Group is also under consideration by the QPS,” Mr Ryan said.

“Further, the QPS has advised that a review into the police culture on the Gold Coast is an internal review and that participants were assured of anonymity.”

Mr Ryan confirmed an executive summary of the report had been released publicly.

The four pages of the 82-page report concluded there was “no evidence of widespread and pervasive negative culture” but there were “negative workplace indicators”.

A brief reference was made to a perceived lack of high-level leadership at a district level which had created instability “up until recent times”.

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Police on patrol in Surfers Paradise. Picture Glenn Hampson.

Opposition police spokesman Trevor Watts yesterday said the full text of the culture review report, along with the others, should be released.

“The release of these reviews have been delayed for far too long. The public want answers now and they deserve answers now,” Mr Watts said.

“Labor is also refusing to release the 2018/19 QPS Annual Statistical Review which should have been released months ago.

“It’s obvious that Labor are attempting to conceal the latest crime rates on the Gold Coast, but they can’t hide the report forever.

“Everyone knows crime on the Gold Coast has surged since Labor has been in government and delaying the release of these reviews is more proof that they’re trying to cover it up.”

Dr Goldsworthy, who has been unsuccessful in obtaining the cultural review report through the Right To Information process, said the Government was on strong footing when denying information related to police operational matters.

But issues regarding culture and performance should be open to public scrutiny, he said.