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Transcription

JULY 2015
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE QUEENSLAND POLICE UNION
OFFICERS DEDICATED TO
VICTIMS OF DISASTERS
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Contents
also in this issue...
ContentsPage
COVER STORY
Page 25
OFFICERS DEDICATED TO VICTIMS OF DISASTERS
They’re called the “twins” by their squad leader, while others see
them as the “odd couple” of the Service because of their uniquely
difficult and potentially traumatic police work. But at their core,
they’re just great mates who have always got each other’s back
and have had for more than a dozen years in the Service.
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.
Acknowledgement of the source must be contained in any reprint.
Where an article indicates that copyright is claimed by the author,
then permission to reproduce is withdrawn unless permission
from the author is granted.
UNION STAFF
Field Officer (North Qld)
General President & CEO General Secretary Northern Region Roundup
Far Northern Region Roundup
Central Region Roundup
North Coast Region Roundup
Southern Region Roundup
Metro South Region Roundup
Headquarters & Support Region Roundup
South East Region Roundup
Officers dedicated to victims of disasters
The price of service
Graduates continue fine family traditions
New exemplary conduct medal for G20 police
Trans Tasman red ball rivalry
Police Rostering: A Basic Guide
Police Recipes From the Archives Book Review - Go Set A Watchman
Police Living Out and About
What is Parental Responsibility? Where does it begin
and does it end?
Letters
Police Health
QRPA
Queensland Police Union Journal
PO Box 13008 George Street Brisbane QLD 4003
TEL: (07) 3259 1900 FAX: (07) 3259 1950
[email protected]
Ian Leavers
Mick Barnes
Denis Sycz
Shayne Maxwell
Peter Thomas
EXECUTIVE MEMBERS
Far North Region
Northern Region
Central Region
North Coast Region Metro North Region
Metro South Region
HQ & Support Region
Southern Region
South Eastern Region
Marty Bristow
Peter Thomas
Bill Feldman
Grant Wilcox
Shayne Maxwell
Tony Collins
Michael Kelly
Chris Proudlock
Phil Notaro
LEGAL SERVICES
Legal Support Officer
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEES
Finance, Audit & Risk Management:
Mick Gerrard
Simon Tutt
Andrea Appleton
I. Leavers (GP)(Chair)
S. Maxwell (VP)
G. Wilcox (Treasurer)
S. Maxwell (Chair)
Legal:
M. Bristow
C. Proudlock
P. Thomas
Member Services
Committee:
M. Kelly (Chair)
B. Feldman
S. Maxwell
P. Notaro
Rules Committee:
T. Collins (Chair)
B. Feldman
M. Kelly
P. Notaro
James Johnston
Alex Kulakowski
Janice Gaden
Workplace Health
P. Thomas (Chair)
& Safety Committee:
M. Bristow
T. Collins
C. Proudlock
Larissa Krasnoff
Women’s Consultative
Committee:
Queensland Police Union Legal Group
Calvin Gnech
Principal Solicitor
Wendy MacDonald
Senior Associate
Barrister (retained)
www.qpu.asn.au
MEDIA ENQUIRIES: TEL: 0459 241 291 [email protected]
ADVERTISING: TEL: (07) 3259 1989
SUBMISSIONS: The Journal accepts letters and articles to be
considered for inclusion.
INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS SERVICES
Stephen Mahoney
Senior Industrial Officer
Chris Stephens
Industrial Officer
Industrial Officer P/T
Aasha Venning
Workplace Health
Rosemary
& Safety
Featherstone
General President & CEO
General Secretary
Asst General Secretary
Vice President
Treasurer
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Journal Contact
MEMBERSHIP SERVICES
Membership
Kaye Ellis
Carly Beutel
Reception
Melissa Lindner
EXECUTIVE SERVICES
Corporate Affairs &
Journal Coordinator
Journal & Media
Systems Specialist
& Journal Sub Editor
A/Finance Officer
Executive Secretary
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Troy Schmidt
T. Collins
General President, General Secretary, and
Assistant General Secretary are ex-officio
members of all committees.
Queensland Police Union Journal July 2015
1
IAN LEAVERS
EQUIPMENT
One of the biggest issues facing us all is a lack of equipment. Time and again we hear of extra police and yes,
we are very grateful, however we now need the equipment too.
It’s just not good enough to not have
enough of the basic accoutrements.
One big issue for us all is access to
rifles.
We have always said that all police
should have access to Remington
R4 rifles and while I understand the
Commissioner has agreed to roll
some of these rifles out to District
Duty Officers, we maintain that these
rifles should be police station issue
available for all police vehicles to
utilise.This of course means everyone
should be trained in how to use the
rifle as well.
While we are talking about firearms
training, I am continuing to push
for firearms training in all types of
conditions including at night.
“Time and again it
feels that we at the
QPU are attending
critical incidents that
occur at night, yet
firearms training is
occurring during the
day.”
Time and again we at the QPUE
are attending critical incidents that
occur at night, yet firearms training
is occurring during the day. Having
more frequent training in a host of
conditions is in my view the key to
increasing our skills.
2
DISCIPLINE SYSTEM
We may be sounding like broken
records however that’s because we
too are frustrated by the glacial speed
the police department is moving on
fixing the discipline system.
our objections to the Commissioner’s
unilateral decision to close the Ipswich
Police Communications Centre.
Luckily the Premier became involved
and now the Premier and the Police
Minister have committed to finding a
I fear I may well and truly be retired
from the job before we see any
tangible change. This doesn’t mean
we will ever stop fighting for change,
though.
PURSUITS
Much like the discipline system, it
seems everyone except the decision
makers can see there is a better way to
handle pursuits.
The Commissioner’s ‘no pursuits’
policy really does make Queensland
police look silly in the eyes of our
counterparts around Australia. How
many times do we need some offender
to wreak havoc over an extended
period of time on the M1 only to be
apprehended a few minutes after they
cross over the Queensland border into
New South Wales?
We need a new policy and we need it
now. Offenders themselves are fully
aware that our hands are tied and they
are clearly exploiting this loophole in
policy.
solution that can ensure the Ipswich
Police Communications Centre can
continue to operate.
