General Secretary's - Queensland Police Union

APRIL 2010
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE QUEENSLAND POLICE UNION
OVER THE LIMIT
Booze, bashings and brutality on our streets
QPUE Conference Running man Car Theft Sting

CONTENTS
cover story Page 27
Over The Limit
She is not sure of how tonight will go – her crew is down to
16 as four officers have been sent to Operation Stopper to
target drink drivers.
General President
General Secretary
Asst General Secretary
EXECUTIVE MEMBERS
General Vice President and
Northern Region
Far Northern Region
Central Region
North Coast Region
South Eastern Region
Southern Region
Metro North Region
Metro South Region
HQ & COC Region
UNION STAFF
Industrial
Industrial Support
Executive Secretary
Finance
Legal
Solicitor
Legal
Barrister (Retained)
Editorial Coordinator and
Media/Government Relations
Journal Editor
IT Admin
Membership
Reception
COMMITTEES
Executive Committees and
Committee Members
Legal
WPH&S
Rules
Ian LEAVERS
Mick BARNES
Denis SYCZ
Mick Gerrard
Denis FITZPATRICK
Bill FELDMAN
Des HANSSON
Bob SMITHSON
Darren Lees
Shayne Maxwell
Tony COLLINS
Paul MULLEN
Geoff SIMPSON
Stephen MAHONEY
Chris STEPHENS
Rosemary FEATHERSTONE
Janice GADEN
Allan SUTTON
Calvin GNECH
Wendy MACDONALD
Donna BLACK
Troy SCHMIDT
Ross MUSGROVE
Paula Doneman
James JOHNSTON
Kaye ELLIS
Carly Beutel
Melissa LindNer
D. Fitzpatrick (Chair)
M. Gerard
B. Feldman
T. Collins
T. Collins
B. Smithson
D. Fitzpatrick
S. Maxwell
B. Smithson (Chair)
T. Collins
P. Mullen
D.Lees
It’s midnight Friday as Sergeant Kayt Howe logs on as car
B430 to Brisbane Communications, one of the call signs for
Fortitude Valley police.
Regional Roundups
2 General President‘s Message
3 General Secretary’s Message
4 Metro South Region
5 North Coast Region
6 Far Northern Region
7 Central Region
8 Southern Region
9 South East Region
Features
11 EBA6 – Update
12 Winners Of The Best AO Award
15 2010 Annual Conference
21 No Cop Out
22 It’s Official
24 Car Theft
33 The Mt-Cootha Classic
34 Behind The Spin
36 Beyond Reasonable Doubt
37 Sidebar
38 Workcover Injuries And Common Law Update
41 International Women’s Day
42 Maximizing Optimal Well-Being
44 Investing In Property
45 Protect Yourself
47 Forensic Science Awards
Regulars
49 Correspondence
53 Q.R.P.A.
Conference
Training
Communications
Membership Services
S. Maxwell
B. Smithson
M. Gerard
P. Mullen
D. Fitzpatrick
B. Feldman
D. Hanson
T. Collins
D. Fitzpatrick
M. Gerard
D. Hanson
T. Collins
B. Feldman
D. Fitzpatrick
Finance
D. Hansson (Treasurer)
D. Fitzpatrick
(Assistant Treasurer)
S. Maxwell
(Assistant Treasurer)
General President, General Secretary and Assistant
General Secretary are ex-officio members of all
committees.
Queensland Police Union
PO Box 13008 George Street Brisbane Qld 4003
Phone 07 3259 1900 Fax 07 3259 1950
It must be distinctly understood that any expressions of opinion by correspondents in our columns must not be
considered the opinion of the Editor, and no responsibility arising from there can be accepted.
The Editor of the Police Journal reserves the right to grant permission to reproduce articles from this magazine.
Such permission is hereby granted to any Police Association or Police Union in Australia and to the Police
Association of New Zealand. Permission is also granted to any Police Association, Police Union or organisation
representing police employees in any other country.
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The Editor
Queensland Police Union Journal
PO Box 13008 George Street Brisbane QLD 4003
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EMAIL: journal@qpu.asn.au
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Queensland Police Union Journal Apr 10 • 1

2 • General President’s Message
Queensland Police Union Journal Apr 10
If police officers made the glaring errors that Mr Koch did
in a brief of evidence or in a statement they would face
serious discipline issues. But at The Australian, he seems
to be given free licence to get square with us for having
the temerity to make a complaint.
IAN LEAVERS
The QPUE annual conference has just been
completed and it is clear that our union is in
good shape. I thank all delegates and branches
for their contribution. A copy of my opening
address is provided on page 16.
EB SHENANIGANS
Negotiations have failed to advance very far at all at this
stage. The government officially offered 2.5% and we
rejected it.
The government negotiators then indicated that they did
not have authority to negotiate anything over the 2.5%
initial offer.
In other words, take it or leave it.
“ I doubt the government has any
intention of bargaining in good
faith, but time will tell ”
This union will never settle for a 2.5% per cent wage
offer and we have conveyed that view to the government
in no uncertain terms.
The meeting on Tuesday, 30 March was at times quite
heated. I doubt the government has any intention of
bargaining in good faith, but time will tell.
PALM ISLAND INQUEST
The re-opened coronial inquest into the death of
Cameron Doomadgee began on Palm Island, before
moving to the Townsville court complex.
Chris Hurley was again represented by Solicitor Glen
Cranny and Barrister Steve Zillman. The media in
general, and in particular, The Australian newspaper,
continue to run incorrect accounts of this saga. In
fact, a front page story by Tony Koch was thoroughly
discredited in the court by the Counsel assisting the
Coroner and the Counsel for the Attorney-General.
“ The media expect the highest
standards of behavior and
professional conduct when it
comes to police, football players
and politicians ”
Imagine if police officers persecuted persons or
organisations who made legitimate complaints against
them. The media would have a field day.
The media expect the highest standards of behavior and
professional conduct when it comes to police, football
players and politicians.
Just about every occupation has faced increased
scrutiny or licensing over the past 30 years. Plumbers,
mechanics, doctors, teachers, police and politicians
all have had massive improvements in oversight and
regulation, but not the media.
By virtue of the immense power of their ownership,
journalists remain unrestrained by professional
boundaries and remedies or discipline for misconduct.
So a journalist who, either through bias or incompetence,
misleads readers on the front page of the national daily
newspaper faces no process of investigation or sanction.
Yes, you can complain to the Australian Press Council,
but the most you can hope for is a published correction,
usually on an inside page. There will be no demotion,
drop in pay or hearing for Mr Koch or any of his ilk.
Surely it’s time that journalism caught up with the level
of accountability that the rest of society deals with every
day.
Ian LEAVERS
General President
0419 786 381
Disturbingly, despite this occurrence, The Australian did
not run a correction the following day. The QPUE lodged
an official complaint with the editor, which eventually
resulted in two corrections being run.
From that point on Mr Koch has made a point of
targeting this union.

Queensland Police Union Journal Apr 10 General Secretary’s Message • 3
Why is it then, that not even our Minister supports
the police of this state on this matter? We get a
better hearing on talk-back radio. I must question the
credibility of our Minister, who cannot support the men
and women of his portfolio while they are protecting the
communities of Queensland.
MICK BARNES
“Yes No Minister”
The Minister for Police, Neil Roberts was left
in no doubt about the anger of a group of
delegates after he addressed the QPUE Annual
Conference in March.
Delegate after delegate raised the issue of our members
being assaulted with little or no support from the
government or the courts. “Yes, it’s terrible”, a very
sympathetic Minister stated as he shook his head but
those assurances meant little for the group who knew
the harsh reality that more and more police officers are
being seriously assaulted and the offenders suffer little
or no consequences.
Western Australian legislation was referred to by our
delegates as a good example where mandatory terms of
imprisonment for serious assault on emergency service
personnel, including police are having an effect. Our
Minister demonstrated how across all the issues he and
his advisors are by recounting the story of where the first
offender imprisoned in Western Australia under the new
legislation was a young lady with a mental illness who
assaulted a police officer. It was on this type of scenario,
explained the Minister, that he based his opinion
that there should never be any period of mandatory
imprisonment for such an offence.
Our colleague from Western Australia could hardly
contain himself. Our state’s policies appear to be based
on misinformation. The case referred to by our Minister
involved an offender attacking an ambulance officer, not
a police officer. In any case, if an offender is of unsound
mind with a mental illness, then there is the relevant
exculpatory provision within the Criminal Code for the
offender’s protection.
Our delegates did not stop there. Our Minister was
reminded that it was not just the officers who suffered;
in fact it is our members’ whole family who are the
victims when officers have to wait months for results
from being exposed to an exchange of bodily fluids
when they are bitten or spat on by an offender.
Delegates explained to the Minister it is not a push or
shove that we’re talking about, but assaults that can
have a life-long impact. I wouldn’t have thought that
this was a hard concept to grasp when the government
readily accepts the principle of the One Punch Can Kill
campaign.
Part-Time Officers
A common complaint from members is the ability to
access part-time positions with the Queensland Police
Service. Positions are determined as a fraction of a Full
Time Equivalent (FTE).
The QPS will allow officers performing a part-time role
to fill the one position up to an FTE of 1.4. This means
that an officer performing 0.5 FTE could share the same
position with another part-time officer performing 0.9
FTE.
There are varying commitments to the principles of
part-time duties across the service at both divisional
levels up to and including the management of some
regions. What I find amusing is the hypocrisy by some
where there is a personal interest with a loved one, as
compared to their point of view in a management role.
In the neighbouring jurisdiction of New South Wales our
colleagues advise that officers can fill a single position
up to an FTE of 1.9. This allows greater flexibility to
individual officers and management alike. For part-time
officers to be successful within the QPS, consideration
needs to be given to increasing the FTE from 1.4, and
changing the mindset at all levels of management.
Traffic Intelligence
Road safety initiatives such as speed camera
deployments were affected by “intelligence” over the
recent Easter period. In the same week where covert
speed cameras were rolled out in the name of road
safety, speed cameras were not deployed in one
particular police district. Whilst members were aware of
the real reasons being fiscally based, the QPS ran the
line that the “intelligence” indicated that everyone would
have already travelled, negating the need for any speed
camera deployments on those Easter week-end days.
Oddly enough though, the statistics for camera-detected
offences within the same district last year detected
almost 200 offences in just one day. I’m sure it comes as
no surprise either that this occurred within the electorate
of our Minister. “Oh, no, Minister”, traffic policing is
a 24/7 responsibility. Surely the policing of our roads
should be left to those who know their craft.
Stay Safe
Mick Barnes
General Secretary
0411 453 335
mbarnes@qpu.asn.au

4 • Metro South Region
TONY COLLINS
Police Commissioner Bob Atkinson has signed
for another three years and has decided to
lead with his chin declaring he would not have
considered extending his term if he did not have
the support of his officers.
When the Commissioner took over in 2000 it was
good to see that the government had completely put
to bed the idea that anyone other than a Queensland
police officer was able to run the QPS - especially after
the Noel Newnham experiment. I even thought the
Commissioner had a good sense of humour when he
introduced his 4 P’s as a twist on the old 3 P’s known
to all and sundry as to what could and would get you
in trouble. But it is time to look back over the past ten
years and see what our Commissioner has achieved.
VEHICLES
Police vehicles are the same as ten years ago just
different models but the cage cars now are not even
really cage cars anymore due to the airbags. We had
maverick units back then and we have them now. What
we don’t have is onboard computers or cameras, so
no real achievement there. We don’t have Automatic
Number Plate Recognition systems, even though by
my count we trialled it a number of years ago and it
was quite successful in intercepting a large number of
vehicles. This system was not introduced, so no real
achievement there.
PAPERWORK
Since we have become the statistics collector for every
other government agency except for ourselves, we are
now asking more inane questions about information
that is irrelevant. It is always a pleasure to ask these
questions because we don’t have anything better to do.
We are not paperless yet and as such, still cut down
half of a Peruvian rainforest just to do our job. How long
ago did the Brisbane City Council introduce electronic
ticketing and what are we still using? We have QPRIME.
This much loved and adored computer system is so
incredibly easy to use and navigate that in a previous
article I detailed how much time we lose by using it.
Reported crime takes longer to put on and simple
arrests such as drink drivers now take twice as long as
it did ten years ago. So whilst a lot of computer systems
have been merged into one, there is no time saving.
Again, no real achievement.
Queensland Police Union Journal Apr 10
EQUIPMENT
The only real improvement to equipment across the
QPS has been the Taser. We can’t really call this the
Commissioner’s achievement because this was an
agreement made between the QPUE and the government
without the Commissioner’s input. Our radios are still the
super light-weight Motorolas that don’t affect your hips
or lower back and we still only have one inquiry channel
for an entire region, so there is no wait time for a name
check. However, we do have a digital radio network so
no one can overhear us waiting fourth in queue.
UNIFORM
Now here we have some real achievements. Operational
trousers have been introduced; sunglasses are on issue,
and we have baseball caps that don’t come off your head
when a truck goes past. Last but not least, we no longer
have to wear ties in winter - even though it took about
five years for the tie trial to finish. Whilst there have been
great achievements, I get the feeling the Commissioner
is attempting to turn back the clock in relation to the
operational trousers. People who predominantly work
in offices are being ordered to wear the dress trousers.
You know what? The public of Queensland can’t tell the
difference between our operational uniform and dress
uniform and really don’t care what we wear as long as
we respond to their calls for service in a timely manner.
As long as you are not wearing white Dunlop Volleys
you won’t draw attention to yourself. Quite frankly if the
public don’t raise it then we should not be bothered with
it. Besides, don’t we have 8,500 operational police in
Queensland?
I can only write about what I know and I know that
whilst we have some real achievements in the scientific
areas, computer forensics and our child abuse unit has a
worldwide reputation for its work on paedophiles, we are
still marking time when it comes to the frontline policing.
So whilst there have been achievements in specialised
areas, if real advancements were made in frontline
policing would there not be a flow on effect throughout
the rest of the service? Is that not a real achievement?
I hope for the next three years our Commissioner
concentrates on what is truly important to the service. I
hope for all our sakes, that his legacy and achievements
for the service will be more than QPRIME and a new
uniform.
Remember if you have any problems I am
a phone call away.
Tony COLLINS
Union Representative
Metropolitan South Region
0414 804 472

Queensland Police Union Journal Apr 10 North Coast Region • 5
Des Hansson
When will the government get serious about
attacking organised crime? I note they have
just given the CMC $14 million dollars over five
years for ‘telecommunication interception’.
Whilst the rest of the world gives police, who have the
major role in fighting crime, phone tapping powers; our
government hamstrings police in that role by denying
them proper funding and resources.
You would think after all the dramas of ‘Capri’ and
alleged problems with police having to wheel and
deal with criminals to get information that tapping
phones and computers would be a logical step towards
reducing those associated problems.
Instead the government waste money and under utilize
powers expanding another little empire within the CMC
- the ‘Electronic Collections Unit’ - which has no proven
track record of knocking over any organised crime.
Here is a message to the government: go out and get an
old copy of the DVD “Underbelly” and see how police
effectively used phone tapping powers ten years ago to
attack organised crime.
Coordinators, DVLO’s, Liquor Licensing, and Traffic
Branch Coordinators? How many are relieving up a rank
to inspector, senior sergeant or sergeant? Why hasn’t
the Commissioner stood up and spoken for all us general
duties police who are the first section drained should any
other area need propping up? When are we going to get
a good leader instead of a manager? Get real. We need
more cops and we want them now!
THANKS
I know we all lead busy lives with family and work
commitments but I can offer no excuse for not recently
thanking our hard-working branch officials. They are the
unsung heroes of the union. They do a stack of great
work, a lot of it in their own time, answer a lot of queries
from members and often bear the brunt of any criticisms
of the union. Does the phrase ‘what’s the union doing
about it’ ring a bell? Anyway, many thanks to all our
branch officials both past and present.
Keep up the great work. Be careful out there.
Des Hansson
North Coast Regional Representative
0412 707 434
RECRUITING CUTS
I note that recruiting is down almost 50% from last year.
No doubt to recoup money that the government has
squandered elsewhere. Our own leaders claim we are a
couple of hundred over strength and can therefore cut
back recruitment. What a load of b/s. Try telling that to
the lone cop going to a domestic because there is little
or no relief provided to one and two man stations. Tell it
to the two-car crews that turn up at a brawl involving ten
or twenty dropkicks who are high on drugs and alcohol.
Tell it to the thousands of extra police that have to work
on Australia Day putting up with idiots who think it’s an
Aussie tradition to belt a cop and get locked up. Tell it
to the coppers that are working seven consecutive night
shifts every three weeks.
Yeah I know, ‘on paper’ it appears there are plenty
of police. But have a closer look at the roster. How
many are on sick, maternity, military, long service,
annual, study, union or any other type of leave? How
many are attending OST, Firearms, Taser, and FYC,
CDP or the multitude of other courses? How many
are relieving at the CIB, TCS, CPIU, or as Tow Truck

