More than 230 submissions to inquiry since Commissioner speaks

Queensland’s Commission of Inquiry into police responses to domestic and family violence has received more than 230 submissions since Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll gave evidence.

Queensland’s Commission of Inquiry into police responses to domestic and family violence has received more than 230 submissions since Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll gave evidence.

Ms Carroll faced intense questioning of the service at the inquiry last month and denied a widespread cultural problem with police. But she agreed there were issues relating to sexism, misogyny and racism.

In a bombshell just days later, DFV inquiry Commissioner Judge Deborah Richards said it was “necessary” to re-open submissions after current and former members contacted the inquiry following Ms Carroll’s evidence.

The Courier-Mail has since confirmed the inquiry has requested all disciplinary records of the executive leadership team.

Deputy Commissioner Paul Taylor resigned a day after the inquiry heard he’d referred to a gynaecologist friend as a “vagina whisperer” during a formal speech at a leadership conference.

The inquiry also heard another senior officer, Chief Superintendent Ray Rohweder, called out “did she shut her legs on you”, after the MC of a separate leadership conference joked about a “rough promotional process” while referring to a cut on his face.

Both Mr Taylor and Chief Supt Rohweder were dealt with at the time with “local managerial resolution”, which involved a discussion with a more senior officer about their behaviour.

Chief Supt Rohweder is on leave and the service has said Ms Carroll is seeking legal advice about the officer.

The inquiry has said it will make a decision on whether to recall Ms Carroll or other witnesses in the near future. It received more than 230 submissions in the 15 days since Ms Carroll with a number made over the phone.

In the initial call for submissions, between June 2 and June 17, about 300 were received.

The inquiry has extended its reporting deadline from October 4 to November 14.
The commission will not disclose any information about the submitters.

If submitters give their consent to publish their submissions, they will be released on November 14.

Originally published as More than 230 submissions to inquiry since Commissioner speaks