Watch this space.
“The Premier and
the Police Minister
have committed to
finding a solution
that can ensure
the Ipswich Police
Communications
Centre can continue
to operate.”
GILMARTIN BOOKS
In May this year, the Union was very
pleased to join with the QPS and
PSBA to bring Dr Kevin Gilmartin to
Queensland to host a series of lectures
regarding emotional survival for police
officers. The Union provided copies of
Dr Gilmartin’s book to all attendees,
We will not let up on this issue as we
can see things could very well only get
worse unless this policy is changed.
and then offered the book to other
IPSWICH POLICE COMMUNICATIONS
CENTRE
Recently we held one of our best
attended QPUE meetings in years
at Yamanto Police Complex to voice
response following Dr Gilmartin’s
officers who were unable to attend.
Due to the overwhelmingly positive
seminars, and the subsequent demand
for his book, we ran out before being
able to supply a copy to all officers
who had requested one.
However, we have noted all requests
and have ordered another shipment
from overseas that is due to arrive
within the coming weeks. We will then
distribute the books to all who have
made the request. We will also include
a booklet that the Union has produced
on psychological fitness.
We apologise for the delay in getting
these books to you, and hope that
in the meantime you have been
able to access station copies, those
of colleagues, or the copies in the
Academy and HQ libraries.
PSYCHOLOGICAL WELLBEING
The Union has long been aware of the
importance of psychological wellbeing
for officers, and the fact that long-term
lack of support from some within our
hierarchy is leading to recognisable
discouragement among the troops.
In an effort to combat the melancholy
of many officers, we were prompted to
help organise Dr Gilmartin’s visit and
produce a guide for members of the
Union to recognise the tell-tale signs
of stress, burn-out, post-traumatic
stress disorder, and mental and
emotional exhaustion.
In my opinion, psychological fitness
is at least as important as physical
fitness in being able to fulfil our roles
as police officers and also enjoy a
good quality of life outside of work.
“Psychological fitness
is at least as important
as physical fitness
in being able to fulfil
our roles as police
officers.”
As police officers, we are likely to face
more stressors, dangers, and potential
precursors to psychological difficulties
than other members of society. We
regularly deal with difficult people,
and sometimes dangerous people.
Ian Leavers and New South Wales Police Association President Scott Weber join forces at the border of
Queensland and New South Wales to draw attention to the difference in pursuit policies between the two
states.
We attend the scenes of horrific
crimes and accidents. And on top of
all this, at times we feel as though
we face a policing culture that does
not accept any sign of ‘weakness’,
or any admission that we may have
been affected by something we’ve
experienced on the job.
Please take the time to consider your
own psychological wellbeing, and that
of your colleagues. If you have a mate
you haven’t spoken to in a while, give
them a call. Check in with how they’re
going, and let them know you’re there
for them if they need you.
So we may deny that a problem exists,
even to ourselves. We bottle things up,
put on a brave face, and try to carry
on.
If you recognise signs or symptoms of
stress or burnout in your friend, or of
course in yourself, consider the steps
you can take to address the situation
before it escalates. Do not dismiss
your concerns.
Tragically, some of us have witnessed
what can happen if long-term
emotional issues are not identified,
and officers are not supported.
Suicide, depression, post-traumatic
stress, burnout ... these are all
possible outcomes of psychological
difficulty.
If you feel you require assistance,
please contact the Union. We offer
a confidential chat about whatever
it is that is an issue for you, and we
are committed to seeking the best
assistance available for your situation.
In many cases, if an officer or one
of their colleagues had recognised
and acknowledged the situation,
they could have sought help, and
could have been supported through a
difficult period in their life.
Ian LEAVERS
0419 786 381
3
General Secretary
MICK BARNES
ARE YOU 40 YEARS OF AGE OR OVER?
A few years ago the QPUE Executive approved a proposal I put up to reimburse all members at the age of 50+
should they access a Comprehensive Financial Plan through QInvest.
QInvest is now fully owned by QSuper
and provides a suite of financial
planning products to assist QPUE
Members in preparing for retirement
and the transition into retirement. The
reimbursement of $50 is available once
every three years.
In recognising the importance of sound
financial advice, the QPUE Executive has
now reduced the previous eligible age
from 50 years of age to 40.
This is an important opportunity for
QPUE Members to maximise their
retirement options well prior to any
necessary access to retirement funds,
considering the unique position that
QPUE Members are in with their
retirement funding.
If you’re unsure if you’re entitled to this
offer, contact the QPUE office and speak
with one of the membership team.
QInvest is available around the state
and can be contacted on 1800-643-893.
It pays to be fully advised on your future
financial security.
MEDAL RECOGNITION
It has been great to see the recent flood
of recognition for past and present
officers of the Queensland Police Service
and their service to their respective
Queensland communities.
Congratulations must go to Senior
the police officers they had represented
Sergeant Mel Wilkins and her team at
and cared for in their role as elected
the Honours and Awards Section within
QPUE officials.
ESC for their organisational prowess in
getting so many retired officers together
for a ceremony in June.
WELCOME PHIL
Executive Member for the South-East
Region is now Senior Sergeant Phil
Not only was communication necessary
Notaro following the outcome of an
prior to and on the day of the respective
election by the Electoral Commission of
ceremonies, but the Honours and
Queensland in June.
"It has been great to see the recent flood of
recognition for past and present officers of the
Queensland Police Service and their service to
their respective Queensland communities."
Awards Team followed up with advice
on protocols for the wearing of medals
and photos for the special occasion.
Congratulations!
In one ceremony held in Brisbane,
there were a number of past and
present QPUE stalwarts who received
recognition. It was fantastic to catch up
with so many who had given so much to
Congratulations to Andy Williams and
Terry Armstrong who had the vision to
nominate also with the aim of assisting
their fellow colleagues, but were
unsuccessful at the ballot.
Phil brings with him a lifetime of
policing experience and a genuine
desire to help the coppers on the street,
a role not unfamiliar to him in his role
While no one goes about their duties
seeking recognition it is always good
to receive acknowledgement for what
many officers forego or suffer in the
name of policing.
