Qld police misogyny crisis: Premier backs Commissioner Katarina Carroll after inquiry revelations

A second senior police officer who made a lewd comment at a leadership conference has taken leave, as the Premier throws her support behind the Police Commissioner.

The second senior police officer who made a lewd comment at a leadership conference – exposed last week at a commission of inquiry – has taken leave while Commissioner Katarina Carroll seeks legal advice “about her options”.

Chief Superintendent Ray Rohweder called out “did she shut her legs on you” after the conference MC joked about a “rough promotional process” while referring to a cut on his face.

The incident was one of two raised at the Commission of Inquiry into Queensland Police Responses to Domestic and Family Violence on Thursday, as Ms Carroll was questioned about whether there was a culture of sexism, racism and misogyny within the service.

The other incident, in which Deputy Commissioner Paul Taylor at a different conference called his gynaecologist friend a “vagina whisperer” during a formal speech, saw him resign on Friday.

Chief Supt Rohweder was a superintendent at the time of his gaffe.

Chief Superintendent Ray Rohweder

In a statement late on Saturday, a QPS spokesman said: “The second senior officer whose comments at a QPS conference were the subject of evidence at the commission of inquiry on Thursday is now on leave.

“The commissioner has sought legal advice about her options in relation to this officer, and that advice is pending.”

Earlier, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk gave her support to Ms Carroll following a tumultuous week in which the commissioner agreed there was a significant problem with sexism and misogyny in the service.

Both Mr Taylor and Chief Superintendent Rohweder were dealt with at the time with “managerial guidance”, which involved a discussion with a more senior officer.

Police Minister Mark Ryan said chief supt Rohweder’s comment at the conference “was deplorable and reflects poorly on the officer”.

“Along with all Queenslanders, I expect high standards from all police officers at all times,” he said.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk is backing Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll after a turbulent few days for the police force.

“That comment does not meet the high standards expected in a modern contemporary police service.”

Ms Palaszczuk and Mr Ryan offered their support to Ms Carroll, who spent an uncomfortable day being grilled on the culture of the service.

The two incidents were used by counsel assisting the inquiry, Ruth O’Gorman, as examples of a sexist culture.

“The commission of inquiry is about improving the experiences of women in interacting with Queensland Police,” Ms Palaszczuk’s spokesman said.

“The commissioner’s record of reform at (Queensland Fire and Emergency Services) is well-known.”

Mr Ryan described Ms Carroll as a well-respected public servant and said he had full confidence in her.

Mr Taylor was appointed deputy commissioner for regional Queensland in 2020.

The Sunday Mail understands QPS called for expressions of interest for the role on Friday.

Paul Taylor resigned as deputy police commissioner on Friday.

Originally published as Qld police misogyny crisis: Premier backs Commissioner Katarina Carroll after inquiry revelations