Queensland the state of accountability under Labor: Spence

This week marks 20 years since the commencement of the Fitzgerald Inquiry into corruption among the Queensland Police Service and involving members of the Bjelke-Petersen government.

Commemorating the milestone in Parliament, Minister for Police Judy Spence today said the Queensland Police Service is a reformed organisation and mechanisms are now in place to ensure accountability exists on all levels.

“Under the Beattie government, there are now systems and procedures in place to ensure misconduct and corruption does not flourish again,” Ms Spence said.

“The Queensland Police Service Ethical Standards Command is the body tasked with the role of ensuring accountability among all officers.

“While complaints against police in the pre-Fitzgerald Police Force were mostly ignored, the Ethical Standards Command now investigates all complaints from the public and from within the service.”

Ms Spence said, since January 2006, 3,366 complaints have been made against officers in the Queensland Police Service.

“Of those complaints, 21% were made by other officers, for breaches of discipline, misconduct and police related incidents,” Ms Spence said.

“These results demonstrate the cone of silence within the pre-Fitzgerald Police Force no longer exists.”

Ms Spence said the Crime and Misconduct Commission now plays a major role in ensuring corruption within the police service or government is detected and investigated.

“It’s no secret a Beattie Government Minister is now being investigated over claims of corruption and secret loans,” Ms Spence said.

“However, when this issue came to light last year, the Beattie Government was able to immediately refer the matter to the Crime and Misconduct Commission.

“This is in stark contrast to the way corruption, misappropriation and deception among politicians and the police force was covered up for decades leading up to the Fitzgerald Inquiry.”

“The Fitzgerald reforms have left a lasting legacy with government and police now far more accountable than they were 20 years ago,” Ms Spence said.

Media Contact: Nicola Hazell – 3239 6172/ 0408 732 491