The recent increase of medals being
awarded is due in part to the change of
eligibility rules allowing retired officers
to receive the National Police Service
Medal.
4
l to r Deputy Commissioner Brett Pointing; fmr QPUE Assistant General Secretary and Life Member Merv
Melling; fmr General President and Life Member John “Bluey” O’Gorman; fmr Executive Member Adrian
Hall; Police Minister Jo-Ann Miller; General Secretary Mick Barnes; General President Ian Leavers; Deputy
Commissioner Ross Barnett.
General Secretary
as a DDO at Logan. Congratulations
Phil.
Consultation Toolbox being released for
that region.
ST MICHAEL’S DAY AND NATIONAL
POLICE REMEMBRANCE DAY
St Michael is the Patron Saint for police
(among other things) so it should
come as no surprise that National
Police Remembrance Day is being held
again this year on St Michael’s Day, 29
September (which is a Tuesday).
It’s a great initiative that will assist
managers at different levels to liaise
and actually consult and prompt
two-way communications in matters
affecting the workplace.
This event grows each year with
recognition being paid to officers who
have paid the ultimate sacrifice.
Through the great efforts of the Friends
of the Queensland Police Museum,
the unmarked grave of Police Tracker
Corporal Sam Johnson has been
located in the Longreach Cemetery.
Corporal Sam Johnson was a Police
Tracker in the Roma District in and
around 1902 when he and fellow
officers had cause to search for the two
Kenniff brothers. Constable George
Doyle was subsequently shot and
killed. Johnson tracked the brothers
who were later convicted of Doyle’s
murder.
The great work being done by the
Friends of the Queensland Police
Museum continues to honour our past
officers. Check among your colleagues
to determine if there will be a service
on National Police Remembrance Day
in your area. If not, why not plan one
yourself?
I’d urge other senior leaders to consider
such initiatives. Despite many decisions
not being the subject of common
agreement, at least consultation
allows all parties to raise issues for
consideration where previously some
circumstances went unaddressed.
WALL TO WALL RIDE
This year’s Wall to Wall Ride is set for
Saturday 12 September at the National
Police Memorial in Canberra.
The Baton Ceremony will be held at the
Oxley QPSA on Wednesday afternoon,
9 September and the main groups of
riders will be leaving on the Thursday
morning and following various winding
routes through places like Tamworth
and Sydney before meeting up in
Canberra on the Saturday afternoon.
The photo below also shows a
silver ring with an antique finish
which provides a darker background
highlighting the emblem and any
engraving you might want.
I had one made with my registered
number on each side but dates of
swearing-in and/or retirement are also
available by special order, which incur
a small additional cost.
You will need to supply a size. At the
time of printing, the costs were:
Silver$250
Silver (antique) $330
Gold Plated
$350
Solid gold
POA
If you’re interested, contact me for
further information.
Be Safe
Mick BARNES
General Secretary
0411 453 335
Registration is open at
www.walltowallride.com with further
information available through the
Queensland co-ordinator, Acting
Inspector Andrew Frick who is available
vie the QPS email network.
"The great work being
done by the Friends of
the Queensland Police
Museum continues
to honour our past
officers."
CONSULTATION TOOLBOX
Following a recent meeting between
myself, QPUE Central Region Executive
Member Bill Feldman and Central
Region Assistant Commissioner
Mike Condon, we became aware of a
QPUE RINGS
A member from another trade union,
who is also a jeweller, has been making
rings for those who may wish to have
one made. The rings come in a number
of options - silver, gold plated silver,
and gold plated.
5
Northern Region Roundup
PETER THOMAS
PROMISES, PROMISES – SOME EPIC STALLING AND FAILS
Here we are more than half way through 2015 and many of the promises of the QPS from 2014 still have not seen
any real progress.
Here’s a list for starters:
•
A reviewed and more efficient
discipline system - stalled
•
A formalised transfer process for
officers in rural and remote areas
that have completed their tenures
- stalled
•
An increase to the fleet allocation
- stalled
•
An improved service for uniform
supply - stalled
And the roll call of disappointment
goes on.
It is not only frustrating for the
members that are experiencing these
issues first hand, but also frustrating
for local managers who are attempting
to maintain officer morale and
productivity.
Sadly, the wheels of productivity
and justice within the QPS turn very
slowly. Depending on who you speak
to, it is either the Ethical Standards
Command or the Crime and Corruption
Commission where the process
becomes stalled.
Neither section will accept
responsibility for the delays and the
losers in the whole process are the
subject officer, the staff at the stations
that have to carry the extra workload
and the general police population that
is demoralised by the whole process.
The QPS is very quick to ‘go public’
and highlight how efficient they
are in addressing the allegations
against these officers and yet they
are inefficient in investigating and
finalising the matters in a fair and
timely manner. “It is absolutely ludicrous that officers are
waiting for two or more years for progress on
discipline files, and even more appalling that
officers are being stood down for these same
periods and receiving little or no updates on the
progress of their matter.”
FAIL ONE - THE DISCIPLINE PROCESS
It is absolutely ludicrous that officers
are waiting for two or more years for
progress on discipline files, and even
more appalling that officers are being
stood down for these same periods
and receiving little or no updates on
the progress of their matter.
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I could only imagine the community
backlash if civilian investigations
dragged out as long.
It appears that once the public have
been advised of the alleged ‘sins’ that
these officers have committed, the
matter is pushed to the back of the
filing cabinet and forgotten about.
To date it is only lip service that is
being offered by the QPS and it is time
that serious consultation is undertaken
with the Union so that a revised, fairer
and more efficient discipline system
can be progressed.
FAIL TWO - RURAL AND REMOTE
TRANSFER PROCESS
This is becoming a far too regular
subject of my journal articles and to
be honest, this has reached the point
where I believe that the QPS has put
this into the ‘too hard’ basket.
It’s now been more than three years
that I have been pushing hard on this
issue and to date I have only had the
obligatory phone call to appease me
and the officers within these areas but still no policy and no progress.
I have had the previous Police Minister
attend Mt Isa and stations within that
district making all manner of promises
and still nothing has changed.
I have spoken with our current Police
Minister, Jo Ann Miller at the annual
QPUE Conference in May and nothing
has happened since then.