6 • Far Northern Region
Queensland Police Union Journal Apr 10
make that public knowledge until the log is tendered
in the negotiation process. I intend to keep members
updated.
Denis Fitzpatrick
EB6
EB negotiations are effectively at a standstill,
with the QPS still awaiting formal approval from
the government for the authority to negotiate.
Initially, we were informed they have a tentative authority
but they withdrew from the negotiation process. This
is nothing unusual and is a replication of the 2007 EB5
negotiations.
If you remember what happened last time, eventually
the process was referred to the Queensland Industrial
Relations Commission due to what was determined as a
break down in dialogue and communications.
I can assure members that the union are ready for EB6
and have been prepared for some time.
As a result of the stalling, the QPUE has been unable to
put forward our log of claims. Unfortunately, this also
means that our members have no idea as to our plans
and our intentions for this EB. Realistically we cannot
INTERVIEWS
Discipline interviews with FNR members have been on
the increase and being conducted on an almost daily
basis. Assault or excessive force issues seem to be
commonly investigated with most directed interviews
being conducted by senior sergeants. This is causing
tremendous stress on many individuals because the
reality is police are being put under the microscope for
just doing their job. Remember, if you are approached
and advised you are going to be investigated, please
take a union representative with you. The branch officials
are trained to advise and assist.
INQUEST
I congratulate Chris Hurley for the dignified manner in
which he has again handled himself during the recent
inquest into the death of Cameron Doomadgee. I
look forward, as do many others, to the release of the
findings. I am on leave during April, but will remain
contactable should any incident arise.
“ Still in the job”
Denis Fitzpatrick
Regional Representative
Far Northern Region

Queensland Police Union Journal Apr 10 Central Region • 7
we must certainly end it. Going soft in a street fight is
no option. I have just done a series of ESC-directed
interviews involving several of our members over
allegations of excessive force.
Bill FELDMAN
SLIPPAGE DOESN’T MEAN GOING SOFT.
We here in the Central Region have undergone
a series of lectures and meetings with respect
to perceived “slippage”, i.e. slipping back in
old bad habits, taking shortcuts, slackness in
dress and discipline, excessive use of force, and
disrespect for higher ranks – just to name a few.
It appears slippage is one of a myriad of factors that
might indicate a decline in a standard of professionalism
in the QPS.
One of the factors spoken about was the options taken
by staff within our range of Use of Force options. I was
very pleased with the response to my question by our
current Assistant Commissioner, Mr Alan Davey. He
assured me that even though the use of force options
taken by an officer can be scrutinised by the QPS if a
complaint is made, he was under no circumstances
advocating that as police officers we should place
ourselves at risk by going soft. We all know how
embarrassing going soft can be.
“ We all know that when we go
toe-to-toe and blow-for-blow with
any individual, the only successful
outcome for us is to overcome
the threat ”
After all we are fully trained in POST in a huge range
of closed and open-hand tactics that are designed to
inflict enough pain to an individual to force compliance
to our will for that individual and to ensure that our
communication to him or her is fully and clearly
understood.
We all know that when we go toe-to-toe and blow-forblow
with any individual, the only successful outcome
for us is to overcome the threat. We know only too well
the potential of such an altercation – one punch can kill –
and we want to go home at the end of the night.
As I said, we are taught many tactics including some not
so gentlemanly – not so Marquis of Queensbury – style
of fighting (strikes to the knee, elbow, head and palms
as well as blows to very sensitive muscular and nerve
ending areas of the body). We never start the fight but
I have been extremely pleased with the professional way
in which these officers concerned answered their critics
with their knowledge of the UOF model. They answered
the questions directed pointing out their skills and tactics
training and aligning the UOF option with closed and
open-hand tactics, communication, presence, OC spray,
CEW, and firearms. The officers justified the use of each
option used with the actions portrayed by the aggressive
individual attempting to be subdued. Utilising our training
to overcome adversity is the very nature of that training
we have undertaken.
“ Queensland is the only state left
in Australia not protecting
its police. Let’s rectify that
dubious oversight ”
Now I am not advocating that running away (Tactical
Withdrawal – another UOF option) under certain
circumstances is not a good thing – after all - I am living
proof that those who slink away get to fight another day
(and with better odds). What I am saying is that those
who fight and overcome should receive the highest
protection that this union can offer when their actions are
scrutinised.
At this time I cannot stress enough to know your UOF
options, know the jargon and description when speaking
of your actions. If in doubt, speak with your union
representative. They may just be the “UOF whisperer”
that can clarify your actions and give you the peace of
mind you need to know - that your actions were tactically
sound, justified, and legally defensible.
One issue this current government or any successive
government must address is protection from both
criminal and civil action for police acting in good faith
when responding to incidents. Police do need to know
that when circumstances go wrong technically, legally or
professionally, they do have protection when they show
they acted in good faith. I am talking about redress on
the individual not the organisation. Queensland is the
only state left in Australia not protecting its police. Let’s
rectify that dubious oversight.
Work smart, work safe – make it home.
Bill FELDMAN
Regional Representative
Central Region

8 • Southern Region
Queensland Police Union Journal Apr 10
recorded. An application was made to the Magistrate
for some form moiety on behalf of our member, but the
Magistrate decided it was not warranted.
Darren LEES
Protect those who Protect
Queenslanders.
Ladies and gents, in the next couple of days
after penning this article, I will be attending our
State Conference along with delegates from
throughout our region.
You may be interested to know that the theme of
the conference this year is “Protect those who
protect Queenslanders”. In line with that, I thought I
would indulge in some thoughts and opinions about
recent incidents and decisions that are very much
contradictory to this theme.
I have been advised recently by concerned members
from a district within our region of an incident involving
a female officer who was called to assist another
emergency service to control an aggressive person.
The offender had to be handcuffed at the scene and
then transported to the local hospital. In the process of
taking blood from the offender, that person has spat on
the officer and bitten through the standard issue latex
glove she was wearing, breaking the skin and causing a
significant injury. Apparently members, this is what you
get for doing your job from grubs who believe they are
entitled to assault anyone including police.
Here is where the problems start. This hard-working,
dedicated officer had to deal with the injury and get
treatment including disease testing. She went home to
her family and advised them she had been bitten and
there may have been a possible transfer of bodily fluid
when she was spat on and bitten. Therefore she will
have to undergo testing over a lengthy period of time
before she can be given the all clear that she has not
contracted some form of disease from the “dirty grub”
who inflicted the injuries. I am sure you are all only too
aware of similar incidents right throughout the state.
But wait, there’s more. You would think that like any
normal person in society, you would and should expect
some sort of punishment befitting the crime. You would
hope the penalty would act as a deterrent for others
and to accommodate the pain and suffering of the
victim. Well think again as we have seen yet another
example by the courts of “stuff the victim, look after
the offender.” The offender fronted court on a charge
of serious assault police and the case was dealt with
by way of a plea. The offender was punished by way
of a 12-month probation order and no conviction was
So in summary our member went to work to do what
she took an oath of service to do - she responded to a
call for help from another emergency service to subdue
an aggressive person and in doing so, she was spat
on and bitten. Then the grubby offender walks in and
out the revolving doors of the courts with no more than
probation.
What is going on in this world we live in where people
who offend against others, in particular police who
are just trying to do their jobs, are protected in this
manner? One of the motions to be discussed at our State
Conference relates to the government getting off their
backside and providing good faith immunity for police
in the execution of their duties. I call on the government
and the courts to take this one step further.
Start protecting those who are protecting you. How
would the Magistrate or any member of the community
feel if a person bit them on the hand causing a bodily
fluid transfer and then spat in their face? I wonder
whether the offender would be walking out of the court
room with a period of probation, no conviction recorded
and no compensation for the victim.
Our members are not crash test dummies for the low life
scum who think it is okay to assault our hard-working
police on a daily basis all over the state. I call on the
government to get serious about assaults on police
and other emergency service officers by introducing
mandatory sentencing for such assaults. If the courts
can’t impose relevant sentences, take the matter out of
their hands and make it mandatory. Let’s see then how
many people are still keen to commit assaults upon
police after they have had a six month stint chewing corn
and having their liberty taken away. I tend to think the
incidents will reduce dramatically very quickly.
Further to this there is also a motion to be discussed at
conference relating to the issue of personal protective
gloves for all first response officers – not latex gloves.
I also call on the government and the QPS to fund the
purchase of those gloves immediately, which from all
accounts from our interstate colleagues, have assisted in
the reduction of injuries to officers from bites to needle
stick injuries. That is my say for this month.
“Keep up the great work, and stay safe.”
Darren LEES (Beefa)
Southern Region Executive Representative
0417 776 184

Queensland Police Union Journal Apr 10 South East Region • 9
to this new site. This is particularly the case as we enter
the EBA6 negotiations. The new website will be updated
every day as news comes to hand. Unfortunately as I
write this, the only news is that the government has only
given the QPS verbal and not written authority to begin
negotiations. I sincerely hope things have progressed by
the time you read this.
BOB SMITHSON
UNION BASHING
I thought the age old art of “union bashing”
had been put to rest by management, but
unfortunately my hopes have been dashed.
It seems that “union bashing” has only been
taking a holiday.
I have been made aware of situations where our
members have claimed their award entitlements such
as overtime and access to ten-hour breaks only to be
stood over by management and offered things such as
“time off in lieu” or “we’ll give you a couple of rest days
next month”, etc. In more serious instances, some of
our colleagues have been subjected to intimidation in
their workplaces. This is a sad situation and is totally
unacceptable. Please bring any instances of this to the
attention of your union officials.
“ In most cases that would be
about as useful as complaining
to your mother-in-law about
your wife ”
I am aware of a situation where a commissioned officer
sent out an email to an entire station suggesting that
our members should take their concerns, in the first
instance, to management, before consulting their union
officials. In most cases that would be about as useful
as complaining to your mother-in-law about your wife.
Members need to be aware that there is absolutely no
requirement or obligation to bypass their own union
officials. Members can raise any concerns, questions
or queries at any time, on any subject with the QPUE.
That is one of the reasons we are here. In fact, I would
encourage our members to consult their union officials
before raising concerns with management.
I guess, in a way, I can understand why management
wouldn’t want the union officials being made aware
of some of their shortcomings. It could be quite
embarrassing for them, if in fact they possessed that
emotion at all. Surely they wouldn’t be breaching the
EBA and awards on purpose?
NEW UNION WEBSITE
Members are reminded that in recent months the QPUE
released a new version of the union website. It is very
important that we all update our details to gain access
The enrolments for the new site are coming along
quite well, with last month showing 800 members had
registered. But bearing in mind, we have over 10,000
members, so we still have a long way to go.
I can recall during the last EB the Union Executive and
staff were widely criticised (unjustly) for not providing
timely information on the progress of the negotiations.
This was one of the main driving forces for setting up a
website so we can communicate with our members. Now
that you have it, please use it. I now see there are $100
weekly prizes being offered for members to sign up, so
please get motivated and register.
VISIT BY POLICE COMMISSIONER
On the 8th March, Police Commissioner Bob Atkinson
attended a union meeting at Surfers Paradise Police
Station. Assistant Commissioner Paul Wilson was also
in attendance. The Commissioner responded to some
questions on notice, and then took further questions
from the floor. The meeting was well attended and the
discussion was frank and open. The Commissioner
conceded that there were many challenging issues in
performing the job of policing at Surfers Paradise, not
unlike those experienced by our colleagues in Fortitude
Valley, Brisbane City and other major centres throughout
the state. The Commissioner and A/C Wilson told the
meeting that there were some new ideas and strategies
being looked at with the aim of making life a little bit
better for the officers who are required to work in these
unique and trying policing environments.
A couple of weeks after this meeting, a bipartisan state
parliamentary committee looking into alcohol-fuelled
violence released 68 recommendations. Many of these
directly relate to policing issues and highlight that more
police are needed in the “hot spots”. Another is closing
the nightclubs earlier. I would hope the government takes
these recommendations seriously and acts quickly to
implement them. Blind Freddy can see there are serious
problems out there, so let’s hope the government does
not procrastinate and starts taking the appropriate action
to protect our members and the public.
Bob SMITHSON
Regional Representative
South East Region

Queensland Police Union Journal Apr 10 EBA6 – Update • 11
Enterprise
Bargaining
Agreement 6
– Update
EBA6
The parties to EB6 negotiations met at 10.00 on Tuesday 30
March to finally begin actual negotiations. The first question
put to the QPS representatives was to confirm that they had
been given formal authority to commence negotiations. Jim
Hardy, on behalf of the QPS, confirmed this.
The QPS then verbally stated their position which is 2.5% per
annum to effectively roll over the current Enterprise
Agreement. When asked whether they had authority to
negotiate beyond the 2.5% or whether they had any other
items, the QPS reiterated the government’s position of 2.5%
per annum with no authority to negotiate outside of that.
There was also a vague reference to other possible items
depending on the progress of negotiations. It was made
clear by the QPUE’s representatives that this approach was
peculiar, inappropriate and disappointing. Our position is
that by simply outlining a non-negotiable position is hardly
bargaining in good faith.
outside of the 2.5%; and that there may be some other items
to be tabled in the future, the QPUE stated our position is
that:
• we did not believe that the QPS were negotiating on
good faith;
• we totally reject the offer of 2.5% per annum.
Both the QPUE and QPCOU had our respective Logs of
Claims ready to table at this meeting, but given the lack of
good faith bargaining on the part of the QPS, we were not
prepared to table our logs at that time. We have asked that
the QPS inform the government of our rejection of their offer
and for the QPS to advise us in writing of precisely what their
position is – particularly if there is room to move on the 2.5%
and what other issues the QPS wants to discuss. The
negotiations have effectively broken down and no further
negotiations are scheduled at this stage.
Based on the fact that the QPS did not have a formal,
written Log of Claims; that they had no ability to negotiate

12 • Winners Of The Best Ao Award Queensland Police Union Journal Apr 10
Winners of
the Best AO award
(Administration Officers
from around the State)
Gladstone station Administration Officers Karen Young
(AO3 Roster clerk), Maureen Flockhart (AO2 OIC Clerk),
Vicki Larner (AO3 Property Officer) and Catriona
Newell (AO2 Front Counter Officer)
Central Region
Sen-Sgt Craig White, OIC of Gladstone station, could not decide between
the group as each AO is crucial to daily functioning of the station and
nominated them as a unit.
Noeleen Williams of Thursday Island,
Far Northern Region
Noeleen or Nonz to everyone who knows her, has worked for the QPS since
1988, starting at Thursday Island (T.I.) as an administration officer. Nonz
would be known to the many police who have worked at or visited T.I. over
the past 22 years as the division’s backbone, the real brains of the outfit.
Nonz memorises almost every phone number and personal details such
as dates of birth of most of the local residents. She is world famous for her
golden syrup damper and banana pancakes.
Nonz had been the AO3 Roster/property Officer at T.I. for the past 4 years.
She has transformed the property room from a disaster zone and was
personally thanked for efforts by District Officer. Other divisions use
Nonz’ methods as a guide and the T.I. property room is promoted as best
practice to the district.
She is extremely proud of her time with the QPS and cherishes the photo
of her with then Assistant Commissioner Atkinson and the former long
serving OIC of T.I, the legendary late Senior Sergeant Wayne Nichols
(Nico) when she received her 10 year QPS medal. Her daughter Jasmine
(Jaz) is now an AO2 at T.I., continuing the family tradition.
I know no one is indispensable but Nonz is a close as you can get.
Frankly without each of their contribution my job as the OIC would be
impossible to perform. I have found that their support for me and the
general duties staff is beyond reproach and should be acknowledged.
They have a demanding job and each one of them performs their duties to
the highest degree. I really cannot thank them enough for the effort they
put in.
Karen Young’s job as the roster clerk is difficult at the best of times. When
drafting the roster, Karen not only considers and complies with the EB
requirements she also considers the ‘soft’ issues such as officer experience,
personal requests, relationship between staff etc.
Maureen Flockhart is my right-hand ‘man’. She regularly stays after her
rostered hours to finalise correspondence that needs to be completed
before the end of the day. Maureen has re- arranged the station’s
correspondence procedures and has implemented a number of new
systems including stationery.
Vicki Larner has the demanding role of station property officer. Vicki
strives to improve the professional role of the property officer by
organising Regional Property Officer conferences, providing ongoing
training to staff and striving to improve the property procedures on
QPrime by liaising with QPrime staff.
Catriona Newell recently commenced work at Gladstone Station, working
as the AO on the front counter. Catriona has demonstrated that she has
the ability to handle all members of the public in a professional manner.
She is an asset to this station and is the first point of contact with the QPS
by a member of the public attending the Gladstone Station.
Patricia Williams, Hughenden Station,
Northern Region
Patricia WILLIAMS (“Trish”) is an AO2 who works 24 hours a week at the
Hughenden Police Station. Hughenden is a three-officer station situated
387kms west of Townsville on the Flinders Hwy.
To say that Trish runs the station would be an understatement and she
does everything willingly (except the filing!).
Trish is one of your AO’s who comes in early and always leaves late. There
have been times when people have come in from their property to renew
a driver’s license out-of-hours and they have mentioned it to Trish up the
street so in she comes to the police station and renews it for them. She
never complains and is always happy to help.
As is the case in most rural areas, station equipment and general support
can sometimes be lacking. So when the station photocopier started playing
up, Trish took it upon herself to petition the Assistant Commissioner (as
all good AO’s do) for a new photocopier. The station’s photocopier was
a dodgy one that copied one page at a time which became difficult when
copying large court briefs.
Trish reaches ten years of service as an AO at the Hughenden Police
Station on August 7 this year.
John Wex, Murgon Police Station,
North Coast Region
John displays many outstanding qualities and goes above and beyond in
both his professional and personal roles. John commenced employment
with the QPS on the 12th April 1977 at Murgon Police Station where he
undertook the role of an AO2 until his promotion in 1998 to an AO3
position which he holds to date.
During the first 21 years of employment in an AO2 capacity, John
undertook many and varied roles. Since then, he has undertaken a more
demanding position which has increased his responsibilities and enabled
Murgon station, his colleagues, both sworn and unsworn to conduct their
duties with constant support, assistance and effective management.
On top of his AO duties, he wears many hats including licensing for
Queensland Transport, is a Comms operator and Peer Support Officer. He
has undertaken additional roles of Property Officer and Rosters Clerk. He
goes way and beyond to help officers with their leave and roster requests.
An Alcohol Management Plan that is in place at Cherbourg has increased
his workload tenfold, he has put in place an Alcohol Management System
so ensure the large amount of alcohol collected is easily disposed of and
managed properly.
None Nominated
Metro North Region
None Nominated
Metro South Region

