Queensland Police Service fires up recruitment drive bringing the State of Origin rivalry to policing

• Message to NSW – “Our blues are better than yours!”
• Message to NSW police – “Great set of six – better pay, better leave, better training, better leadership, better opportunities, better long service leave!”
• It’s all part of the Queensland Police Service’s latest recruitment campaign leveraging the hype around State of Origin.

“Our blues are better than yours!” is a key message the Queensland Police Service is sending to New South Wales as part of a broader recruitment campaign targeting people and police officers interstate.

Embracing the spirited rivalry between Queensland and New South Wales, this campaign aims to ignite community interest and drive applications for the QPS from interstate applicants.

The tongue-in-cheek campaign highlights the upside of moving to ‘the sunshine state’, which features enticing incentives that go beyond the warm weather and relaxed lifestyle. 

With striking visuals and captivating headlines, the campaign will deploy across a variety of media platforms and will target audiences from Brisbane to Melbourne.

The biggest ever recruitment campaign the Queensland Police Service has undertaken is producing significant results with more than 700 police recruits currently undergoing training, more than 2,200 applicants in the recruitment pipeline and the combined number of recruits undergoing training and sworn police officers the highest on record.

This new campaign is part of the broader commitment to meet the Government’s  commitment to deliver thousands of extra police personnel.

Quotes attributable to Premier Steven Miles:

“Queensland’s police recruit pipeline has never been bigger.

“This month, the combined number of police officers and police recruits will be the highest on record – ever.

“That’s a testament to our hardworking Police Academies, and the incentives delivered by my government to attract and retain talent here in Queensland.

“By investing in our Police, Queenslanders can be safer and feel safer in their communities.”

Quotes attributable to Minister Mark Ryan:

“Queensland has always had a friendly rivalry with New South Wales and Victoria, and what better way than to leverage that rivalry to bolster the ranks of the Queensland Police Service,” he said.

“There are talented and experienced individuals across Australia and we want as much of that talent and experience in our service.

“I urge those interstate to move to Queensland, join the Queensland Police Service and join a winning team!”

Quotes attributable to Commissioner Steve Gollschewski

“Taking the competition from the footy field to the beat, we’re putting Queensland and New South Wales policing recruit benefits and incentives head-to-head,” he said.

“We want to attract the best people to help keep the Queensland community safe and feel safe, and that’s why we are extending our search beyond the state border.

“Highlighting the parallels of teamwork, resilience, and dedication seen in both policing and sport, we aim to inspire individuals to apply for a career within the QPS.”

Quotes attributable to Assistant Commissioner Kevin Guteridge

“Apart from the obvious benefits of moving to Queensland, we’re offering attractive incentives and generous salaries for applicants that set us apart from other states,” he said.

“We’re offering new applicants salaries starting from $85,000 excluding generous employer superannuation, $20,000 paid on select HECs debts, no application fees and free accommodation may be available during training.

“We’re also recognising prior policing experience and paying up to $130,000 per annum for experience First Year Constables, as well as a $20,000 relocation bonus.”

Quotes attributable to First Year Constable Sebastian Wilson

“I’ve always wanted to move to Queensland but was reluctant to take the leap,” he said.

“Being offered such attractive incentives and being recognised for my current experience not only made me feel appreciated but made the move so worthwhile.

“Queensland has exceeded all my expectations, and I'm dedicated to using my previous policing experience to ensure the safety and well-being of our community.”

Fast facts:

• The combined number of recruits in training and sworn officers is the highest on record
• There are currently more than 700 recruits undergoing training

ENDS