I have written numerous journal
articles and this did not create any
change or action within QPS senior
management and I am at a loss what
to do next or how to get cut-through
on the issue.
It is saddening when I see our officers
in these isolated and remote areas
that have provided an exceptional
service to their communities, have
Northern Region Roundup
represented the QPS admirably and
have completed multiple tenures, only
to see that the QPS really doesn’t care
about the officer and their families.
I must however acknowledge Deputy
Commissioner Pointing who has
provided assistance to individual
officers when they have reached
breaking point.
It is unfortunate that it has to reach
the point where direct approaches to a
Deputy Commissioner must be made,
when a rural and remote transfer
policy – underpinned by good process,
structure and certainty - could be
implemented.
Again, the QPS has failed in its
consultation with the QPUE on this
critical issue.
“Again, the QPS
has failed in its
consultation with the
QPUE on this critical
issue.”
FAIL THREE - INCREASE IN FLEET SIZE
I know for a fact that this is major
problem throughout the state.
I am also aware that Officers in
Charge of stations, District Officers
and Regional Managers have made
submission for increases to the local
vehicle fleet to no avail.
It is unbelievable that increases in
police numbers, increases in shift
coverage, additional organisational
units have all lead to extra ‘bums on
seats’ while the fleet size remains the
same.
fleet vehicles from PSBA as there is
insufficient vehicles to accommodate
vehicle requirements.
is clearly evident that if questions are
asked of the QPS about accountability,
about consultation with the QPUE,
“This is just the tip of the iceberg, there are
many other areas that would justify the tag of
'Epic Fail' or ‘Epic Stall’ on behalf of the QPS, but
there are only so many pages in the Journal!”
While the announcement of funding
for additional cars in the July State
Budget is welcome, we still have a
long way to go before we reach a
ratio of cars-to-officers which is both
realistic and practical.
FAIL FOUR - UNIFORM SUPPLY
The waiting periods for uniform
supply is beyond acceptable. Up to six
weeks delivery for uniform supply is
the norm.
I have an officer within my section
who was issued an incorrect sized LBV
from West End Supply Centre (WESC).
This was returned with an explanatory
report advising that the incorrect size
was supplied and that the correct
size was ‘small’. A number of weeks
passed and the LBV was not re-issued.
The officer contacted WESC and was
advised that a new requisition was
required because the report was
insufficient. This was submitted and
another three months have passed.
Another phone call and this time the
officer was advised that it was on
back order. Another two months have
passed and still no LBV.
This would never occur in private
industry. It appears that the concept
of having a realistic ratio of vehicles to
officers on each rostered shift is too
hard.
One has to wonder what supposed
‘efficiencies’ have occurred since
PSBA have taken over this area. I
have been advised that this is not
an isolated situation and am also of
the understanding that this has been
raised through the uniform committee
and yet no remedy to this situation has
been implemented.
This could not be further evidenced by
the fact that we are now ‘renting back’
Frustrating and angering is an
understatement for these situations. It
or policy review and implementation
in these areas it is greeted with
a ‘shutters down’ and ‘closed for
business’ mentality.
It is time for these and other issues to
be highlighted at every opportunity to
embarrass the QPS management into
taking action.
This is just the tip of the iceberg,
there are many other areas that would
justify the tag of ‘Epic Fail’ or ‘Epic
Stall’ on behalf of the QPS, but there
are only so many pages in the journal!
Until next month, take care of yourself,
your families and each other. Take
the time to attend your next branch
meeting and become active in YOUR
Union. Keep sending me your issues
so that I can attempt to have them
addressed, and remember no Union
rep = no interview.
Peter THOMAS
(Thommo)
Regional Representative
Northern Region
QPU Treasurer
0409 591 270
7
MARTY BRISTOW
REDUCE THE RISK. REPORT THE HAZARD
THE QPUE and its representatives provide a variety of services to its members, from legal defence to advocacy
and standing up for the hard-earned rights of QPS officers.
While providing legal defence in
times of trouble is one of the most
important roles the Union plays, there
are plenty of other areas where we
assist members. At our July executive
meeting one of the agenda items
was the allocation of committees to
Regional Representatives.
I am happy to be able to once again
represent members in the area of legal
defence, but also happy that I have
returned to the Workplace Health and
Safety Committee.
Workplace health and safety is an
unusual area for police - unusual in
that we have obligations to each other
article. I strongly suggest all members
click through to it and have a read:
http://www.aic.gov.au/media_library/
publications/tandi_pdf/tandi196.pdf
While short and some 14 years old,
this article covers five areas where
there are daily risks to operational
police officers. I find it extremely
relevant the topics mentioned and the
one that is conferred more than any of
the other four is the risk of Stress and
Fatigue.
Once again in a QPUE journal article
I ask the question: what has the QPS
done to address this area for its
members?
and members of the public. The big
variable is that our workplace is not a
specific location.
Our workplace is an infinite area,
constantly changing, to the point that
the same location may present new
challenges and risks from one day to
the next.
All I have heard is lip service. I recall
years ago the QPS appointed a fatigue
management expert, Peter Simpson to
conduct a review of managing fatigue
and assessing the issue within the
service. I believe there were a number
of recommendations, but I am not
aware of any having filtered down to
the coal face.
police can quickly get burnt out, only
to be replaced with new lambs to the
slaughter.
So how does one go about reporting
a ‘hazard’ they have located in the
workplace? What’s that, you didn’t
know there was a hazard management
reporting page? Many members don’t,
because the service don’t advertise
it. Reported hazards MUST be acted
upon, and within a certain time frame
So, to report your hazard, go to the
QPS homepage, that is the first page
when you open up an internet explorer
or Google chrome web browser on
a QPS computer (note, this has to
be performed at work and is not
accessible from an external computer).
Search through the alphabetically
arranged links (ESS, PIR reporting
Staff Contacts etc) and locate the
Hazard Management link. Click on this
and we are on the way.
Now, I am not sure if it’s the archaic
wood-fired and steam-operated
Many of the ‘hazards’ that we
encounter on a daily basis cannot be
removed. They need to be ‘managed’
so they present minimal risk to us, and
to members of the public.