Queensland Police Union Journal Apr 10 Winners of the Best AO Award • 13
Teneale Lawrence, Quality Management Section,
Forensic Services Branch, Operation Support Command
Headquarters & Support
Ms Lawrence has been the AO within the Quality Management Section for
over two years. Her job description is that she provides administrative
support for five senior sergeants and two inspectors. However, she is the
real office manager who effortlessly undertakes multiple tasks ensuring
that each of the senior officers that she supports meet their deadlines and
commitments.
She is much more than an office coordinator. Upon commencing within
the QPS, she immediately undertook to correct inconsistencies in the way
that forensic AOs across the state performed quality audits of case files.
These audits are required by the National Association of Testing
Authorities (NATA).
The inconsistencies in the way the audits were conducted were the result
of a gap in the training and guidelines provided to the regional AOs. Ms
Lawrence developed a comprehensive admin audit guide and put together
a training package for the admin review officers.
She arranged and facilitated a conference of admin review officers for
further development of standard practice. All of this has improved
consistency and greatly reduced conflict that can result from interpretation
of unclear requirements. By reducing this stress, she has made the life
easier for over 250 SOC and 25 admin officers.
2010
Nominations Received
“Best of the Best:
Administration Officer”
John Wex
Murgon station
- Nominated by all the officers
at Murgon Station
Sgt Dave Hunter
OIC Hughenden
- Nominated Patricia Williams
Julie Elliot, Tara Police Station
Southern Region
Moving to a small country town with a police station of four police can
be daunting, especially straight out of your first year. Julie did her best to
make me and other officers feel welcome. Julie invited us over for dinner,
made us feel welcome and made sure we had every thing we needed. She
is friend, not just an AO.
No task is beneath Julie and she often goes above and beyond her required
duties. She completes tasks of an AO3 such as property and exhibit
management, she acts as a station CRO, taking messages and sorting out
and negotiating jobs and tasks for us. Julie also types reports for us and
assists with collating weapon’s audit information.
Julie is completes all her tasks diligently, accurately and professionally.
She is the real OIC of the station and she is the stability and level
headiness that guides police response and decisions.
Being understaffed at Tara Station, Julie is the public face of the QPS five
days a week. Rain, hail, shine, illness she is mostly always there (there has
been one sick day I can remember) – even when she shouldn’t be and we
tell her otherwise.
Sen-Sgt Les Bullus
OIC Thursday Island
- Nominated Noelene Williams
Sen-Sgt Bill Crick
Quality Management Section
Forensic Services Branch
- Nominated Teneale Lawrence
Sgt Shane Clark
Brown Plains Station
- Nominated Donna Wright
Sen-Sgt Craig White
OIC Gladstone
- Nominated Gladstone Unit
Donna Wright, Browns Plains Station
South Eastern Region
Donna was instrumental in the logistical and HR changeover when the
Browns Plains Division effectively split into two separate divisions in
July 2009 creating the new Crestmead Division.
As one could imagine, when one division splits into two, the challenges
are enormous and Donna did not miss a beat and seized the opportunity
to volunteer to structure the logistical movement and splitting of
resources and transfer of equipment to the new Crestmeaad Station.
This was all done in addition to her normal duties which was absolutely
amazing and made me release once again what a truly dedicated and
talented AO3 she was.
Donna is the type of AO that any OIC would dream of, no task is ever an
issue and she is always on the front foot to ask for additional work or
opportunities to improve systems or services for the benefit of the station.
Donna has been a role model for many administration officers to follow
over the years and has a wealth of knowledge that she is often sort after
from her peers to senior police for advice.
Const Matthew Pinder
Tara Station
- Nominated Julie Elliot
Thank you to all officers who
nominated their ‘best’
Administration Officer.
Celebrate Your Administration Officer
Administrative
Professional’s Day
21st April 2010

Queensland Police Union Journal Apr 10 2010 Annual Conference • 15
2010
Annual Conference
QLD POLICE UNION OF EMPLOYEES

16 • 2010 Annual Conference Queensland Police Union Journal Apr 10
STATE O
those recommendations are implemented by the Bligh
Government I think we could achieve up to a 30 per cent drop in
crime as has happened in Newcastle, NSW.
Imagine the difference that could make for our members - less
officers being punched, bitten and spat on. The majority of
nightshifts that finish at 3am instead of 6am. There is an
opportunity here to really have a positive change for those
members who work in areas with big nightclub precincts.
“I will be taking to the Executive
a recommendation that we employ
two field officers at the union.
Initially, one officer will be based in
Brisbane and one in Townsville to
service the north of the state.”
Welcome delegates.
Welcome to our interstate and overseas visitors. Delegates, we
have come a long way since our last conference. Last year, I was
the Acting General President after Cameron Pope’s unexpected
resignation. I was fortunate enough to be elected as the
General President a few months later and I made a commitment
to rebuild our union.
I want to thank the Executive of the union for working
collectively to do that this past year. We have achieved much in
this past year. The Queensland Police Union is financially sound
and we have taken steps to enhance that position.
The Executive is now briefed in person, by Joe Sim our adviser,
every three months. This interaction has led to a more active
investment strategy with the QPUE capitalising on others’
misfortune in the real estate market. We have bought a unit block
in East Brisbane and a development site in Townsville.
Our shares have improved and we are constantly adjusting our
positions in response to the advice provided by Joe.
We have instituted an Audit Committee to better oversee union
expenditure to ensure financial accountability. We have been
pro-active in pushing for changes to reduce the instances of
alcohol-fuelled violence. We presented a comprehensive
submission to the parliamentary committee and many of our
suggestions have been put forward in the recommendations. If
Even suburban hotels face some pretty big cutbacks. Hotels such
as the Chalk in Brisbane will lose 27 hours of trading per week.
It’s not just the hours either, the biggest bug bear of the hoteliers
in Newcastle is the Responsible Service of Alcohol Marshalls
who are inside the clubs determining who is fit to be served.
They blame this measure for a 40% percent drop in alcohol sales.
They say that nightclubs have been forced to close because they
can no longer profit by filling people full of booze and then
wiping their hands of the responsibility once they’re on the
street.
Delegates, I look forward to the introduction of these new
measures and I will keep the pressure on Premier Anna Bligh
until they are implemented. Our Critical Incident Team
continues to provide a terrific service to members. In fact just
yesterday, we were called to Rockhampton for a death in custody.
For our interstate colleagues who may not be familiar with our
Critical Incident Team, it consists of lawyers, our media officer,
and usually me. We are on call 24-hours a day and attend all
critical incidents to ensure our members’ rights are protected
from the outset and that the public is properly informed of the
circumstances. Our members who are involved in these incidents
are extremely appreciative of the support we offer them in these
very difficult circumstances.
We have also completely revamped our website www.qpu.asn.
au and I hope that you all encourage your members to register
on the website so that you can receive updates on EB and other
issues of importance. In addition to this I’m pleased to announce
that our new EB campaign website is up and running today:
www.nocopout.com.au. As you can see up on the screen it will be
a one-stop shop for information on enterprise bargaining for our
members. We have employed respected journalist Paula

Queensland Police Union Journal Apr 10 2010 Annual Conference • 17
F THE UNION
Doneman as our Journal Editor and she is going great guns.
She is progressively modernizing the look and feel of the journal
and the feedback that I’m already getting from members is very
positive indeed.
“From Townsville we can service
the Northern Region, Far North
and the Mackay and Whitsunday
areas of the central region.”
Chris Stephens has joined our team as an industrial officer and
is about to undergo a baptism of fire during EB. Donna Black
joined our legal section to support our Lawyers. Calvin Gnech
also came on board in our legal section and Glenn Mitchell left
to sail the world. Allan Sutton has also replaced Robyn Currell
as our bookkeeper.
Delegates, our union now has a dedicated Workplace Health and
Safety Officer. Rosemary Featherstone has already been rocking
a few boats and I know that her recent visit to Townsville was
very much appreciated by our members and we are confident
of significant change in this area. So that is a summary of the
changes we have made in the past year.
By any measure they are substantial. In the next year I
anticipate there will be more changes to your union. One of the
things I think we need to consider is the increasing workload on
our Executive members and branch officials.
“But I do not accept that
Queensland Police should pay the
price for Anna Bligh and Andrews
Fraser’s financial incompetence.”
Delegates, the number of internal investigations is now
enormous. They take an enormous amount of time to deal with
and it’s getting to the point where our Executive members are
getting little time with their families. I will be taking to the
Executive a recommendation that we employ two field officers at
the union. Initially, one officer will be based in Brisbane and one
in Townsville to service the north of the state.
The role of these field officers would be to attend interviews
and branch meetings to alleviate the workload of our regional
representatives and branch officials. The north Queensland field
officer will probably need some secretarial support so that will
mean considering opening an office Townsville. It might also be
prudent to base an industrial officer there, too. From Townsville
we can service the Northern Region, Far North and the Mackay
and Whitsunday areas of the central region.
Delegates, I strongly believe that our members in north
Queensland deserve the same level of service as our members in
the south. Opening an office in Townsville would be a big step
but one I believe that is the next logical step in the evolution of
our union.
Delegates, EB negotiations are not going well. In fact, they’re
not happening at all. Steve Mahoney will give you a
comprehensive briefing on this. It is almost four weeks now since
EB negotiations were supposed to begin but the government
hadn’t until today given their negotiators the authority to
negotiate.
Delegates, the facts we face are these:
• The government offer is 2.5%.
• The Beattie and Bligh governments have turned the state
finances into a financial wreck.
• Queensland has lost its AAA credit rating, is in debt up to its
eyeballs and has an unemployment rate much higher than the
rest of the country.
• And on top of that, we have a Premier who has a history of
being antagonistic towards police.
Delegates, we face a very tough battle this time. But I do not
accept that Queensland Police should pay the price for Anna
Bligh and Andrews Fraser’s financial incompetence. It’s not our
fault that they’ve blown billions on water recycling plants that
will never be used. We will fight for a fair deal for our members.
We have already engaged an experienced barrister who
specialises in industrial matters to provide advice as we proceed
as there is a chance that the Industrial Commission may be
required just to get the government to negotiate in good faith.
Our campaign team, headed by Ross Musgrove, are in full swing
as you can see by the websites and the cartoons. We will fight all
the way for the best possible deal for our members.
Delegates, I want to pay tribute today for a valued member of
our staff who cannot be here. Wendy Macdonald started with us
as a solicitor in September last year and made a big impression
immediately. Members, staff and the Executive quickly came to
rely on her sound advice. She was the writer and co-coordinator
of our very successful submission to the alcohol-fuelled violence
committee. In February, Wendy suffered a stroke in our office
and will be off work for some time to come. She has a terrific
work ethic and a sunny disposition that endeared her to all
that worked with her. I know that we all wish Wendy a speedy
recovery from her illness and look forward to her return to the
mountains of files our legal section deal with.
Delegates, enjoy the debate and our guest speakers over the next
couple of days. Abide by the rules of debate. By all means debate
the motion but remember we are all on the same side. I declare
our 2010 annual conference open.

18 • 2010 Annual Conference Queensland Police Union Journal Apr 10

Queensland Police Union Journal Apr 10 2010 Annual Conference • 19
INDUSTRIAL officer Geoff Simpson made history when he was the first civilian to be
awarded life membership at the QPUE 2010 conference. Geoff was recognised for his
achievements during his 17-year career with the union. In a surprise presentation,
President Ian Leavers paid tribute to the enormous support Geoff has shown to members
and his deep respect for the work police officers do.
“He would go into bat for each and every member no matter how small or big the issue
was. He also showed incredible loyalty to the organisation itself – always providing
honest and unbiased advice – regardless of whether the official liked the advice or not.
“His overriding objective was to see a strong, forthright union that could effectively
represent the interests of its members – and for this dedication and hard work I am
honoured to present this award of Life Membership,’’ Mr Leavers said.
Geoff was employed as an Industrial Officer at the Queensland Police Union on 19th
October 1992 in an industrial landscape far different from now. Since then he has
overseen the development of a strong industrial section that has supported many members.
“This support has been on a personal level, where Geoff has assisted many thousands of
police officers with transfers, pay point progressions, sick leave bank applications,
underpayment of wages and many more industrial matters,” Mr Leavers said.
“Of particular relevance has been his complete and unswerving support of members
injured on the job. These members - many with severe physical or psychological injuries -
have been supported and helped by Geoff as they battle the Queensland Police Service and
have issues with WorkCover.” Geoff’s expertise extended to his advocacy in the Queensland
Industrial Relations commission where he had repeated successes in conducting numerous
conciliation conferences and arbitrations.
“But perhaps Geoff’s greatest achievement for the Queensland Police Union is his
overseeing of Enterprise Bargaining. His arrival at the QPUE coincided with the
introduction of one of the biggest changes in the history of Australian industrial Relations.
We moved from a period of 80 years of centralized wage fixing to the completely new
concept of Enterprise Bargaining. “Geoff negotiated the first Queensland Police Service
Certified Agreement in 1994, and as we know, he handled the negotiations for all 5 EBAs,”
Mr Leavers said.
“Before Enterprise bargaining began, the starting wage for a constable was approximately
$25,000 per annum and it is now nearly double that. A senior sergeant was on $43,000 per
annum and that rate is now $86,000.” But Geoff did not just concentrate on base rates.
He oversaw the introduction of a broad range of other initiatives that put
more money into the pockets of police officers. This included OSA, and
allowances for one and two officer stations.
At all times during negotiations or other dealings with the QPS, Geoff
was held in the highest regard by friends and foe alike. He established
good working relationships with the service’s representatives based on
integrity and mutual respect and he is highly respected by the Industrial
Commissioners he appeared before. “His overriding objective was to see
a strong, forthright union that could effectively represent the interests of
its members,’’ Mr Leavers said.
The award was presented during the formal dinner for the conference
which was held at the RACV Royal Pines on the Gold Coast. It followed
two days of motions and guest speakers, including Federal MP and
former police officer Peter Dutton, who spoke about retention of staff
still being a major problem facing Queensland police. Police Minister
Neil Roberts and Police Commissioner Bob Atkinson also spoke. South
Australian police provided a unique insight into their new anti-bikie
legislation with a documentary on the outlaw motorcycle gang culture.
Western Australian police gave a presentation on their laws of
unexplained wealth and how they were using them to tackle organised
crime.

20 • Advertisements
Queensland Police Union Journal Apr 10

Queensland Police Union Journal Apr 10 No Cop Out • 21
No Cop Out
By James Johnston
No Cop Out
THE Queensland Police Union is proud to announce
the EB6 campaign web site www.nocopout.com
The campaign site will have EB6 information, news,
cartoons and video updates from the QPUE’s
negotiation team. This will be a critical gateway of
information about EB6.
There will be regular surveys, allowing members for the
first time to give live feedback on critical EB issues as
the negotiations develop.
This is a member’s only site and you have to register
on the main site www.apu.asn.au to gain access. If
you have not done so already, register now and you
can go into the $100 member incentive draw.
$100 Draw
There have been two winners announced so far -
congratulations to Constable Christopher Hopkins,
and Sergeant Mark Wrangell. There will be more
winners announced in the coming weeks, so get your
details up to date and it could be your shout next!
Making it easier
There have been a few issues with members
registering for the site, we apologise for this and have
made the process a bit easier. On the top on the front
page there is now a ‘Register’ button, click on this and
fill in the form.
You can now use any user name you like and a few of
the mandatory fields have been relaxed.
If you ever forget your password, go to www.qpu.asn.
au/members/forgot_password/ and fill in your email
address and a password reset email will be sent out to
you.
Any issues or registration problems please send the
web site administrator, James Johnston an email at
jjohnston@qpu.asn.au or contact him on (07) 3259
1989 from 8am-4pm M-F.

