Promotions for dozens of top Queensland police ‘flawed’
An independent review has found issues with the promotions of 36 inspectors, superintendents and chief superintendents in Queensland last year.
The promotions of dozens of senior Queensland police are in jeopardy after a review found the process was flawed and their appointments should be “lapsed”.
An independent review commissioner external to the police service found issues with the promotions last year of 36 officers to the ranks of inspector, superintendent and chief superintendent.
Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll is reviewing the findings to decide whether to affirm the promotions or go through the process again.
“The review was focused on process-related issues rather than the merit of applicants,” a police spokesman said on Tuesday night.
“The review commissioner has recommended the appointments of 36 officers be lapsed.
“The review commissioner’s findings remain under consideration by Commissioner Carroll.
“The commissioner is focused on the welfare of QPS members and is seeking urgent advice to have this situation resolved as soon as possible.”
Reversing the promotions as a result of a flawed process would prove exceptionally difficult. Promoted officers have moved around the state to fill their new positions, in some cases selling or buying houses, while their previous roles have been filled by others, leaving affected officers nowhere to return.
About 200 people are understood to have applied for the promotions in a process that is estimated to have cost about $1m and involved an external human resources company. A deputy commissioner is believed to have overseen the promotions.
“All of the promotions from inspector to chief superintendent have been reviewed,” a source said. “The review commissioner has found issues with the process that have been brought to the attention of the commissioner.
“The commissioner gets the ultimate decision. It comes down to how significant the issues are.”
Police overlooked for promotions can apply for them to be reviewed, with appeals to be heard by an independent review commissioner. After a hearing, the review commissioner makes recommendations to the commissioner, who gets the final say.
“Some officers have reviewed the process, which is their entitlement,” the source said.
“The review commissioner has obviously agreed with them on at least some points.”
Senior officers said it was highly unusual for the promotions of so many officers — and officers of varying ranks — to be sent back to the commissioner after review.
Commissioned Officers’ Union president Inspector Dan Bragg said he was aware issues had been raised with the promotion process. “It’s a matter between members, the review commissioner and the police service. We’re not involved in this process,” he said.
Queensland Police Union president Ian Leavers said the “union has just been made aware of the findings and is monitoring developments closely”.
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