There are some areas that are a
constant. While not specific locations,
they are daily factors that frontline first
response police deal with on a daily
basis.
While sitting here in front of my
keyboard straining my grey matter for
some pertinent risks I took to Google
for a search and located the following
8
“The hazards are there, but the QPS keeps
turning a blind eye and police can quickly get
burnt out, only to be replaced with new lambs
to the slaughter.”
Constant roster changes, the inability
(or it seems more like, the refusal)
to have a forward rolling roster,
unrealistic workloads, compounds on
existing fatigue issues for police.
internet speed at my station, or an
It’s all there in the article mentioned
above. The hazards are there, but the
QPS keeps turning a blind eye and
information on the system for 30
issue with the reporting system, but
this is where it gets a bit difficult.
Firstly, if you don’t enter any
minutes, it times out (why on this
system, why does QPrime not do this?)
So, ensure you have all the information
for your advice ready to go. My
suggestion is to write the details of your
hazard in a work document first, and
then cut and paste it where needed.
If you are trying to do it while
performing other computer tasks,
be wary the timer is running. It’s
frustrating getting dragged away to do
something else only to find the system
shuts down and you have to start all
over again.
Also, you can’t move through to the
next page without completing the
first, so you may need to set a bit
of time aside so you can identify all
the information required. It will ask
what region/district/station owns
the hazard, and also the supervisor
responsible.
For some generic hazards identifying
these areas can be difficult, so if
needed, call a QPUE representative for
assistance.
Finally, if there is a legitimate hazard,
then there is no reason NOT to report
it on the hazard management system.
Even if the hazard is resolved quickly,
it should be reported on the system.
Why you ask?
Well, the hazard may be present in
a number of areas around that state
and reporting it on the system gives
other stations or districts an ability to
identify and rectify it before someone
becomes sick, injured or worse. Don’t
be intimidated and told you cannot
report a legitimate hazard.
“Don’t be intimidated
and told you cannot
report a legitimate
hazard.”
to you or your family, they can also be
recorded on the system.
As always, if you are not sure or need
some advice, feel free to contact
myself, the Northern Field Officer
Mick Gerrard or QPUE WPH&S officer
Rosemary Featherstone for answers to
your questions.
Stay safe out there.
Marty BRISTOW
Far Northern Region
0438 767 839
Also be aware that recent changes
have classified police housing as a
‘workplace’. So if your place of police
residence presents any sort of risks
9
BILL FELDMAN
WHAT IS 40 YEARS OF SERVICE WORTH?
A very wise man once told me that, at the end of your life, if you can count your true friends on one hand you are
indeed a very lucky and blessed person.
I had the pleasure in July to
farewell an old friend, Wayne ‘Cups’
Cupples, Sergeant of police, Mackay
Communications Section, Mackay
Station who retired after almost
40 years of diligent service. Wayne
certainly had more than one handful of
friends farewelling him in Mackay.
I think it was a real shame that our
Commissioner could not have been
there to farewell an old style fair
dinkum honest community-minded
copper from the town in which he
served his whole career as a police
officer.
Mr Stewart did promise a phone call. I
do appreciate how busy his role is.
Wayne Cupples is an anomaly in
today’s police service – he joined
the police force on 7 March, 1977
and went through what was then a
paramilitary style of training under the
forceful tutelage of such tough and
uncompromising luminaries of our
job, such as former Drill Sergeant Tom
Molloy (God rest his soul).
Wayne made it through training and
moved straight away to the country the large, yet still mostly rural major
town (and it still was a town then, not
yet a city) of Mackay.
Over the next 39 years Wayne moved
upstairs and downstairs in the old
Mackay station (before air conditioning
– and the mould that later plagued the
premises) performing duties in uniform
and plain clothes. He gained his
detective appointment in 1985.
He met his wife Jill (and he was
certainly batting well above his
average there) in Mackay and raised
his wonderful family all in Mackay
and has never regretted one aspect
of his ‘massive moves’ over the years
from one floor in the Mackay station to
another.
Cups became a stalwart of the local
community in which he served and a
permanent fixture in so many aspects
of community life.
He was involved with several sporting
bodies including his beloved Brothers
Rugby Union Club representing them
as a player, player coach, senior and
junior coach and talent scout (pulling
more than 60 members into the senior
playing ranks – mostly young police
officers who ventured further north of
Redcliffe).
“Cups’ became a
stalwart of the local
community in which
he served and a
permanent fixture in
so many aspects of
community life.”
He later served as a board member,
gaining life membership to the club – a
feat in itself. Remember, this devotion
to his growing town and community
in the late 80s was during a time when
Tony Fitzgerald had firmly stated that
if you stayed in a single place longer
than five years you were potentially
corrupt.
An idea from a man with NO clue at
all as to what community and, in fact,
community policing really meant.
He could have taken a leaf out of the
Wayne Cupples handbook and given
due recognition to honest hardworking community-minded coppers.
Wayne even served on the Fitzgerald
Implementation Team in Mackay. I
shake my head when I think about the
fact that Fitzgerald personally received
over $3 million for conducting the
inquiry and set up the CJC which then
operated on a $90 Million budget per
year to hunt down some 11 police
10
who allegedly got $2 million over the
previous 20 years from criminals.
I actually know many police like
Wayne, who seldom leave the
community that they love and wish to
serve.
Why, I actually know quite a few who
have served their North Queensland
service as far out of Brisbane as Petrie,
their western service as far away
as Ipswich and some even do their
country service in that isolated place
in the southern region, Beenleigh!!
Now I am not saying there is anything
wrong with performing your entire
policing service in the south east
corner of the state. But it does limit
your horizons and your potential to
grow as a police officer.
Take a leaf out of the American West
and that great orator and 19th century
newspaper editor, Horace Greely and
“Go west (and north) Gen Y and grow
up with the country”. It could be the
best move you make.
Just like Young Constable Wayne
Cupples in 1977, you may not make it
back to the south east for the next 40
years. And you will never regret it.
It was good to have QPUE General
Secretary Mick Barnes on hand to
present Wayne with his Union plaque.
A true believer in Queensland and
Australian rugby, Wayne is taking his
devoted wife on a trip of a lifetime to
England to follow the Wallabies on
their quest for the William Webb Ellis
trophy at the World Cup in September.