22 • It’s Official Queensland Police Union Journal Apr 10
IT’S OFFICIAL - Scott Adams
By Paula Doneman
Identifying bodies of people killed in horrific circumstances,
training colleagues to use Tasers or overseeing staff in one of
Queensland’s busiest police precincts can be part of a daily
routine for Scott Adams.
Sergeant Adams, who also trains fellow officers in firearms and
QPRIME, added the role of QPUE Branch President for Brisbane
City two years ago.
“I became one out of necessity as the previous official
resigned and they couldn’t find anyone, so I stepped in,” said
Sgt ADAMS.
He has been stationed at Brisbane City since 1989 and is
currently a shift supervisor who oversees a team averaging
around 16 staff.
“I like the work environment here because you get a variety
of stuff. With all the retail, we respond to a lot of stealing and
there is the policing of the nightclubs. We handle major events
such as demonstrations and football matches, right through
to evacuating buildings that can hold up to 3,000 people or
handling a crowd of over 150,000 for New Year’s Eve between
the City, Valley and Southbank,” he told the Journal.
Sgt Adams’ skills as an officer assigned to the QPS Disaster
Victim Identification squad have prepared him well to deal with
adversity and for rising to a challenge.
“The DVI is a special breed of people; it’s a volunteer group
of about 20. You obviously have to be able to handle adverse
conditions, work really well in a group and have the drive to
achieve goals. You have to be really motivated and have the
personality to deal with grieving persons,” he said.
“With DVI I have been to Bali for the bombings and Thailand
for the Boxing Day Tsunami. I spent a month in Bali over a
couple of rotations. The first time I was there I was
interviewing families, getting information about possible
deceased and later trying to identify bodies.” When Sgt Adams
arrived in Thailand three months after the Tsunami hit in 2005,
there were still 3,000 bodies to identify.
“While in Thailand I was in charge of the AM/PM area where all
the information was gathered. From the post-mortem
information to information like dental records, fingerprints
and DNA. I was running a crew of about 90 staff from over 14
different countries. I learned very quickly that language is a
cruel barrier….trying to tell someone what to do when we do

Queensland Police Union Journal Apr 10 It’s Official • 23
not speak the same language,” Sgt Adams said. His role of
Branch President also holds many challenges ranging from
providing court support to officers, sitting in on disciplinary
interviews and providing advice.
“Currently senior management is reviewing the rosters for the
City and Fortitude Valley stations. They believe we can respond
to the calls for service during peak times in a better way, so
they are reviewing the rosters, to see what we can do with the
current staffing levels. We may be looking at changes to team
structure and doing more night work as Friday and Saturday
nights are our busiest times. It’s important and part of the
process to have consultation with staff involved and that
includes union representation.”
The father of two daughters who recently married a second
time to his partner who works at Brisbane Communications,
has wanted a career in policing since childhood.
“My parents told me I grew up always wanting to be a police
officer or teacher,” he said. After he left high school, he worked
part-time at Kmart as a shift manager until he joined the QPS
in 1987, graduating a year later.

24 • Car Theft Queensland Police Union Journal Apr 10
Left to Right
Deputy Police Commissioner Ian Stewart, Detective Sergeant Peter Ziser, Detective Sergeant Renee Kurtz,
Detective Inspector Mark Ainsworth and Detective Superintendent Gayle Hogan.
car theft
By Paula Doneman
IT reads likes a script from the movie “Gone in 60 Seconds”.
There are car keys with their own “secret DNA” which is only
visible under a special ultraviolet light, and thieves use
tracking devices to steal cars.
But it’s no Hollywood blockbuster – these were elements of
a Queensland police sting which earned a detective national
recognition for his work, and exposed several scams within
the motor industry. Operation Hotel Raptor kicked off in April
last year, when the Vehicle Crime Unit (VCU) received
information about some cars on a Gold Coast property.
“We attended there with the Gold Coast CIB and searched the
property where we found nine stolen vehicles,’’ said Detective
Sergeant Peter Ziser, a team leader in the Organised Crime
Unit (Vehicle Crime), State Crime Operations Command.
“The owner of the property, a motor mechanic who ran a
wrecking yard, was allegedly involved with disposing of cars
as part of an insurance fraud scam. He allegedly had his own
clients or tow truck drivers pay him a fee to make a car ‘
disappear’ by dismantling them so they were never found.
Some were allegedly sold for parts through his wrecking
yard,’’ said Det-Sgt Ziser.
VCU detectives found that the owners of the cars were people
who could not afford to keep the car because of financial
problems or high costs of repair. They then lodged a claim
with their insurance company that their car was stolen. Hours
after the raid on the Gold Coast property, the motor mechanic
allegedly told detectives he was supposed to steal a black
Alpha Romeo Coupe from an address at Labrador. The owner
left the key secreted in the front mag wheel.
“We located the key and with the appropriate authorisation,
drove the vehicle to the holding yard because there were
allegations that tow truck drivers were involved with the scam
so we could not risk tipping anyone off. The mechanic
allegedly told us that part of the scam was after he got rid
of the Alpha, the key had to be returned to the owner so she
could take it to the insurance company when she filed her
stolen car claim.”
“This is a popular method to defraud insurance companies as
one of the first questions they ask is ‘where are your keys?’ “
Sgt Ziser said. As soon as he drove the car, Sgt Ziser said he
knew the motivation of the owner to have it “stolen’’ was that
it was in need of repair. “The car was running really rough
and being an Alpha Romeo, repairs would not be cheap,’’ he
said.
The investigation then hit a hurdle when detectives
discovered they could not get a copy of the key to hand back
to the owner without paying several thousand dollars.
“We knew we had to get an identical key for the scam but we
couldn’t do it so we microdotted the key. It was like giving
the key its own DNA, and then allegedly gave it back to the
mechanic. When the microdots are held under a UV light and
put under a microscope it shows ‘Queensland Police Service –
Auto Theft Unit’. We covertly taped him allegedly handing the
key over to a tow truck driver who returned it to the owner.
She reported her car stolen,’’ he said.
The detectives then retrieved the key from the insurance
company and questioned the car owner who at first
vehemently denied any wrongdoing.
“She was very confident, looked us straight in the eye and
lied. Then we dropped the bombshell about the microdot on
her car key, and she buried her head in her hands and cried.
She admitted her guilt and assisted police. She has since
been convicted of fraud,’’ Det-Sgt Ziser said.
In the meantime, detectives gathered further evidence by
back-tracking the owners of the nine cars found on the
mechanic’s property and allegedly established links between
the wrecking yard, tow truck drivers and a panel beater. “We
did pre-text phone calls, conducted surveillance, did CCRS
and collected statements. “
“One of the vehicles found on the mechanic’s property was a
12-month old $80,000 Jeep which the owner allegedly wanted
stolen because he wanted to upgrade to a new model. We
used an ex-police officer turned forensic locksmith to show
the car could not be stolen without a key code which is
impossible to bypass. It showed the car was not hotwired as
the owner allegedly claimed,’’ said Det-Sgt Ziser.
The Jeep owner was charged with fraud and drug offences

Queensland Police Union Journal Apr 10 Car Theft • 25
after VCU detectives raided his Byron Bay home. Det-Sgt
Ziser said car owners who commit insurance fraud by falsely
claiming their car had been stolen risked being sued by the
companies. “This investigation has highlighted the high level
of theft and fraud which has gone through the roof during the
global economic crisis.”
Operation Hotel Raptor ran for two months, resulting in 17
people being charged with 36 offences. Last month,
Det-Sgt Ziser was presented with an award for Data Dot
Investigation of The Year at the annual conference of the
International Association of Auto Theft Investigators.
The investigation also discovered another scam in which car
thieves were selling their vehicles with a secretly installed
tracking device.
“They would sell the vehicle and then steal them back using
the tracking devices and a spare key they had not passed on
to the new owner. They would then rebirth the vehicle and
sell it again.” This scam turned the VCU focus back to
rebirthing, with detectives launching Project TREX.
“As a result of Hotel Raptor we also identified a group of
people involved in the stealing and rebirthing of vehicles.
They were targeting wrecks that were not on the Written-Off
Vehicle Register (WOVR) as the insurance on the vehicles was
void through actions such as drink driving or drag racing.
Whenever a car has crashed and there is an insurance claim,
it must go through an inspection process to ensure that it is
the same vehicle that was written off and not one rebuilt with
stolen parts.”
“We found people in the motor industry would approach car
owners with vehicles not likely to be paid out through
insurance and say ‘I know someone who will pay for your car
wreck’. They then pass it back to the criminals who take the
VIN numbers off the wrecks and put them on stolen cars and
rebirth them.”
“If you search websites such as Ebay you will see car wrecks
with high price tags because you are not paying for the car
itself, you are paying for its identity.” Det-Sgt Ziser said the
rebirthing scam was a national problem and the VCU had
identified several rackets operating in southeast Queensland.

Queensland Police Union Journal Apr 10 Over The Limit • 27
OVER THE LIMIT
Booze, bashings and brutality on our streets
By Paula Doneman.
Photo by Rob McColl, Courier-Mail
The QPUE worked with the Courier-Mail on its “Punch Drunk“ campaign to highlight the impact of alcohol-fuelled violence.
She is not sure of how tonight will go – her crew is down to 16 as
four officers have been sent to Operation Stopper to target drink
drivers.
It’s midnight Friday as Sergeant Kayt Howe logs on as car B430
to Brisbane Communications, one of the call signs for Fortitude
Valley police.
With more than 150 licensed venues and two malls across four
city blocks to patrol and a public that can swell from 10,000 to
30,000, the odds are against them.
Sgt Howe has been working the Valley for the last six of her 21
years service with the QPS and she, along with other seasoned
officers, are seeing first- hand a significant increase in
alcohol-fuelled violence, drug abuse and public disorder amongst
the thousands of revelers who flock to the nightclub precinct
every Friday and Saturday night.
“I enjoy the challenges of the Valley,’’ she said.
The QPUE Journal spent a nightshift last month with the police
stationed at the Fortitude Valley Mall Post for a glimpse of what
frontline police face in this busy area. On a Friday night up to
15,000 people flood the Valley. That population doubles on a
Saturday night – up to 50,000 if there is a special event.
The crews patrolling the nightclub and entertainment precinct
and often only have to walk a few metres before there is trouble.
Police often become casualties themselves of violence with
officers injured when arresting drunks or risk further assault from
their friends or bystanders. One officer told of how a colleague
broke his arm when he smashed into a door-jam while trying to
arrest a drunk.
Sgt Howe has her crews work in groups of three. “That way there
is always one officer watching your back. Situations can escalate
quickly where the crowd can become violent…it gets way out of
hand very quickly.’’
The mall post is a revolving door of officers responding to
incidents, or returning with members of the public to be
processed and charged before going to the watchhouse. It’s
relentless but the officers remain professional and resilient.
On our way to the mall post, Sgt Howe is called to a nightclub on
Brunswick St. A drunken patron has been ejected from the club.
When we arrive, uniform staff have the matter under control
as they try to make sense of the heavily intoxicated
twenty-something. He only comes to life when he vomits all over
the footpath.
“This is the bread and butter of what we do…mostly public
disorder and drunken behaviour,’’ said Sgt Howe. Two volunteer
chaplains, who spend their Friday and Saturday nights assisting
police and emergency services, try to clean up the man.
Sgt Howe describes Friday and Saturday nights in the Valley as
“controlled chaos’’.
It’s a chaos that seems to erupt easily if one drunk accidentally
bumps another, or with arguments between couples or refusal of
entry to nightclubs.
Just when she sits back in the patrol car, Sgt Howe is out again
as a fire engine, with lights and sirens, tries to safely negotiate its
way through drunken crowds spilling onto Brunswick St.
“We also have problems with pedestrians who are often drunk
when crossing busy streets,” she said.
Meanwhile a heavily intoxicated man has allegedly assaulted two
women sitting in their car on the border of Fortitude Valley and
Spring Hill. He was charged with two counts of assault
occasioning bodily harm.
From then on the night deteriorates into responding to
alcohol-fuelled violence and disorder. In some cases, police try to
calm members of the public and ask them to go home or get into

28 • Over The Limit Queensland Police Union Journal Apr 10
Photo by Rob McColl
a cab. Many opt to fight or resist police. One woman who had
been evicted from a nightclub for fighting rejected two
attempts by police to help her into her a cab at both ends of the
Brunswick St Mall.
At 1.55am, Constables Jenna Bonney and Jess Lunt arrest a man
ejected from a nightclub for fighting. Initially given a choice to
leave the Brunswick St Mall, he refuses and becomes aggressive
with the officers. He spends the remainder of his 21st birthday
celebrations in the watchhouse.
The CCTV cameras being monitored inside the mall post, paint
a grim picture of public behavior under the influence of alcohol
and drugs.
One Fortitude Valley police officer who has been stationed in the
area for several years said one of the problems fuelling the
violence was people arriving in the area already drunk and
spending the next few hours getting more so.
“Most people arrive half drunk, some to the point where they
shouldn’t be served”.
“There is definitely a loss of respect for police, now when we ask
someone to do something, they say, ‘fuck off, you can’t tell me
what to do’,’’ an officer said.
After 3am, problems start to rise as police are kept busy with
people left on the street by the lockout, and then again at 5am
when heavily intoxicated patrons pour out of the nightclubs.
At 3.20am, Sgt Howe is granted permission to keep two officers
on overtime as they respond to a number of assaults and
disturbances. One crew finds a man urinating on a shop front.
When they arrest him, his friend interferes and is arrested too.
Officers are called to Brunswick St where there are reports of a
fight involving a knife. Minutes later they respond to an assault
in the Chinatown Mall.
Two bouncers bloodied and with ripped shirts arrive at the mall
post. They tell police about a patron who attacked them when he
was removed from a nightclub.
An officer who has worked in the Valley for several years said a
1am lockout would be a step towards reducing the
alcohol-related problems.
“The longer they can drink, the worse it becomes. The use of
party drugs has become more widespread with the increase of
trading hours over the years,’’ the officer said.
The Journal’s night out came a week after a Queensland
parliamentary committee into alcohol-fuelled violence released
its report with 68 recommendations on how to tackle the
problem.
Queensland Parliament’s Law, Justice and Safety Committee
recommended pubs and clubs in entertainment precincts to
be allowed to trade no later than 2am on weekdays and 4am
on weekends. The committee also called for the existing 3am
lock-out to be pushed forward to 2am, and recommended courts
should be given the power to ban repeat violent offenders from
visiting certain areas.
The QPUE, which spearheaded a comprehensive submission to
the inquiry, supported by paramedics, the Brisbane Lord Mayor
and the Royal College of Surgeons, backed the new proposed
trading hours, and called for greater police numbers to tackle the
violent crime in entertainment precincts.
“There is no doubt we would have preferred even earlier closing
times, however, what is proposed should be a big improvement
on the ridiculous situation we currently have”.
“For nightclub hot-spots such as Surfers Paradise and Fortitude
Valley it will effectively mean a 17-hour reduction in trading
hours per week for the bigger venues,“ QPUE General President
Ian Leavers said.

Queensland Police Union Journal Apr 10 Over The Limit • 29
Photo by Rob McColl
“The government crowed long and loud about the results of this
operation, yet refuses to concede that these kind of staffing levels
are required year round,’’ he said.
Photo by Rob McColl
“Outside of the designated entertainment precincts the
proposed cut-backs will, in some cases, go further. There are
some suburban hotels that are currently trading until 5am that
will be restricted to 3am on weekends and 1am through the
week. “
A big plus for police should be that many nightshifts would be
able to finish earlier - maybe 3am weekdays instead of 6am, and
weekends 5am instead of 6am.
“I know from experience that getting to bed before the sun rises
can make a huge difference to the body clock when you work
shift work,’’ Mr Leavers said.
At the time of publication, media reports indicated Brisbane CBD
licensees were cracking down on drunken violence ahead of the
new laws. This included the committee’s and the QPUE
recommendations that ID scanners be installed to facilitate bans
on problem patrons.
The QPUE also welcomed the inquiry’s call for Special
Responsible Service of Alcohol Marshalls to patrol late night
venues with breathalysers, and ensure intoxicated patrons were
not being given more booze.
“Their sole responsibility will be to observe the patrons to ensure
that alcohol is not being provided to patrons who have already
had too much to drink,’’ Mr Leavers said.
Police numbers working in nightclub areas were dangerously low
and needed to be doubled to ensure the safety of officers and the
public.
Recent operations, including Operation Merit, that effectively
doubled the number of police working in these areas showed
what a difference having adequate police on the ground can
make.
“We need to double police numbers working in nightclub areas
to ensure the safety of the officers and the public. That would
mean an increase of at least 400 officers over and above the 200
required every year to keep up with Queensland’s population
growth,’’ Mr Leavers said.
The additional officers need to be employed over the next two
years and deployed to Brisbane City, Fortitude Valley, the Gold
Coast and major regional centres.
“With the current staffing levels police have no hope of safely
managing the thousands of drunks on our streets. Every dollar
spent preventing violent and sexual assaults will take some
pressure off our beleaguered health system.”
“Our officers are routinely injured whilst on duty in nightclub
areas, due to booze-fuelled idiots with no fear of the law,” Mr
Leavers said.
He expressed concern that Premier Anna Bligh may water down
the committee’s recommendations.
“The committee recommendations are based on fact and need to
be implemented lock, stock and barrel so that we can reduce the
violence on our streets after dark,” Mr Leavers said.
“The experience in Newcastle demonstrates that Queensland has
the opportunity to massively reduce crime if these
recommendations are implemented, he said.
“Alcohol -fuelled violence is not just a catchy phrase; it’s a
workplace health and safety nightmare for our officers, and the
victims of this violence are clogging up our hospital wards with
horrendous injuries that are entirely preventable. Of course some
revelers also end up dead because of this drink-until- daylight
culture that has emerged in recent years.’’
The day before the committee’s report was released, Premier
Bligh told media the government was not looking to unfairly
crack down on pubs and clubs.

