Police Commissioner Gollschewski ‘unavailable’ as criticism mounts on ‘dangerous’ policy

The police commissioner refuses to respond to heavy criticism of an internal directive adding journalists “incompatible with QPS values” to a declarable association policy including criminals.

Police Commissioner "unavailable" over police policy backlash.

The Police Commissioner won't say if he will overturn an internal directive with journalists “incompatible with QPS values” in a declarable association policy covering criminals and religious extremists.

For a second day, Police Commissioner Steve Gollschewski has not responded to questions over the policy slammed as “dangerous” and “chilling” by LNP Leader David Crisafulli. Premier Steven Miles said the directive, appearing to force Queensland Police Service staff to disclose out-of-work associations with journalists, was “unacceptable”. Both sides of politics have agreed to have the commissioner overturn the decision, if elected on October 26.

On Thursday morning the Bulletin sent a second request to the Queensland Police Service (QPS) requesting to know whether Mr Gollschewski intended to quash the directive ahead of the anticipated post-election dressing down.

A QPS spokesman said the Commissioner was “unavailable” for an interview.

“There will be a media event next week that he can take questions at,” the QPS spokeswoman said.

A screenshot of updated Queensland Police Service training on declarable associations. Picture: QPS whistleblower.

Criticism has been mounting over the declarable associations policy after a screenshot from an updated QPS training module – the exact date is unclear – showed examples of declarable associations listed for staff:

● “A person suspected of being, or known to be engaged in criminal activity,” the video states;

● “A person who has a criminal history;

● “A person who is a member of a group or organisation involved in criminal activity;

● “A person, group or organisation with extreme political, social or religious views.

● “A person associated with any media outlet/journalist where the association is incompatible with QPS values.”

Member for Gaven Meaghan Scanlon, said she thought the policy was “totally unacceptable” as the daughter of a police officer. Picture: Glenn Hampson

In response to the backlash the QPS has responded that it “will consider reviewing the policy”.

On Friday, Housing Minister and Gaven MP Meaghan Scanlon added her condemnation, saying: “It’s totally unacceptable – you’d expect nothing less of the daughter of a Gold Coast police officer.

“It’s the sign of a good government that we’re open to being transparent and any government agency should be transparent,” Minister Scanlon said.

“I think that the two (police and media) need to work together and that’s why I don’t think the decision is the right one.”

The Queensland Police Union President Shane Prior declined to comment, with a union spokesman saying it was an “issue” for the Commissioner to address.