Although he did tell me that he will
take Jill shopping occasionally while
overseas.
Cups’ (4th from right) had more than a handful of friends sending him off in style after 40 years’ service.
"To Wayne and Jill – both I and the Police Union
wish you and your family all the best on your
retirement from ‘the circus’."
To Wayne & Jill – both I and the Police
Union wish you and your family all
the best on your retirement from ‘the
circus’. I pray a very safe, happy, and
fun filled adventure for you both as
you follow the Rugby World Cup. We
will look for you both in the crowd as
we watch from home.
Your community more than the QPS
will miss you. Bon voyage to the next
chapter of your life.
My Question: What is 40 years’ worth?
Answer: A life like no other.
Work smart, stay safe and make it
home.
Bill FELDMAN
Central Region
0419 659 105
QPUE General Secretary Mick Barnes pays tribute to Wayne Cupples at his farewell, with wife Jill by his side.
11
GRANT WILCOX
RED TAPE REDUCTION IN A DOMESTIC VIOLENCE APPLICATION
Red and Blue Tape..........anyone remember these terms? The last time we got any benefit, was when we had to
keep our petrol receipts.
Does anyone else feel that weight
lifting? We seem to be spending
a great deal of time in front of
computers. Just because it’s not
‘paper’ work doesn’t mean it isn’t an
administrative burden and doesn’t
take time from front line duties.
How many members feel that the
workload has lessened via red and
blue tape reduction?
I’ll give you a huge reduction for
time for the QPS, courts and victims.
Let’s do away with Standard DV
Applications - just legislate and make
it the norm to be subject of a domestic
relationship where you have to keep
the peace and be of good behaviour.
Any divergence, call the police to
investigate a crime and charge them
with any variations added as required
or divert accordingly.
“But I’m waiting to
see which political
party is serious about
Domestic Violence.”
This government may be sitting in
the corner agreeing to disagree with
itself on important issues like “Pursuit
Policy”. That’s frustrating. But I’m
waiting to see which political party is
serious about Domestic Violence.
Let’s stop the free hit and let’s take
back the red tape that is a Domestic
Violence Application and let’s get
police back onto the front line. That’s
what the people of Queensland want,
12
more feet on the beat. That also
includes reducing time spent off the
road.
“Let’s stop the free
hit and let’s take back
the red tape that is
a Domestic Violence
Application and let’s
get police back onto
the front line.”
PDA’S AND HOOPS AND HURDLES
Members have suggested to me that
we are just jumping through more
hoops and hurdles and getting bogged
down in another round of ‘going
through the motions’ process i.e. more
blue tape?
Its PDA time again. I am receiving
many complaints from staff and
supervisors about it.
From my own perspective at a large
station, I see staff running around
trying to connect with supervisors,
trying to engage in what is effectively
a very cumbersome electronic
process. I know it’s legislated that
performance has to be assessed.
any process. This may be manageable
in a small work unit or somewhere not
so busy. It still takes time to coordinate
this assessment process and give it
the attention it requires. Who thought
this was any better than a PPA??
A PDA is suspended while the
Managing Unacceptable Performance
(MUP) formal process is engaged. I’m
familiar with the MUP policy and that
hasn’t changed so much from what
previously existed.
In a big busy station I see all ranks
struggling just to find time out
from front line duties and task
responsibilities to sit down and have
a quality chat about how they are
going and supporting their continued
improvement with actual possibilities.
I can tell you as a supervisor with staff
being supervised in multiple locations
throughout the assessment year I
don’t think this was thought through
so well.
This system is as time consuming if
not more time consuming than what
PPA’s were. I understand the reasons
behind managing work performance
both good and poor.
My concern, as with members, is
that this latest assessment process
is very convoluted electronically and
has some real issues when staff are
moved about between supervisors or
specialist squads.
Where to next QPS? Can’t wait to see
our next time consuming exercise
which relies upon us saying we are
working, providing countless hours
of goodwill and propping up the QPS
with workarounds like using our own
mobile phones to establish or maintain
contact with communications.
I’m thinking sometimes this is more
blue tape with no thought to reducing
I still can’t believe we don’t have a
secure network to ensure that the
public cannot hear information on the
radio via an app or scanner?
“I still can’t believe we
don’t have a secure
network to ensure
that the public cannot
hear information on
the radio via an app or
scanner?”
I am advised a lot of major
organizations that used PDA’s are now
moving away from them and those
reasons should be explored before we
are again engrained into a process that
is just as time consuming and useless
as the last one.
Members have suggested to me that
we are just jumping through more
hoops and being bogged down in
another ... going through the motions
process, more blue tape?
Really when there is very little
possibility of timely development as
you progress up the rank, what is the
real intent of a PDA when MUP just
stops a PDA in its tracks?
How does a PDA assist a member at
the top pay point who cannot progress
for any number of reasons including
just not being the flavour of the month.
What is its purpose and how does
it assist the member? Just another
difficult workplace conversation I
suggest.
Stay safe and remind yourself that it’s
okay not to be perfect...and if you’re
not, I’m here to help.
Grant WILCOX
North Coast Region
0411 359 555
24/7
13
CHRIS PROUDLOCK
PUBLIC BENEFIT SHOULD OUTWEIGH PUBLIC INTEREST
A recent conversation with a colleague brought home to me the fact that there are a wide range of attitudes
toward matters facing the QPS and by extension the membership of our Union.
Two topical issues that were raised
included the Commissioner’s apparent
refusal to amend the pursuit policy
and the very public issues surrounding
the Ipswich Communications Centre.
The colleague considered those to be
negative issues for the QPS and also
felt that the Union’s strong stance
exacerbated the negative PR for the
force. I disagree but believe everyone
is entitled to their opinion.
I later checked the QPS Facebook
page to assess the balance of positive
and negative stories. I was pleased to
see the majority of the items related
to police work in general and the
successes our members are having in
the execution of their duties.
A scroll down however revealed
a couple of entries that quickly
overshadowed the great work being
done. There were two announcements
of stand down notices casting a
shadow over the positive stories.