30 • Over The Limit Queensland Police Union Journal Apr 10
Photo by Paula Doneman
Photo by Rob McColl
She said she hoped the committee would propose courses of
action that were in the “best interest of the public and our
entertainment precincts’’.
“I think it is important that we don’t see trading hours as some
sort of magic bullet. Police numbers, public transport solutions
and crowd control are also part of managing these precincts
better,’’ she told reporters.
Photo by Rob McColl
It’s just after 5am as we drive back to Fortitude Valley station for
Sgt Howe to write up her log and do the shift hand over. She
sees a taxi parked on the side of Wickham St. The driver is
standing on shattered glass from his back window where a drunk
had punched and shattered his window.
Photo by Paula Doneman
Sgt Howe takes his statement, radios in a description of the
offender and his girlfriend. She then explains that he will have to
take his cab in for forensic examination. She calls for Scenes of
Crime to come out and take samples from a bloody trail left by
the man who smashed the window.
It is the last job for Sgt Howe after a long night, and she along
with her crew, were back out there the Saturday night doing it all
over again.
ED’s NOTE: As the Journal went to press, Fortitude Valley police
were investigating a large brawl that erupted on Wickham St
outside a nightclub around 4am Easter Saturday morning.
It started as a fight among five men, but quickly escalated to
involving up to 30 people. Police had to call in back-up from the
City and Valley divisions when the crowd and alleged offenders
became violent when officers arrested four men.
No officers were injured but one police officer was punched in
the face by a bystander while arresting one of the men.
Capsicum spray had to be used and several people were charged
with obstructing police.
Photo by Paula Doneman

Queensland Police Union Journal Apr 10 The Mt-Cootha Classic • 33
THE MT-COOTHA
CLASSIC
More than 80 years of automotive racing technology will be
on display at the Mt Cootha Classic next month.
On May 29 and 30, more than 200 classic cars and
motorcycles will be on display and competing in timed
sprints up Mt Cootha in Brisbane’s west.
The event is a recreation of a race on Mt Cootha held in
1916, one of Queensland’s earliest recorded motorsports
events. The hill climb is held on Scenic Drive and follows the
original course.
Mt Cootha, otherwise known as One Tree Hill, has a history
of competitive motorsport on its slope, with Boyd Edkins
winning the first hill climb there in April 1915. F.Z. Eager,
whose family name became associated with sales and
distribution of motor vehicles in Brisbane at Eagers
Motors, won the early hill climbs in 1916 and 1918.
The Mt Cootha Classic, which is in its second year, attracts
some 250 entrants in all types of vehicles dating from 1911
to 2010. These include race cars, Grand Prix motorcycles,
rally cars and speedway vehicles.
Brisbane West District Traffic Branch will have a large road
safety display inside the event incorporating the Forensic
Crash Unit, Crime Stoppers, Cars-Q, the Morgan & Wacker
Motorcycle Training School and several others.
Sergeant Russell “Muddy” Waters said part of the display was
to encourage drivers, particularly motorcycle riders, to take
defensive driving courses.
“To do an advanced skills course is not a huge expense in
comparison to the cost of a serious accident or loss of life,’’
Sgt Waters said.
Bill Westerman, event organiser and president of the Historic
Racing Car Club (Qld) Inc, said the Mt Cootha Classic
celebrated the history of motorsport in Queensland.
“It also showcases motorsport under controlled conditions
where the excitement of speed and competition can be
enjoyed with minimal risk to both the public and the
competitors.”
“The presence of Queensland Police at this year’s event is an
attempt to bring to the attention of those attending, the risk
of bad behaviour on our roads and the possibilities of
reducing this through regulated motorsport,’’
Mr Westerman said.
Admission is $20 per day for adults and $15 for concession.
A weekend adult pass can purchased for $30.
For more information about the weekend go to
www.coothaclassic.com.au

34 • Behind The Spin
Queensland Police Union Journal Apr 10
Behind the spin
RUNNING MAN
By Ross Musgrove
“Some days are diamonds, some days are
stone, sometimes the hard times won’t leave
me alone.”
It’s a karaoke favourite the world over, but, I
reckon it’s stuck in Tony Abbott’s head about
now.
The Federal Opposition Leader’s polling is heading south
and it is clear that the honeymoon is over. Tony Abbott
seems convinced that parading his extremely fit body all
over our television screens will endear him to the average
punter.
“ Yes, five or maybe ten per cent of
the population is wowed by his athletic
prowess, but for the rest of us,
it’s just another reminder that Tony
is a bit weird ”
Tony Abbott
Mr Abbott doesn’t get it. His polling numbers should be
proof enough that he is alienating quite a few of the couch
potatoes amongst us. He’s not the first pollie to get this
wrong. Lawrence “the Borg” Springborg also was repeatedly
filmed running everywhere. He is still in Opposition.
Here’s a free tip for Tony Abbott - on the other side of the
telly are a bunch of generally overweight, unfit gluttons and
sloths that are getting very sick and tired of watching you
showing off.
Yes, five or maybe ten per cent of the population is wowed
by his athletic prowess, but for the rest of us, it’s just another
reminder that Tony is a bit weird.
Lawrence Springborg

Queensland Police Union Journal Apr 10
Behind The Spin • 35
The asylum seekers are certainly looming as a big issue,
but they’re probably not the game changer they once were.
With a lot of the asylum claims set to be rejected, the
number actually returned to their country of origin is also
set to break new records, which should negate some of the
political fallout.
In the main, these asset sales don’t make sense in the
long-term but they’re obviously desperate to replace the
cash-flow lost when resources royalties shrank.
Premier Bligh has been announcing plenty of new resources
projects although the difficulty is the revenue will not begin to
roll in for between six and ten years from now.
Whilst the public are beginning to question Kevin Rudd’s
credentials, he looks unbeatable at the moment as he is
set to increase Labor’s majority at the federal election later
this year. Tony Abbott looks more and more like just another
Opposition leader – albeit a fit one.
“ I don’t get how they can all still
manage to look so smug while they flog
the family silver to pay the
day-to-day expenses ”
GOING, GOING, GONE
Anna, Andrew and Paul are spearheading the fire sales of
Queensland’s assets as we speak. I cannot help but think
that in years to come we will all look back at this as a low
point in our state’s proud history.
Anna Bligh
Big projects aren’t built in a day and are unlikely to resolve
the government’s cash-flow problems anytime soon.
That elusive AAA credit rating is still some time away and so
is a recovery in Anna Bligh’s polling numbers.
I don’t get how they can all still manage to look so smug
while they flog the family silver to pay the day-to-day
expenses. Long standing Labor devotees are filthy with
them, and I don’t blame them.

36 • Beyond Reasonable Doubt Queensland Police Union Journal Apr 10
The judicial discretion to
record or not record a
conviction
by Calvin Gnech Legal Officer QPUE
I have received requests from officers in regard to when it is
appropriate to record a conviction against an offender or not.
To keep this question simple, let’s leave out juvenile
offenders as that is a completely different topic.
The discretion to record or not record a conviction is
governed by section 12; Penalties and Sentences Act 1992;
12 Court to consider whether or not to record conviction
(1) A court may exercise a discretion to record or not record
a conviction as provided by this Act.
(2) In considering whether or not to record a conviction, a
court must have regard to all circumstances of the case,
including--
(a) the nature of the offence; and
(b) the offender’s character and age; and
(c) the impact that recording a conviction will have on the
offender’s--
(i) economic or social wellbeing; or
(ii) chances of finding employment.
There has been a significant amount of judicial comment in
regards to this topic since the introduction of the Penalties
and Sentences Act. Usually sub-sections 2(a) and (b) speak
for themselves and the judicial comment relates to the
interpretation and requirements to satisfy subsections 2(c) (i)
and (ii).
It must be remembered this is a discretion of the court and
the decision ultimately lies with the judicial officer relying
on the facts and circumstances they deem relevant to this
decision. However, as per most aspects of law there is
judicial comment both in favour of the prosecution and
against.
In cases such as R v Bain and R v Quakuschefski it has been
held that there must be some evidence before the court
supporting the impact on the person’s economic or social
wellbeing or chances of finding employment. It was held
further ‘A bare possibility that a conviction may affect
prospects is insufficient.’ Quakuschefski’s Case also held the
court must be careful not to discriminate against those who
are unemployed. Such an outcome smacks of privilege and
can only lead to the evolution of a special class of persons in
society who are exempt from the full operation of the
criminal law, at least at its lower reaches.
There are however more recent cases that are not so
supportive of this position. In R v Briese it was held a court
would be more easily persuaded against the recording of a
conviction where there were no prior convictions or a very
minor history, and where the offence in question was a
so-called ‘victimless’ crime.
Further in R v Cay Justice Keane stated; ‘the existence of a
criminal record is, as a general rule, likely to impair a
person’s employment prospects…..it is not an essential
requirement to identify specific employment opportunities.’
In 2003, in R v Seilerand, then affirmed only last month by
the Court of Appeal in R v Doddit, was held the following
proposition. Where there was no evidence about the impact
that recording a conviction would have on an offender’s
economic or social well-being or chances of finding
employment, it could be presumed with some confidence
that a conviction could only have a negative impact on these
matters.’
Government calling for public comment
The Office of QPU Solicitor is currently compiling
submissions to submit on behalf of the QPUE as part of the
Police Powers and Responsibilities Act review, and also the
‘drink driving and drivers license review’. Feel free to email
solicitor@qpu.asn.au with your views.
(Unrep Qld CA Appeal No 452 of 1996, 14 March1997) at p
4. (Unrep Qld CA Appeal No 139 of 1994, 12 August 1994.
(1997) 92 A Crim R 75 Ex-parte A-G (Qld) 2005 158 A Crim
R 488 [2003] QCA 217. [2010] QCA 31.
Atkinson v Gibson
I have fielded a lot of calls in regard to last month’s article
on the District Court decision of Atkinson v Gibson. We can
confirm the QPS Solicitor has lodged an appeal in the Court
of Appeal. I will keep you informed of the outcome.

Queensland Police Union Journal Apr 10 Sidebar • 37
By Calvin Gnech Legal Officer QPUE
Sidebar
“Sidebar” is being introduced to the journal as a regular addition for the purpose of giving brief summaries of selected
recently decided cases which may be of interest to members. Members seeking a full understanding of the case will need to be
obtained the full case. These case summaries have been prepared by Ken Mackenzie of Mackenzie Mitchell Solicitors as part
of his Q-Crime weekly digest.
R v Franicevic [2010] QCA 36 – Dock identification. Samios DCJ
allowed the prosecution to re-open evidence of W and make a dock
identification of F. Judge directed on the dangers of dock
identifications but failed to direct on identification issues generally.
Appeal allowed. Re-trial ordered.
R v Pretorius [2009] QDC 414 – Trial without jury. Application for
trial by judge alone by accused on the (curious) grounds that he
had previous similar convictions, intended to lead evidence of
those convictions in his defence, and the details would be available
to jurors searching the internet. Held: Not in the interests of justice
to dispense with a jury. Application refused.
R v Hardy [2010] QCA 28 – Arrest. Handcuffs. After a positive
roadside breath test H refused to accompany police. Handcuffs
placed on H, who struggled and fought with police. Convicted of
3 serious assaults. Held: The mere fact that a person is arrested is
not sufficient justification for the use of handcuffs [35]. The use of
force must be reasonably necessary [38]. The use of excessive force
would take the arresting officer outside of the execution of their
duty [40]. The summing-up on these issues was wrong, confusing
and inadequate. Convictions quashed. Re-trial ordered. Comment:
Interestingly, Muir JA at [40] returns to a conventional view of the
relationship between excess force and execution of duty. Compare
to earlier remarks by Muir JA in R v Hawton [2009] QCA 248 at
[21].
R v Manser [2010] QCA 32 – Sentencing. Imprisonment as last
resort. Sentence for indecent assault. Vs aged 16 and 17. Held:
Rejected Crown submission that imprisonment must be imposed in
all but exceptional cases. It would be inconsistent to apply such a
rule and at the same time apply the statutory requirement in s.9(2)
(a) PSA that imprisonment is a last resort. However, in this case, 4
months imprisonment not excessive.
R v Hardy [2009] QDC 413 – Sentencing. Breach of suspended
sentence during extended operational period. H’s offence
committed during extended operational period, but before 1
December 2008, when amendments restored the power to activate
such a sentence. Held: The amendments had a substantive effect.
They were not retrospective. The suspended sentence could not be
activated.
R v Colless [2010] QCA 26 – Sentence for rape. Brisbane’s
“bikeway rapist”. 11 attacks over 27 months in public places.
Digital penetration in 5. Gratuitous violence in 2. Guilty plea,
ex-officio. Remorse and co-operation after initial denial. Admission
to some offences of which would otherwise not be convicted.
Low risk of re-offending if completed treatment. Original sentence
25 years imprisonment, eligible for parole after 15 years. Reduced
to 16 years imprisonment, eligible for parole after 12 years and 10
months.
R v Chandler [2010] QCA 21 – Sentence for importing
pseudoephedrine. Approx. 3kg. Possessed a laboratory for
manufacturing methylamphetamine. Principal, not courier. Guilty
plea, ex-officio. 35 years old. Minor previous drug convictions. Not
an addict. Original sentence 5 years imprisonment, non-parole 3
years. Not varied.
R v Evans [2010] QCA 30 – Sentence for burglary. E reached inside
vehicle and removed a wallet. Not guilty plea. 26 years old.
“Appalling” history of previous convictions for dishonesty. Drug
addiction. Offence on parole. Neither counsel at sentence
appreciated the effect that cancelling the parole would have;
i.e. extending the full-time release date of the earlier sentence;
s211(2)(c) CSA. Crown submitted for up to 18 months.
Original sentence 3 years imprisonment, cumulative upon an
earlier sentence. Reduced to 1 year imprisonment, cumulative
upon the earlier term.
R v Byrne [2010] QCA 33 – Sentence for fraud and dealing in
proceeds. B impersonated bank customer, withdrew $1.38 million,
and transferred it overseas. All but $250,000 recovered. Guilty
plea. 48 years old. Carer for aged mother. Chronic depression.
Co-operation with authorities but of little value. Claimed to be
gullible dupe who received no benefit and, although that was an
unlikely claim, the impaired reasoning evident in his oral
submissions to the Court made the claim probable. Disparity of
sentence with co-accused not known at B’s sentence. Original
sentence 6 years imprisonment, non-parole period 3½ years.
Reduced non-parole period to 18 months.

