INTERSTATE CHOICE SHOWS LNP’S LACK OF FAITH

Media Release

The Newman Government has again shown its lack of faith in the senior ranks of Queensland Police Service by seeking to fill key jobs with outsiders, says Shadow Police Minister, Bill Byrne.

“Recruitment ads have been run in a national newspaper for what are supposed to be several positions carrying the rank of Chief Superintendent of Police,” Mr Byrne said.

“Last year 86 commissioned officers were culled from the seniors ranks of the Queensland Police Service but now these advertisements suggest there are vacancies to be filled."

“I am sure serving senior officers who aspire to promotion are dismayed at this latest insult to their ability and integrity. The implication is that the QPS has to recruit from outside the organisation and even outside the state to fill senior management roles."

“These positions are advertised with salaries of $178,000 and I am concerned that, once again, talented Queensland officers are being denied promotional opportunities."

“Chief Superintendents fill one of the most important leadership roles in regions across Queensland."

“It appears the LNP has lost faith in its own officers to effectively deal with crime in Queensland as the Newman Government radically reshapes the QPS to do its bidding."

“The Premier turned to his former commanding officer, ex-Brigadier Bill Mellor, to oversee the bikie crackdown. The former soldier, who has no qualifications for the role and no policing experience, is being paid between $204,463 and $233,511 to do a job that should be done from within the ranks of experienced, senior officers."

“It also begs the question that if 86 senior police were made redundant in 2013, why does the Newman Government need to advertise for Chief Superintendents of Police now?”

Mr Byrne says it looked as if the LNP was attempting to hand pick ‘yes’ men into senior positions and called on Police Minister Jack Dempsey to place on record his full confidence in the QPS senior management.

“The entire recruitment process appears to be in disarray,” he said.

“The revelation yesterday that consideration is being given to fly-in fly-out officers to fill vacancies in rural and remote communities smacks of desperation. Queenslanders have every reason to question what’s going on.”