It is this public airing of yet to be
investigated allegations that have a
more detrimental effect in my opinion.
If many of the posts can be
considered, support for the officers
seems to remain quite high. Why
though QPS is there a post regarding
the announcement prior to any natural
justice having been applied?
I have no issue with wrongdoing by
our members being made public
AFTER the investigation has been
concluded and it is of public benefit
to do so. Notice the use of the words
“public BENEFIT” rather than interest.
14
While we are talking about opinions
–the blurb at the bottom of these
entries– is total political spin with no
real substance. What do you think?
My opinion of social media use is
less than complimentary but I will
always champion the right of varying
opinions. By the way, I am happy to
hear them directly if any of you so
desire.
"My opinion of social
media use is less than
complimentary but I
will always champion
the right of varying
opinions."
The QPU is a democracy and
everyone’s opinion is valued. Our
President is generally the public face
of our Union, however the opinions
expressed by him are reflective of a
democratic process.
Similarly the issues raised in the public
sphere are designed to improve our
members’ conditions. Maybe you think
that too is political spin ….just from a
different perspective!
UNION BASHING
Another form of criticism your union
officials get is not so welcome. Word
sometimes gets back that the Union
is letting members down or not doing
enough to help them.
Often these members are trying to
circumvent QPS procedures for one
reason or another. I am not saying
those reasons are not valid but
bashing the mob trying to help, is less
than constructive.
To those who feel aggrieved by
a perceived lack of action by the
Union. Can I just say - sorry, but we
also operate within the QPS system
and our requests and efforts, on
your behalf, are often met with
resistance and scepticism. That is
even more evident when our member
is a frequent flyer in the request
department.
Each situation is gauged on its merits
and senior officers will investigate the
legitimacy of our member’s situation.
It has been my experience that when
that legitimacy is established beyond
doubt, the QPS machine can move
quite quickly.
If not, then it is nowhere near as
timely. Believe it or not, sometimes
our members embellish their situation
to a great degree.
So it is most disappointing when the
people we try to help, knife us in the
back. Voluntary Union officials, at
the various levels, volunteer out of
a genuine concern for the welfare of
our members. Be assured, there is no
glory involved, and the reality is that
you can quickly end up on a boss’
S**T list.
These Union VOLUNTEERS generally
have quite thick skin and are used
to being vilified (what copper isn’t)
BUT don’t whinge and then expect
extra effort to successfully extricate
you from your predicament. As a rule
your Union is working hard for you to
establish the best working conditions
possible. Give your local reps a fair go
and maybe consider having a crack
yourself.
"As a rule your Union
is working hard for you
to establish the best
working conditions
possible."
If you wish to have a constructive
conversation, feel free to give me
a call. My opinion is just that, my
opinion. It has taken years to develop
these character flaws so that opinion
may differ to yours.
CREDIT WHERE IT’S DUE
One of my recent articles in this forum
related to a long running housing
issue and failure at that time to obtain
a worthwhile solution. My reference
was to the long PAST offer of a rope
ladder which our member rightly
rejected.
I have since been advised by the
local District Officer that the stairs
have been approved and once the
local Council signs off on the plans,
the said stairs will be erected. That
approval was prior to my article so the
accolades go to the District Officer for
seeing the reality of the situation.
Accolades also to the member of our
Union who, over a number of years,
continued to formally apply and
provide information detailing the need
for this work. It has taken a while but
a sensible outcome appears to be
nearby.
involved a motion before a recent
local branch meeting. The motion
was moved and seconded to allow all
persons to be heard.
A robust discussion took place and
a number of clarifying issues were
raised and explained. The matter went
to the vote and it was a unanimous
vote for unity in the face of very
unusual and harrowing circumstances.
It was a pleasure to see the meeting
support each other to the hilt. Unity is
Strength.
Be Careful Out There
Chris PROUDLOCK
Southern Region
0402 312 691
DEMOCRACY
As I indicated above we are a
democratic organisation and an
example of democracy in action
15
TONY COLLINS
50 SHADES OF …..
I have had the pleasure of being involved in two uniform changes during my service, with this current one being
handled no better than the first.
The first one was when we went from
‘Firmness with Courtesy’ to ‘With
Honour We Serve’. It would appear
that we have not learned too much
from that early 90s experience.
All the FYCs fresh out of the Academy
came out in the new uniform while
everyone else was still wearing the
old one.
Overall it was a hodgepodge.
Effectively one police service with
two uniforms. But if you go back
further than that and look at photos of
the Springbok rugby tour of 1971 you
will see some officers in navy blue
and other officers in khaki.
We have a history of it so why would
anyone expect what we are currently
changing would be any different?
We currently have 50 shades of
blue floating around with so many
variations of the current uniform it is
just as good as any other historical
mishmash of uniform that the QPS
has been involved in.
If what we were trying to achieve
was the biggest number of possible
combinations of uniform we have
outdone ourselves.
DOING IT RIGHT AT RETIREMENT
FUNCTIONS
I had the honour and pleasure of
going to Dan Heenan’s retirement
function the other week and was
pleasantly surprised to see how well
supported it was from the Senior
Executive of the QPS. Dan retired as
a Senior Sergeant with over 40 years’
service.
The QPS was represented by not
only Dan’s Assistant Commissioner
but also a Deputy Commissioner.
Regardless of rank, 40 years is a long
drink in anyone’s universe and should
be duly recognised and it was. Well
done the QPS.
There was also a quiet soiree for
Wayne Saul and Bill Stibbard, who
shied away from an official sendoff. But between them they had a
combined 80 years’ service. Good
luck in the future gentlemen.
EQUIPMENT
At the QPUE annual conference in
May, I took the opportunity to talk
to the Premier about resources. I
explained that it was one thing for the
government to increase our numbers
It is not acceptable that an officer
cannot access a handheld radio every
time they go on patrol. Resourcing
needs to be fixed and it needs to be
done sooner rather than later.
RIFLES
We have rifles issued to Brisbane
region but in my opinion with very
limited users. I am currently in
negotiations to get an increase in
both rifles and users.
Given the current state of the world,
there are numerous reasons why
this should be done before anything
occurs, as opposed to reacting after
the fact. Let’s get ahead of the game
for once.