38 • Workcover Injuries and Common Law Update Queensland Police Union Journal Apr 10
WORKCOVER INJURIES
AND
COMMON LAW UPDATE
By Ryan Heath, Partner, Sciaccas Lawyers and Consultants
QPUE members will be aware that Sciaccas Lawyers and
Consultants are the official lawyers for the Queensland
Police Union of Employees advising with respect to workplace
injuries, Workcover claims and common law claims.
Members will be aware that if they suffer an injury in
the course of their employment, whether physical or
psychological, they are entitled to lodge a statutory claim for
Workcover benefits.
To have a statutory claim accepted, an injured worker must
be able to show that at the time of sustaining the injury he
was a worker, that he has sustained an injury, and that his
work was a significant contributing factor to sustaining the
injury.
In injuries of a physical nature this test is easily met. With
respect to psychological injuries there is a further exception
dealing with reasonable management action that has been
commented upon in other articles in this journal.
Once a worker’s injury is determined to be stable and
stationary, Workcover may issue a Notice of Assessment.
That Notice of Assessment may contain an offer of lump sum
compensation based upon the injured workers work related
impairment (WRI).
Should the injured worker be assessed with a WRI of less
than 20%, he or she will need to make an irrevocable choice
as to whether they wish to accept the amount of lump sum
compensation or proceed with a claim for common law
damages. A claim for common law damages will only succeed
where the injured worker is able to show that his injury has
arisen due to the negligence of the employer.
The benefit of proceeding with a claim for common law
damages is that the injured worker is entitled to be
compensated for a number of heads of damage. Those
heads of damage include pain and suffering and loss
of amenities of life, out-of-pocket expenses incurred in
seeking medical treatment, purchasing medication, ongoing
medical expenses, past economic loss including loss of any
operational service allowances, specials or overtime, future
economic loss and loss of superannuation entitlements.
Once an injured worker has received legal advice that he
has prospects of success in such a common law claim, the
Workers Compensation and Rehabilitation Act 2003 sets
out the pre proceedings process to be followed to resolve
these matters. The pre proceedings process attempts to
resolve matters at any early stage without the delay and cost
involved in proceeding through the court process.
The first step in the pre proceedings process is for the
injured worker to lodge a Notice of Claim for Damages
setting out in detail the injuries suffered, the allegations
of negligence and an offer of settlement. Workcover
Queensland then has a period of six months in which to
investigate the claim and provide a liability response.
A liability response will contain either an admission or a
denial of liability and, should there be an admission, a
counter offer of lump sum compensation. Once the liability
response is received the parties have three months to
convene a compulsory conference in an attempt to resolve
the matter. Only if the matter is unable to be resolved at that
compulsory conference can the court proceedings commence.
Following are a number of examples where we have acted on
behalf of members of the QPUE with respect to this
pre-proceedings process.
Case Study One
We acted for a member who sustained a serious fracture
to his leg while attempting to scale a fence. The member
had received radio contact that a break and enter was in
progress. He travelled to the property and found all doors
and side gates locked.
Accordingly he decided, rather than kicking down the fence
and hence potentially disturbing the intruder, to climb over
the six-foot picket fence.
In the course of doing this, the cuff on his standard issued
trousers caught on the picket and he fell to the ground
sustaining a serious leg fracture. He underwent surgery and
was off work for a period of time. He had since returned to
operational duties but was unable to undertake specials due
to the injury.
He had received a Notice of Assessment from Workcover
Queensland containing an offer of lump sum compensation.
We advised him that there was potential negligence on
behalf of the Queensland Police Service and accordingly
recommended a common law claim.
We argued at the compulsory conference that “first
response” officers should be issued with “bloused” trousers
similar to the SERT, given that they are most likely to be
involved in situations like chasing an offender or climbing a
fence. The matter settled at the compulsory conference for
a sum of money in excess of that contained in the Workcover
Notice of Assessment.
Case Study Two
We acted for a member who suffered a back injury as a
result of wearing her accoutrement belt. As a result of the
injury the member could no longer work in an operational
capacity and sought and obtained alternative employment
within the QPS. Again she received a Notice of Assessment

Queensland Police Union Journal Apr 10 Workcover Injuries and Common Law Update • 39
from Workcover Queensland upon finalisation of her
statutory claim and we provided advice that she had
prospects of success on a common law claim.
We argued at the compulsory conference that the QPS were,
or should have been aware of the propensity for
smaller-waisted officers to suffer back symptoms from
wearing the belt, especially while seated in a police vehicle.
Given that the QPS were trialling the GAV for this reason
the argument held some weight. We argued that given that
knowledge the QPS had a duty to inform officers of the
possibility of symptoms and requiring them to report any
such symptoms to their officer-in-charge.
Again the matter settled at the compulsory conference
for an amount in excess of that contained in the Notice of
Assessment.
Case Study Three
We acted for a member who suffered a serious psychological
injury as a result of being exposed to numerous traumatic
events over the course of his policing career.
The psychological injury resulted in him being medically
retired from the QPS.
psychological nature he could have accessed the HSO’s, peer
support officers or police chaplains.
They stated that as the member made no complaint about his
psychological symptoms there was little the QPS could do to
protect him from further aggravating his symptoms.
We argued at the compulsory conference that the culture
within the QPS was that you did not complain about
psychological symptoms or that your career may be in
jeopardy. The matter resolved at the compulsory conference
for an amount which was in excess of the offer contained in
the Notice of Assessment.
SHOULD any member have any queries with respect to
injuries sustained in the workplace they should contact
the QPUE who will be able to provide a referral to Sciaccas
Lawyers and Consultants.
Sciaccas
Lawyers and Consultants
The member did not utilise the HSO or peer support officers
as he was concerned about confidentiality issues. He received
a Notice of Assessment containing an offer of lump sum
compensation from Workcover Queensland and sought our
advice with respect to a common law case.
We advised him that he had some prospects of success.
The solicitors on behalf of Workcover Queensland argued
that if the member had been suffering any symptoms of a

Queensland Police Union Journal Apr 10 International Women’s Day • 41
International Women’s Day
International
Women’s Day
Almost 300 people joined the Queensland Police
Service’s Women’s Network to celebrate International
Women’s Day at Brisbane’s Sebel Citigate.
Queensland Deputy Police Commissioner Kathy
Rynders, the country’s most senior female police
officer, opened the function which had the theme
of “Women Leading The Way’’.
Ms Rynders, who announced her retirement the
week before, spoke about the theme being
appropriate given the number of exceptional women
leading the way in Queensland including the
Premier and Governor.
Deputy Commissioner Rynders, herself a role model
and leader throughout her career, spoke of the
benefits of the Leadership and Mentoring Programs
for women in the QPS.
Former Brisbane Lord Mayor Sallyanne Atkinson
and Queensland’s Chief Health Officer, Dr Jeanette
Young, were the key note speakers who gave unique
insights into their careers and tips for future leaders.
Ms Atkinson entertained the audience with how she
managed a delicate balance between juggling her
home life, being a young wife ironing her husband’s
underwear, raising five children and the demands of
a professional career.
The 2010 Jim O’Sullivan Achievement Award was
presented to Sergeant Nadine Webster for her
project ‘Women with Wings, Weapons & Warrants’.
Sgt Webster’s project created a very positive and
mutually beneficial networking relationship
between QPS women working in Southern Region
and their RAAF counterparts.
Mt Isa Sergeant Kelly Harvey won an encouragement
award for her project, “Culture Change – Female
Police in the Mt Isa District”.
Senior Sergeant Monica O’Mara spoke of the many
changes she had witnessed in the QPS as well as the
highlights and innovations which occurred during
her 38-year career.
QPUE General Secretary Mick Barnes told of the
push to encourage more women to become union
representatives as well as his earlier trials as a single
father raising three young daughters.
Inspector John Kranenburg updated the audience on
the Policelink project and Inspector Tony
Montgomery-Clarke warned of the dangers that exist
for the unwary when using social networking sites.
The organisers showcased the musical talents of
Brisbane students with superb performances from
Somerville House and St Margaret’s Anglican Girls
School.
The Women’s Network continued their tradition of
raising money for charities at the luncheon, and this
year held a huge multi-draw raffle and collected
donations such as toiletries.
As a result, over $1600 was raised, which was divided
between Helping Hands and the Pindari Women’s
Shelter – together with a car boot full of very
generous donations.
Inspector Amanda Brownhill acted as MC for the
event, and the organising committee was chaired by
Ms Donna Smith from PAC and Ms Lynn Rowsell.

42 • Maximising Optimal Well-Being Queensland Police Union Journal Apr 10
Maximising Optimal Well-Being
in a High-Stress Occupation:
Creating a Healthy Workplace Does Matter
Maintaining the well-being and retention of high performing
employees is of considerable concern to Australian
organisations. As such, the QPS possesses a continual
improvement mindset, in which they are thoroughly
committed to maintaining the good health and well-being of
personnel, promoting a work environment that is supportive
of its employees, and developing leadership capabilities within
the service.
In early 2008, the Healthy Workplaces Project (HWP) was
initiated, which is a program jointly sponsored by the QPS,
Griffith University, and the Queensland State government. The
primary aim of this exciting, three-year strategic improvement
project is to develop, implement, and evaluate an innovative
workplace intervention targeting the well-being, performance,
and management of QPS personnel.
The HWP consists of two major components: an annual
questionnaire distributed to all QPS members and an
intervention program. Both elements of this project have been
in progress throughout 2008 and 2009.
We have just entered the second year of this three-year
collaborative project. In March 2010, the second electronic
questionnaire was distributed to all employees of QPS.
Participation in the questionnaire is voluntary and all
responses are confidential.
Highlights of the First HWP Questionnaire
The first HWP questionnaire was distributed to all QPS
employees in September 2008, and 3883 completed
questionnaires were returned to the Griffith University
research team. The questionnaire measures aspects of the
workplace, such as the perceived supportiveness of the culture
of QPS, in addition to indicators of employee well-being, such
as job satisfaction and psychological strain.
Selected results for job satisfaction, psychological strain, and
physical health behaviours indicated that:
• Police officers reported the greatest amount of satisfaction
with their job security, colleagues, and the amount of
variety in their jobs. For staff members, job security,
colleagues, and work hours represented the three top
sources of job satisfaction.
• Staff members reported significantly higher levels of job
satisfaction in comparison to police officers. Furthermore,
female police officers and female staff members reported
significantly greater satisfaction in comparison to male
police officers and male staff members, respectively.
• The proportion of employees who were satisfied and
dissatisfied overall with their work is presented in Figure1.
This graph indicates that 69% of employees were satisfied
with their work, while 25% were more dissatisfied with their
work.
There are a number of benefits associated with participation in
the HWP:
• You have an opportunity to report your satisfaction and
dissatisfaction with aspects of your workplace.
• Your feedback will be used to influence future improvements
and change strategies within QPS.
• It will enable the identification of aspects of the workplace
that undermine the psychological and physical health of
employees.
• It will equip service leaders and middle-managers with
effective supervisory skills and knowledge, and emphasise
the vital role of people-management. This is likely to
enhance the quality of the leadership within the service.
• Questionnaire data will enable the intervention to be
evaluated.
• Provision of data for comparing the well-being and
management of QPS employees to national and
international police services.
• Examine the long-term impact of work characteristics on the
well-being of QPS employees.
• Promotion of optimal physical and psychological health
within the service.
• A greater rate of participation will enhance the accuracy of
the results and ensure that everyone has a chance to have
their own input into the management of employee
well-being and health.

Queensland Police Union Journal Apr 10 Maximising Optimal Well-Being • 43
• Although the majority of employees reported optimal levels of
psychological health (between 65% and 69%, as indicated
in the graph below), the results suggested that approximately
one third (28% to 32%) may be experiencing mild
psychological strain. This finding is comparable to results
obtained from national and international policing occupations.
These results are presented in Figure 2.
• Between 94% and 95% did not increase their smoking
behaviours.
• Approximately 93% did not increase their use of medication.
Individuals experiencing symptoms of psychological strain,
such as loss of concentration, sleeplessness, incapability in
making decisions, and feelings of hopelessness, or declining
physical health are strongly encouraged to discuss their
well-being with their GP or Human Services Officer (HSO).
Please direct all queries regarding the Healthy
Workplaces Project to Amanda Biggs, Project Manager,
at A.Biggs@griffith.edu.au or Positive Workplaces
Program, QPS, 07 3364 4088.
• Between 80% and 81% of employees indicated that they had
not gained any more weight than usual.
• Between 85% and 92% had not increased their alcohol
consumption in the month prior to the questionnaire.

44 • Investing In Property Queensland Police Union Journal Apr 10

Queensland Police Union Journal Apr 10 Protect Yourself • 45
Protect Yourself, Your Family
And The Community
Rosemary Featherstone
It’s that time of year, the first cold mornings with that familiar chill
in the air. It is also the time to prepare for the onslaught of the flu
season and its effects on yourself, your family and community.
Commonly referred to as the flu, influenza is an infectious disease.
The most common symptoms of the disease are chills, fever, sore
throat, muscle pains, severe headache, coughing, weakness,
fatigue and general discomfort. In more serious cases, influenza
can cause pneumonia, which can be fatal particularly for the
young and the elderly.
Influenza spreads around the world in seasonal epidemics
resulting in the deaths of between 250,000 and 500,000 people
every year. Influenza is transmitted through the air by coughs
or sneezes, creating aerosols containing the virus. It can also be
transmitted by direct contact with bird droppings or nasal
secretions or through contact with contaminated surfaces.
Influenza viruses can be deactivated by sunlight, disinfectants and
detergents. As the virus can be deactivated by soap, frequent hand
washing reduces the risk of infection.
Influenza has a short incubation period; the gap between exposure
to the virus and development of the virus is two to three days. You
become infectious about a day before you begin to feel unwell,
and the symptoms last for three to seven days in total. Thereafter
follows a period of convalescence during which sufferers often
continue to experience tiredness for up to three weeks.
The mainstay of flu prevention is the flu vaccine which contains a
cocktail of three killed viruses and provides protection against both
Flu A and Flu B infections. Protective antibodies against influenza
appear in the blood about two weeks after vaccination. Vaccination
provides up to 90 per cent protection against the flu (less with the
elderly) and lasts up to twelve months. It should be noted that the
2010 Seasonal Flu vaccination does not provide significant
protection against other flu virus strains that are not contained in
this year’s vaccine.
This year, the Australian Influenza Vaccine Committee and the New
Zealand Ministry of Health decided that three strains of influenza
will be included in the Fluvax vaccine. They are A/California/7/2009
(H1N1, Swine Flu) – like strain, A/Perth/16/2009 (H3N2) – like strain
and B/Brisbane/60/2008- like strain. Members who have recently
had the Swine Flu vaccine can have the 2010 Seasonal Flu
vaccination.
The Fluvax vaccine works by causing your body to protect itself
against infection by the influenza viruses that are in the vaccine.
The body makes substances called antibodies that fight the
influenza virus. Most people make satisfactory antibodies against
the influenza virus. However, as with all vaccines, 100% protection
cannot be guaranteed.
The Queensland Police Service with the assistance of the
Organisational Safety and Wellbeing Branch are organising FREE
FLU VACCINATION to all staff members. Information will be sent
by email to all staff with a date, time, and location in your area.
Do Not have the Fluvax vaccine if you:
• are allergic to eggs or the antibiotics neomycin or polmyxin.
• have a temperature higher than 38.5 degrees C.
Tell the doctor if you:
• suffered a serious reaction to a previous vaccine
• are suffering from an infection or high temperature
• previously had medical conditions that included blood disorders,
malaria, kidney disease requiring dialysis, HIV/AIDs or cancer
• are pregnant
• are breastfeeding or
• are taking any other medicines, including any that you buy with
out prescription
Fluvax vaccine is given by injection by a doctor or nurse and is
usually injected in the upper arm.
Fluvax vaccine may have unwanted side effects in some people if
any of the following happen. Tell your doctor immediately or go to
the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital if you have:
• an allergic reaction: Typical symptoms include rash, itching or
hives on the skin, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or other parts
of the body
• shortness of breath, wheezing or trouble breathing
• a fit, convulsion or seizure
• muscles feel sore or tender, extremely weak, lose strength or
movement
• urine, there is little or no urine
• skin bruising which is painful or swollen
• pain, swelling and heat in joints, skin, muscle or other parts of
the body or
• a headache and high temperature associated with hallucinations,
confusion, paralysis of part or all of the body, disturbances of
behavior, speech and eye movements and sensitivity to light.
The chance of having a severe unwanted reaction after having
Fluvax vaccine is very small, whereas, the risks from not being
vaccinated against influenza may be very serious.
Last year Swine Flu (H1N1) was the dominant form of flu in
Australia and is expected to be in 2010. There were 191 deaths
and around 700 admissions to intensive care associated with this
influenza. Over half of the hospital admissions for swine flu were
under 35 years of age.
People around the world are continuing to be infected and
evidence suggests that it could return to Australia much earlier
than the normal flu season. The QPUE asks that as a staff
member of the Queensland Police Service you get your free
vaccine as soon as possible to help stop this flu harming yourself,
your family and spreading. If you have any concerns, please
consult your doctor, pharmacist or health professional.

Queensland Police Union Journal Apr 10 Forensic Science Awards • 47
Australia New Zealand
Forensic Science Awards
The Australian New Zealand Policing Advisory Agency
(ANZPAA) National Institute of Forensic Science
(ANZPAA NIFS), has called for nominations from the
forensic community for the inaugural John Harber
Phillips Award 2010. The prestigious award recognises
individuals who have made outstanding contributions
to the advancement of the forensic sciences in Australia
and/or New Zealand.
The award demonstrates ANZPAA NIFS strong
commitment to facilitate continuous improvement
in the forensic sciences and to promote awareness of
them in the wider community.
“The Honorable Professor John Harber Phillips AC
QC had a distinguished professional career in law and
an unstinting interest in forensic sciences that has
provided a lasting contribution,’’ said ANZPAA NIFS
director Alastair Ross.
“As such, ANZPAA NIFS has created the John
Harber Phillips Award to honour and recognise his
achievements. The Award serves to promote and
reward outstanding contributions to the advancement
of forensic science,” said Mr Ross.
Individual peers or peer groups within forensic
sciences, law enforcement and legal communities are
invited to nominate a forensic science professional
for the award. Entry is open to individual Australian
or New Zealand citizens. The winner of the award will
only be announced when there is a candidate worthy of
merit.
“As a peer recognition award, the nominee can be
assured they have received the highest accolade
from their colleagues in the field of forensic sciences.
Nominees will be judged by a committee including
the ANZPAA NIFS Director, ANZPAA NIFS forum
representatives, ANZPAA Executive Officer, a police
commissioner and a representative from the legal
fraternity,” said Mr Ross.
The Australia New Zealand Policing Advisory Agency
(ANZPAA) was established in October 2007. ANZPAA
is a joint initiative of the Australian and New Zealand
Police Ministers and Commissioners. The organisation
provides strategic policy and research advice and
secretariat services on cross-jurisdictional policing
initiatives to help achieve policing excellence and
enhance community safety throughout Australia and
New Zealand. ANZPAA is a non-operational policing
agency.
ANZPAA’s core functions include:
• cross-jurisdictional review
• education, professional development and standards
development
• knowledge and information management
• policy development and strategic advice
• research and analysis
• science and technology development
• secretariat services
• specialist issue advice.
The ANZPAA National Institute of Forensic Science
(ANZPAA NIFS)
ANZPAA NIFS is dedicated to actively supporting and
fostering excellence in forensic sciences. ANZPAA NIFS
has been in operation since 1992 and a Directorate of
ANZPAA since 2008.
ANZPAA NIFS core functions include:
• sponsor and support research in forensic science
• assist with the development and co-ordination of
forensic science services between jurisdictions
• facilitate the information exchange between relevant
parties
• support, co-ordinate and conduct training programs
in forensic science
• co-ordinate the delivery of relevant forensic science
quality assurance programs.
Nominations for this prestigious award opened on 15
March 2010 and close on 6 August 2010.
To apply or find out more go to: www.anzpaa.org.au

Letters to The Editor should be no longer than
400 words if possible and sent to:
Queensland Police Union -
PO Box 13008 George Street Brisbane Qld 4003.
Fax (07) 3259 1996.
Letters may be edited for length and clarity.
Dear Editor,
I wish to remain anonymous, due
to the obvious. However I can say
that after some 20 years of policing
in Queensland I have never felt so
disappointed as I have today. The
comments by Commissioner Bob
Atkinson in a Courier-Mail article,
“Are Cops Too Heavy Handed?”, on
March 3 have truly left me bewildered
and amazed.
The commissioner said he was
confident he had the support of the
vast majority of officers. I quote: “If
I didn’t think so, I would walk away
immediately.” This then ponders the
obvious question, do we?
Imagine the following scenario: A
police force where the commissioner
ran the force without being a political
puppet. Imagine a police force where
the commissioner openly backed
and supported his men and women.
Imagine a police force where the
commissioner did not attempt to
appease the media or government.
Imagine a police force where the
public were aware of the consequences
of misbehaving. Imagine a police force
where “hot spots” could be controlled
through appropriate levels of staffing,
intimidation, fear and respect. Imagine
a police force where complaints of
excessive force were investigated and
finalised within weeks. Imagine a
police force where arrest was the norm
and a Notice to Appear but an option.
Imagine a police force of able body.
Imagine a police force that supported
their commissioner. Imagine a police
force.
It’s time for a change - a new
commissioner, a new government, a
new police force.
Name withheld
Dear Editor,
I read with interest the information
obtained from a journalist from The
Courier-Mail and the subsequent
storyline regarding RSIP funding
for non-operational police to work
in an operational capacity over the
Christmas period and public holidays.
Of more concern to me than this
newspaper sticking it to coppers yet
again, was the number of people
claiming to be police and contributing
to the blog on the website. Not backing
the police who performed this
function, but adding to the already
negative one-sided reporting that this
newspaper performs so well at. Some
comments I read were demeaning to
those police who are non-operational
and drew a distinct “us and them” line
in the sand.
Not only were these comments made
under the cloak of anonymity, but
most of the assertions were the
generalised ramblings of ignorant
people more concerned with what
they were missing out on. I find it
incredible that sworn police would
be attacking other sworn police (even
if us non-operational coppers are
all soft like was claimed) in a public
forum and putting a higher value on
what they do as operational police
over the duties of those, like myself,
in non-operational roles. I was always
under the impression that although
I have a job at the academy and I am
not operational, that my job, and
others in similar roles in training or
prosecutorial positions, supported
operational police.
According to some of the comments,
people like myself have a few different
options. We should just resign from
the QPS and get jobs as public servants
or go back to work in an operational
capacity. I usually couldn’t care less
what people thought of me - both
individually or in a work capacity - but
I bristle at suggestions some people
are “too scared” to get out there and
do “real” police work.
There are some people in nonoperational
roles for reasons which are
not the business of anyone else but the
people concerned. How dare someone
make a comment and try to make
themselves seem as if they are more
important, or work harder than staff
in an administrative role.
Some of us could sure do with the
additional income the OSA provides,
yet there may well be compelling
reasons why this can’t occur. To get
on a blog and make comments whilst
using a pen name shows me who the
real scared ones are. Have the courage
of your convictions, irrespective of the
consequences and if you want to bag
other police, at least do so in a forum
that perhaps isn’t quite so public.
Shane Clews
Senior Sergeant 6875

50 • CORRESPONDENCE
Queensland Police Union Journal Apr 10
Dear Editor,
In October of 2009, to our delight,
my wife Annie and I were given the
news that we were expecting, not one
child, but miraculously twins. After
trying to conceive for some time this
is the greatest news we could have ever
received – It was news of an instant
family.
Unfortunately for my wife it was not
the easiest of pregnancies. My wife
was paralysed with morning sickness,
and due to other rare complications,
often found it difficult to move
around. Regardless of these minor
hardships, the delight of our pending
twins was more than enough to help
us battle through the tougher days.
Not long into the pregnancy we
discovered that one of twins had
some serious health problems and
unfortunately on 17 December 2009
we lost our first baby ‘Maggie’ due to
heart failure.
After this loss we hoped our luck
would change a little as our unborn
son was reported to be fit and healthy.
In what I can only describe as the
cruellest of developments, on the
1 February 2010 my wife went into
premature labour at 22 weeks and gave
birth to our son Jack.
My wife and I had the joy of spending
a little over an hour with our son
before he left us, time that we will
cherish for all our days. This hour
changed us immeasurably.
The days and weeks following our loss
have been difficult to say the least. It
has been like a wrecking ball through
most aspects of our life. Surprisingly
though, in a time when it felt like my
wife and I were completely on our own,
we were amazed that we were in fact
surrounded by family, friends, and
colleagues that have provided us with
love and support that has helped us
start to put the pieces back together.
We would like to use this forum if
possible to thank some people if we
may. We would like to thank Senior
Police Chaplain Rod Wood for not only
conducting the funeral service but for
providing counsel during those early
days and the weeks after the service –
Rod the coffee is always on!.
We would like to thank Commissioner
Bob Atkinson for his personal contact
and his obvious concern for us, and
also the management of State Crime
Operations Command for their kind
words of support.
For their generous support and
assistance we would like to thank
Ian Leavers, the Queensland Police
Union, and its membership. It is
clearly evident that the motto ‘Unity
is Strength’ doesn’t just apply to EB
negotiations – It has a much wider
meaning.
I would like to thank Commander Scott
Lee, Commander Brian McDonald,
and all the members of the Joint
Counter Terrorism Team. The AFP has
shown Annie and I great support and
understanding during this period.
Thanks to everyone in the office
for picking up the slack while I was
away (although most said they didn’t
notice!).
I would like to thank the numerous
people who sent cards, flowers, emails,
or phoned their kind thoughts. We
have received messages from old
friends and colleagues, often people
we haven’t seen for a very long time.
In a similar vein, we have received
numerous messages from police
officers who have been through
similar situations. Although we
haven’t met these officers, their
support was something very personal
to us, something we are extremely
grateful for.
Annie and I would like to also thank
the numerous officers that came to
the funeral service. We thought one or
two may attend, but on what was the
most difficult day of our lives, we were
amazed at how many people attended
to show their support. Your presence
made our day a little easier.
Finally, we would like to offer
our heartfelt thanks to Detective
Superintendent Gayle Hogan. Detective
Superintendent Hogan went out of her
way to assist us at every turn. Her
support, words of advice, and words of
comfort will not soon be forgotten by
us and we are truly grateful.
What the future holds for us isn’t
really clear at the moment; however
it isn’t as foggy as yesterday and
hopefully each day will become a little
brighter.
On behalf of my wife Annie and I, we
offer our thanks.
Det. Sgt John KILBURN
Detective Sergeant 9456
Joint Counter Terrorism Team -
Brisbane
Dear Editor,
This letter is in reply to that of
Detective Sergeant Andrew BAILEY
published in the February 2010 police
journal.
To give the members some idea of why
I am typing this reply, I initially sent
a reply (20 November 2010) to a letter
Andrew had published in the October
2009 Police Journal.
In turn Andrew replied which was
published February 2010. So that I am
not misunderstood by Andrew, I wish
to state that the content and views
expressed in this letter are mine alone
and not those of others.
First I wish to make it clear I am not
Andrew’s learned friend as he states
nor am I his friend. Andrew claims
that in my letter of November 2009,
I was in error in referring to him as
Senior Constable Andrew BAILEY,
when his rank was in fact detective
sergeant.
I am sorry Andrew took offence to this
(though in fact I was correct as his
promotion did not go into the gazette
until 4 December 2009).
Andrew in his letter states that I am a
person ‘that spends his working life
reading out other people’s work to a
court’. Well to make it very clear, I do
perform full-time prosecution duties
and part of my duties is reading out
the work of other police officers for
guilty pleas (e.g. QP9’s).
This however is a minor part of my
duties, as the majority of my working
hours are spent as a trial prosecutor,
not an arrest court prosecutor.
As a trial prosecutor I make
submissions to the court but this is
not the work of others, but my own
from hard research. The evidence
put before the court is that of the
witnesses from the witness box, whom
I examine (I do not read their evidence
into the record).
Thus far I have prosecuted 472 trials
in which evidence of witnesses have
been called and in none of these, did
the case consist of my reading out
the work of other people. Magistrates,
lawyers and senior police have told
me that I am a good prosecutor and
due to this I accept that I am (though I
concede I still have much to learn and
believe I will never know everything).

Queensland Police Union Journal Apr 10
CORRESPONDENCE • 51
Andrew states: ‘I have also had to do
Prosecutions work myself, so does
that make us even?’ Well if Andrew is
claiming to be as good a prosecutor
as myself and to add to this he is a
detective sergeant (keeping in mind I
have never been a detective) this would
make Andrew a better police officer
than me!
Andrew claims his letters were based
on the ideas and suggestions of others
given to him as a QPUE representative;
though he does not commit to
accepting any of the statements made,
to be his own. Well there is a name for
one who hides behind the words of
others to place a slur on another!
Again Andrew raised public holidays
stating; ‘Day shift workers have the
advantage of having public holidays
off which amount to about another
two weeks.’ On that he is not far off (I
work it out to be 9 days).
He does not mention that we do not
get the OSA or the fact that we do not
always get these days off. This year
I have worked one so far and have
another, for a part - heard trial in
Brisbane, that requires my appearance
on the Gold Coast Show Day (and we
are only into the third month).
I take great offence to Andrews’
remarks about my arresting people
where he states: ‘Congratulations you
have arrested people from time to time
.... having to handcuff a person in the
confines of a court room and walk
them to the watchhouse, although
being stressful, would be laughable
to those officers who work in one and
two man stations.’ Andrew laughs in
the name of others but hides behind
their names.
What made Andrew think that the
people I have arrested were always
in the confines of the court I do not
know, as it is not true (though I have
arrested people in the court and have
taken people into custody in the court
and handcuffed them on a regular
basis).
These people are not happy and I have
been screamed at by irate friends and
relatives when I have done so (just
as happens to other police). Spare
me the false sympathy you express
of my arresting people (I do not find
this stressful, never have, I enjoy
it). What I find stressful is being
informed throughout the year that
another complaint has been made by
a defendant, to the CMC that I have
attempted to pervert the course of
justice in my role as a prosecutor.
I have worked with many detectives
since I became a prosecutor and have
found most detective sergeants to be
very good at what they do and have
had the pleasure of appearing on
behalf of the prosecution, to prosecute
on their behalf.
Our union should be pushing very
hard to have a substantial detective
allowance paid to all appointed
detectives (not clothing allowance but
in addition to) to recognise the good
work that they do and to attract the
best police.
That being said, all good briefs require
a good prosecutor. I do not submit
we be paid a huge allowance, but I do
expect that our union representatives
show us the respect we deserve for the
hard work we perform.
Thank you for taking the time to read
my reply.
Sincerely
Douglas BETTANY
Sergeant 11136
Gold Coast Police Prosecutions Corps.
Dear Editor,
Disgraceful! That is how I would
describe sentences being handed out. I
recently arrested an offender after she
attempted to flee from police, mounted
a curb and nearly crashed into a shop.
I subsequently charged her with one
count each of evade, BAC, Repeat
Unlicensed and Due Care.
The offender was also on an
outstanding PPRA and a Bail Act
warrant that had been issued for
failing to appear on four further
charges of one count each of break and
enter, possess drug, possess utensils
and possess restricted liquor.
The offender was arrested on a
warrant day and put before the court
on a total of 10 outstanding charges all
committed at various times.
The offender has since had to appear
on two further charges of public
nuisance and possess restricted liquor
and failed to appear.
Now from the number of charges
it would be fair to assume that the
offender was not just having a one-off
‘bad day’, and was a menace that needs
to be suitably punished to deter her
from committing further offences.
No doubt the sentencing magistrate
had this in mind when she convicted
the offender for failing to appear and
was not further punished.
For the evasion offence and due care
matter, the offender was convicted and
fined the outrageous amount of$200.
Is that really what the community
expects of our justice system?
For the BAC, she was fined $200 and
$100 for the unlicenced offence. A fine
of$300 was imposed for possessing a
couple of cans of rum.
In comparison, another offender
went before the same magistrate for
possessing liquor and contravening
an NAD, C&F 500. Remember the $200
fine for Evading Police.
Is this the message we want to send to
offenders: drinking rum and turning
up your stereo is bad but it’s ok to try
and run from the cops and crash while
doing it?
I don’t think different offences and
penalties should be compared, but
on face value something appears to
be horribly wrong. Evasion offences
are being encouraged by such pitiful
penalties. There is no deterrent. If I
committed this many offences I would
see a term of imprisonment.
I stopped checking court results six
weeks into my first year because it was
so disheartening. Now I check them
just for a laugh.
When will the rights of the community
come first and not poor little Johnny
who was having a bad day? Maybe
if decent penalties and terms of
imprisonment were handed out we
would see a decline in offending.
Name Witheld

52 • CORRESPONDENCE
Queensland Police Union Journal Apr 10
Dear Editor,
After reading “Beyond Reasonable
Doubt” by Calvin Gnech (Atkinson v
Gibson) in the QPU March Journal, I
was, as I’m sure many others were,
flabbergasted by what appears to be an
obvious travesty! While I’m sure that
many greater minds than mine have
poured over the facts of this matter, I
feel I should at least voice my concerns/
opinions.
Public Nuisance
As per Schedule 2, Summary Offences
Act, “public place means a place that is
open to or used by the public, whether or
not on payment of a fee”. The definition
as per section 230A CC is not dissimilar.
I’ve not heard of a definition (as quoted
in the article) which includes “…and they
are free to leave by their own choice”. Be
that as it may, such a refinement would
apparently render any location in which
a person’s actions are restricted by, for
example, a police direction, as no longer
a public place.
The most obvious example of that
would be an RBT site or, for that matter,
a traffic intercept. That is, if a police
officer directs a driver to stop a vehicle
(as per the PPRA), the place at which the
vehicle stops no longer qualifies as a
public place!
However, the offence of s.6 Public
Nuisance, in my opinion, does not
require that the offender be in a public
place, merely, “the person’s behaviour
interferes, or is likely to interfere,
with the peaceful passage through, or
enjoyment of, a public place by a member
of the public”. I’m reminded of section
7 of the Vagrants, Gaming and Other
Offences Act which also includes, “…so
near to a public place”. It would appear
that the wording of section 6 Summary
Offences Act has the same effect. In this
case, a member of the public passing by,
within sight/earshot, may well have had
their enjoyment of such place interfered
with by the defendant’s behaviour
towards police.
Assault Police
I can only conclude that the Magistrates
interpretation of s245 CC is patently
incorrect. As per the definitions, “…
a person … who by any bodily act or
gesture … under such circumstances
that the person making the attempt
or threat has actually or apparently a
present ability to effect the person’s
purpose”. The common vernacular of
“fighting stance” or “shaped up” is a
gesture that any reasonable person
would perceive is a “threat to apply
force”.
I’ve always been of the opinion that,
“apparent present ability” is not
necessarily limited by distance. For
example, a person points a gun at
another from 20 meters away, and yells,
“I’m going to shoot you” has a present
ability to do bodily harm. Likewise, a
person who stands three meters away
from another and adopts a fighting
stance has, unless some physical
impediment exists, the ability to step
forward and affect his/her threatened
purpose. More importantly, I personally
would not prefer to wait until after a
person has assaulted me before I arrest
him/her.
Obstruct Police
It appears to me that, in this case, the
offence of Obstruct Police was completed
well before the defendant was ‘tackled’.
As per the article, “The offender was
informed he was under arrest …. The
offender eluded the grip of the police
officer”. A person eluding a police officer
attempting to effect an arrest hinders
that officer from affecting that arrest.
Bruce Markey
S/Const 10734
Maroochydore

THE QUEENSLAND RETIRED POLICE
ASSOCIATION NEWS – APRIL 2010
By Greg Early, State Secretary, Ph 3863 1180
Email early.gregory@gmail.com
MESSAGE FROM
THE Q.R.P.A. STATE PRESIDENT M J (MICK) O’BRIEN
QRPA
Our 16 branches are working well and all are still looking
for new members while still providing fellowship and care
for our people who are not in the best of health.
Sunshine Coast Branch President Dave Betts has been
particularly busy with welfare work as the Branch Secretary
Merv Bainbridge, Jack Jessen and Dick Keats have all
had time in hospital.
The great welfare work of our Branches is evidenced in
the Branch notes in this Journal.
After a hiccup and thanks to our State Secretary Greg’s
intervention, the distribution of the QPS Medal is back
on track and is being rolled out as agreed with the
Commissioner.
We note that Deputy Commissioner Kathy Rynders retires
shortly. She recently told ABC Radio that her time in
charge of the Logan District was her most memorable.
We wish her well in her retirement.
When we reflect on our own time in ‘the job’ we can also
reflect on that part of our tenure that we, more often than
not, remember as the best period of our service for any
number of reasons.
As time marches on more of our serving colleagues
are retiring and are more than welcome to join us. Our
website makes QRPA more accessible and hopefully will
encourage more to join us.
Take care and God bless.
M.J. (Mick) O’Brien, State President QRPA Inc.
FUTURE LUNCHEONS: Sunshine Coast, Headland Golf
Club, 25 May 2010, Hervey Bay at RSL Club on Tuesday
15 June 2010, Van Diemen’s Land – AGM and dinner 19
June 2010 at the Great Lake Hotel, Miena, Tasmania,
Gold Coast at Twin Towns Services Club 20 July 2010,
Gladstone at the Dragon Garden Restaurant on 31
July 2010, Gympie at Gympie Golf Club on 25 August
2010, Near North Coast at Caboolture Golf Club on 15
November 2010 and Bundaberg at the RSL Club on 1
December 2010.
FUTURE MEETINGS IN BRISBANE: These commence at
12.30 pm in the ground floor conference room at Police
Headquarters except 10 May (not 3 May) which will
be at the Police Union premises for refreshments and
a presentation on industrial relations. The 7 June 2010
meeting at Police Headquarters will feature an address
on the Queensland Police Legacy Scheme.
QRPA-POLICE LEGACY ANNUAL BOWLS DAY: This was
going to be on 12 March 2010 but for a few reasons
has been shifted to 11 June 2010 at the Wavell Heights
Bowls Club.
BUNDABERG QRPA-POLICE LEGACY BOWLS DAY: Bargara
Bowls Club on 10 May 2010.
NEW MEMBERS: Former Sergeant in Naval Police, John
Mervyn O’Brien (Logan/Beenleigh).
RECENT OBITUARIES – May They Rest in Peace.
Life Member: Former Senior Sergeant Charles James
(Jim) Douglas Jeppesen 19 March 2010. Non Members:
Former Queensland Police Officer Alfred George
Rewald, private service 12 March 2010. Family: Rhoda
(Jean) Stalley, wife of former Sergeant Arthur and
mother of serving officer Arthur, 13 March 2010. Serving
Officer: Sergeant Donald Bevan Brown, Mackay, 2
March 2010 and Senior Constable Peter Webb service
10 March 2010.
WELFARE REPORTS SINCE THE BRISBANE MEETING 1 MARCH
2010: Moira Cremin has had a pacemaker inserted into
her chest to keep her heart beat at a regular rate. She
is now recuperating at home. Ron Suhr is now at home
and feeling a lot better. He is on medication and light
exercise at the moment.
AROUND THE BRANCHES
IPSWICH: They last met on 10 March 2010 at the Ipswich
RSL Club. In the absence of Chairman Ken Morris, who

54 • QRPA
was having his second knee replacement operation,
Secretary/Treasurer Ken Martin chaired the meeting.
Detective Senior Sergeant Tony Breen, Major Fraud
Squad, gave a well received talk on fraud and identity
theft. Welfare Officer Arthur Zillmann was welcomed back
after a stint in hospital. Len Yarrow offered to help Arthur
with his welfare duties. Good news about Ron Suhr who
has been allowed home from PA Hospital after suffering
a heart problem. All members were invited to attend
the official opening of the new Ipswich Police Station in
Ellenborough Street.
ROCKHAMPTON: Their last meeting was held on 3 March
2010 at the usual Cambridge Hotel. President Barry
Self welcomed all members and the one visitor, new
applicant, retired Senior Sergeant Robert (Bob) George
Moore. Bob is well known to most Branch members
and his application has been recommended. The
proposed BBQ at the Rotary Park, The Bluff, Yeppoon,
was postponed due to damage to the shelter roof. It will
now be held on 18 April 2010. Strong southerlies have
prevented Norm and Caroline Tomlin doing some fishing
and crabbing at Stansbury in South Australia. Ian and
Bev Hall are still recovering from their traffic accident
and operations, Andrea Benson’s skin graft is healing
well and Pat Lawton has to go to Brisbane in a couple
of months for an operation on several benign tumors in
his throat. Cavill Heywood dropped into the meeting
after being discharged from hospital where he had gall
stones removed and a rupture repaired. Laurie Meyer
was visited by Secretary/Treasurer, Ernie Benson, found to
be in reasonable health and was much appreciative of
the Union Journals and Police Bulletins Ernie took to him.
Jim Oberle is now in the Palliative Care Unit at the Mater
Hospital, Rockhampton, and is not travelling too well.
FAR NORTH QUEENSLAND (CAIRNS): I presented Ray
Hunter with his Veteran Certificate on 6 March before
his departure to Brisbane for medical treatment. A large
contingent of Police Officers, QRPAI members and
non-members, with many members of the public,
attended the Requim Mass for Father Pat Jones,
Queensland Police Chaplain, at St Monica’s Catholic
Church, Cairns, on 27 February. He unexpectedly
passed away on 18 Feb 2010 in Brisbane. RIP. A private
funeral service for retired Police Officer, Alfred George
Rewald, of Malanda, was held in Atherton on 12 March
2010. He passed away peacefully in Atherton on 8
March 2010. RIP. Members Noel Holding, Ron Pocock
(Cairns) and Brian Norris (Mossman) are receiving medical
treatment and have had short stays in hospital. Next
quarterly meeting and lunch are set down for 30 April at
Queensland Police Union Journal Apr 10
Brothers Leagues Club commencing at 11.00am. (Don
Condie).
SUNSHINE COAST: At their last meeting at the Headland
Golf Club President David Betts presented Don Teague
with his Veteran Certificate while Jack Farrell and Barry
Shaw were presented with their Senior Certificates.
Members were glad to see Bob Marnane at the meeting
after his recent spell of ill health. Jack Jessen has suffered
a stroke and is now in Southern Cross Care Centre.
Sadly he is paralyzed on his left side but fortunately he
has no problems with his memory or speech. Secretary
Merv Bainbridge has had a growth in his colon removed.
He has been in Caloundra Private Hospital. Hopefully he
will be home soon to recuperate. Dick Keats had had a
growth removed from his bladder but has to have some
more treatment to try and restore the flow of blood to his
lower legs. He is at home recuperating at present. Their
luncheon will be held at Headland Golf Club on 25 May
2010.
GOLD COAST: They met on 2 March 2010 at the
Southport RSL Club. They resolved to maintain the price
for their annual luncheon. (This Branch invites their
Police Widows to attend free of charge). It was resolved
to make a donation at the end of each financial year
to the Queensland Police Legacy Scheme and the
Queensland Police Pipes and Drums. Larry McNab is in
a very poor state of health. The Stokes family have just
returned from a short sojourn to Evans Head and the
Gnomes (Millards), Chalkers and the Bourkes are about
to head off with their respective caravans for a meet at
Evans Head.
DARLING DOWNS: Our first quarterly luncheon for this
year was very successful with over 30 attending. Some
of our widows were absent with previous engagements
which could not be broken. Nevertheless all who
attended had a great luncheon and we made some
serious decisions at the meeting itself. The Police
Chaplain Rev Father Twine also came and stayed for
refreshments after the meeting. The eulogy by the Hon
Tom McVeigh for Geoff Little was well received and was
a fitting tribute to a fine member. His partner Joyce
is slowly getting over her grief and misses him a great
deal. Four of us attended Colin Lindenmayer’s funeral
at Stanthorpe and he had a huge number of friends
turning up to say farewell. Bob Scarff is also recovering
from his stint insertion at Greenslopes but needs to
take it steady for some time yet. We are indebted for the
many who took time to phone or visit him. Our memorial
wall will commence soon and the first letters to our

Queensland Police Union Journal Apr 10
widows and family will be posted within a week or so.
And we are waiting for tee-totaller Kev Weise to make
his first brew from the brewing kit he won at the Redlands
luncheon. (Graham Hohenhaus).
NEAR NORTH COAST: The Caboolture RSL Club was the
venue for our 15 March meeting. We had the largest roll
up for many a year. Applications were received and
recommended for John Knapp, Artie Law and Shaun
Molloy. Twelve of us attended the Redlands luncheon
on 23 February and had a very enjoyable day. Peter
Aebersold had an appointment with a pain specialist
and could not attend the meeting. Jim Robilliard also
had a medical appointment and hopes that the doctors
can sort out his medical problems. Gus Young had a
chest infection. He had an appointment at RBH on the
16 March. He phoned to say that he had a good report
from the doctor and did not have to stay in hospital. He
sounded much better. Des Carmody (Redcliffe welfare)
reported that Bernie Lewis, Syd Herbert and Jack Kane
are going along quite well. Don Finlay is not getting
around as much as he used to and would appreciate
calls on 54962695 from any of his old friends. Jim
Anderson phoned in an apology because he was not
feeling the best. (Col Guy).
BUNDABERG: On 25 March 2010 three of our members
will be presented with the QPS Medal. They are Senior
Members Ron Rooke and Clarrie Kelly and Life Member
Cec Bartlett. Kev Guteridge will also be in attendance
to receive his medal. Kev is a member of Hervey Bay
Branch. The medals will be presented by Assistant
Commissioner Graham Rynders at the Bundaberg
Police Station. We expect a good turn out of retired
members for the presentation. The Branch appreciates
the efforts of State Secretary Greg Early in getting
these approvals through so quickly as our members
have been rather ill of late.Plans are now fully on
track for the Police Legacy Bowls Day which is being
held at Bargara Bowls Club on Monday 10 May. As a
bonus the New Zealand and Australian Commonwealth
Bowling squads will be using the greens at Bargara for
four days as warm up matches for their conquest in
India later in the year. (Grannie Pearce).
TOWNSVILLE: Their March meeting started with the usual
moments silence for members who had passed away.
On a brighter note it was pleasing to see Margaret
Kelly and Bill Green at the meeting. Several members
indicated that they would be travelling to Bowen to
attend the meeting of the Mackay/Whitsunday Branch
which will be held there on 17April. Guest speakers for
QRPA • 55
the meeting were my wife Jenny and myself. With the
aid of a power point presentation, we spoke of our
recent trip to the USA. Gordon and Wendy Thomas will
be the guest speakers next month and will be talking
about their trip to Canada. The May meeting will be
dedicated to one of our Life Members, Ossie Cislowski.
In May 1954, he was presented with the George Medal.
He was shot three times while arresting a male person.
A bus has been organised to take us to Ingham for
our June meeting. Keith and Barbara Zupp are
again putting on morning tea for us. The Assistant
Commissioner will be attending our April meeting
and will be making a medal presentation to one of
our members. Our President, Brian Bensley, represented
the Branch at a medal ceremony recently held in
Townsville. (John Urquhart).
REDLANDS: Our annual luncheon was held on the date
of our last meeting (as reported in the last Journal) and
as a result of this we have not had a “get together” since
our meeting in January. A tribute was paid to our late
Life Member Ted “Killer” Dale (thanks to the efforts of Ken
Blanch) by Jack Sim on radio 4BC. Jack Sim is the author
of a number of books relating to “old” Queensland
crimes. One that comes to mind is the murder of Betty
Shanks. It was during the investigation of said murder
that Ken Blanch and Ted Dale became life-long friends.
Ted often mentioned that he and another Life Member,
Abe Duncan, were the only ones alive of the large team
of detectives involved in the investigation of the Betty
Shanks murder from the outset. Abe Duncan is now the
last survivor of the team. (Terry Walker).
GLADSTONE: The Tannum Sands Hotel was the venue
for their 2 March meeting. Arnold Mossman is now on
increased doses of oral chemotherapy but remains in
good spirits especially after a visit from Mal and Joanne
Nichols for a cuppa and a chat. Arnold proudly showed
his visitors a photo of him in uniform taken some 60
years ago which takes pride of place on his dresser.
Arnold also showed Mal and Joanne two of the largest
bottle trees they have ever seen. The trees were planted
more than 70 years ago near the rear steps of Arnold’s
parents’ homestead where he now lives. Derek Nichols
is doing well and received a good report on his recent
visit to doctors. Joy Dinte is in some discomfort following
operations on both knees. The matter of large emails
blocking members’ in-boxes was discussed. It was
suggested that a PDF file could be created as these do
not take up much space. President Mal proudly issued
the new and improved calendar for this year, in colour
and laminated. The matter of medals was discussed.
Mal and Paul Ruge both spoke and are arranging for

56 • QRPA
applications to be completed by relevant members. All
members are looking forward to their tour of the inside
of Awonga Dam wall at their May meeting. After the
meeting was closed members had a delicious lunch
overlooking the ocean.
MACKAY/WHITSUNDAY: Our fledgling branch continues
to enjoy good attendances at meetings and
robust discussion. Our April meeting (Cyclone Ului
notwithstanding) will be held in Bowen to give our
northern members the opportunity to attend. Townsville
Branch members have also expressed an interest in
attending this meeting. Ernie Hockings and his partner
Debbie Hillier from Bowen made the long drive down
for our last meeting. Dennis Hansen has taken over
the role of Social Director following the pilgrimage
south to NSW of the incumbent Mark Trevitt, who
we all wish well. Stuart Halls is suffering from malaria
and we wish him a speedy recovery. Michelle
Sheehan and Mary Hansen have formed an Archive
Committee within the branch to collect, collate and
preserve memorabilia – in particular photographs and
documents which pertain to the members of this branch
or the police district represented. (John Frater)
Queensland Police Union Journal Apr 10
“licensing days” - sssshh. A serious question was asked
of the President about his white hair and whether it was
the result of keeping mummified cadavers in his office
at Slacks Creek. Unfortunately the President responded
by closing the meeting. It was a great meeting with
the Branch’s elders – Don McDonald and Jack Vaudin -
giving it a total thumbs up. (Darryl Murtha).
All the best to you and your family.
Regards,
Greg Early, State Secretary, QRPAI
VAN DIEMEN’S LAND (TASMANIA): We still have many
visitors from interstate due to the caravan ‘Grey Nomad’
season. The weather is starting to cool down but we
could do with some of the rain you are getting in
Queensland. Mike Taylor and his wife Kelly are recent
arrivals in Tasmania and reside just south of Hobart. Our
next meeting is a BBQ at the President’s home at Bothwell
on 11 April. Hope members remember to contact us
when they are down this way. (Andy Beasant).
LOGAN/BEENLEIGH: At our last meeting at the Crestmead
PCYC a wonderful array of sandwiches was presented
to us courtesy of the PCYC team. When President Max
Moloney resumed the meeting he asked each member
to introduce themselves and indicate where they had
worked. What a wealth of experience and experiences
in the room. Truly a mob of Rusty Bullymen. The most
interesting was Safet our ex-Yugoslavian policeman
who actually came to Australia originally in 1960
chasing WWII war criminals. He had to be gonged or
we would still be sitting there. We are going to interview
Safet for a future bulletin exclusive. There was then
lively discussion chaired by President Max on all sorts
of topics from the Executive to organize social events,
to Legacy support, to venues for future meetings, to
potential sponsorship from the local undertakers, to the
use of a web site, to club t-shirts, to name tags, to the