"The criminals know
we won’t chase them
and they also know we
can’t tell a stolen car
from an unregistered
car."
However, as I have previously written,
the public would not notice nor care if
we turned up in white Dunlop volleys
in times of emergencies. They just
want us to turn up and do our job.
"Resourcing needs to
be fixed and it needs to
be done sooner rather
than later."
PURSUITS
We may have won the State of Origin
but I dread the next time I run into
our colleagues in NSW. This current
pursuit policy of ‘Smile and Wave.’
(insert picture of penguins) is making
us the laughing stock of Australian
law enforcement.
On a side note, the current ink blue
colour being rolled out is very similar
to the 1970s blue. I checked this
against my father’s great coat that he
wore when he served.
by 1100 over four years, but it also
required at least a one off budgetary
increase to properly deal with the
resourcing situation - vehicles (as per
below), radios and Tasers.
It has reached the stage where local
TV news stations recently had to
explain to viewers that Queensland
has a ‘no pursuit’ policy and NSW
does.
16
They probably needed to do that just
in case the viewers were wondering
why the pursued car did not have a
police car within cooee of it.
It would not surprise me if this policy
combined with the removal of MINDA
is actually driving the UUMV rates
down.
5) Protective equipment for out-ofcontrol parties
6) A fair go for South Brisbane District
Tony COLLINS
Metropolitan South Region
0414 804 472
The criminals know we won’t chase
them and they also know we can’t tell
a stolen car from an unregistered car.
We could possibly get a double digit
reduction this year alone if we keep
this up!
STILL FIGHTING FOR:
1) New (and sensible) pursuit policy
2) 3rd vehicle for Annerley police
3) A review of the restructure
4) A minimum staffing model
17
HQ & Support Region Roundup
MICHAEL KELLY
QUEENSLAND STATE BUDGET
Tuesday 14 July was Queensland State Budget day and many members were concerned about the ramifications
of budget measures particularly those relating to defined benefit superannuation and the payments of long
service leave entitlements.
Members are right to be concerned.
But we have been reassured by a
number of organisations including
your Union and QSuper. I encourage
all members to do some research on
these changes and appraise yourself
of the facts.
While on the subject of super,
remember to review your
circumstances, where you are at with
superannuation and the progress of
your entitlements.
It’s important, particularly for those
members in their 40s and 50s, to book
a time with your super provider and
instigate a review. One aspect of any
review would be to ensure that you are
not in a ‘Catch Up’ situation as far as
your entitlements are concerned.
Your Union will have some news
on assistance with superannuation
reviews, shortly.
WORKING AND NOT GETTING PAID?
This is a state-wide problem and is
of real concern. As police, we are
generally caring and are concerned
about the communities in which
we serve. But limited resources,
increased complexity of processes and
regulation means it’s often necessary
that we have to do a bit extra.
duties outside of rostered hours or
when not covered by overtime or other
allowances.
OICs and supervisors, in particular
should consider the demands in their
individual workplaces and where the
budget or resourcing is not adequate,
they should take action without
disadvantaging the members whom
they supervise.
“But where there
exists an expectation
or a station ethos
that members work
continually in their
own time the balance
has shifted too far.”
Any members who experience
difficulties with unfair work practices
or excessive demands at work are
encouraged to seek assistance from
the Union.
RETENTION OF INVESTIGATORS/
PLAIN CLOTHES
Recently the Union Executive was
briefed on the results of research
and development undertaken by a
committee formed to address the
But, where there exists an expectation
or a station ethos that members work
continually in their own time, it’s
obvious the balance has shifted too
far.
retention of officers in plain clothes /
Members at all levels need to be
resistant to being forced into work or
service for training / development of
18
investigative positions. In summary,
loss when members are not retained
in investigative positions.
Further the committee recognised the
complexity and advanced nature of
current investigative methodologies
proving the need for well-developed
and experienced investigators and
supervisors.
Recommendations of the committee
include changes to investigative
training (including the reintroduction
of a Crime Investigation type course,
prior to appointment to plain clothes),
increases to PC/Detective allowances
and a graded system of Detective
designation with appropriate
allowances.
It is hoped that the recommendations
of the committee will be brought
forward by the QPS during future EB
negotiations.
Should these initiatives be adopted
and implemented throughout the
service I believe it could be a basis for
further claims from other areas of the
job.
I encourage specialist areas such as
Prosecutions and the Water Police (as
examples) to consider similar research
and development aimed at developing
initiatives that might help retain
specialised members in specialist
positions.
the committee used surveys and
interviews to research the problem.
They also identified the cost to the
plain clothes officers and the resultant
DISCIPLINE
It is unfortunate that many members
find themselves in dispute with
the service and/or the subject of
complaints simply from going about
HQ & Support Region Roundup
their day to day lives outside of the
job. Complaints from your private life
are unexpected, may involve family,
friends or associates.
“General advice only” – if a complaint
from your ‘outside work’ life is made
about you, don’t take it too personally
and do not retaliate. Should you find
yourself the subject of a complaint
your Union is here to help.
Please Remember, YOU are the Union.
Michael KELLY
HQ & Support Region
0418 848 956
19
PHIL NOTARO
The date, 31 July 2015 was another very sad and embarrassing day for law enforcement in Queensland. Yet
again, we saw a situation where an armed offender was allowed to drive at speed and in a dangerous manner
south on the M1 for a lengthy period of time.
For QPS, our only response was to
have Polair observe and record. No
ground tactics were deployed to halt
this menace of an offender, and the lack
of response of the QPS saw the driver
and vehicle, yet again, make it into
NSW.
safe distance after the pursuit was
terminated. They are allowed to do
this, instead of being parked up on
the side of the road inspecting their
vehicle
•
The QPS ‘non-response’ saw the
vehicle continue into the hours of
darkness, making the inevitable clean
up job of the NSW Police Force even
more difficult.
Here are few facts about this situation:
•
•
•
•
•
20
The vehicle travelled on the M1
(the Pacific Highway) at high speed
and in a very dangerous manner,
during late afternoon peak hour
traffic. The offender drove north
from Nerang to Ormeau, then
south into New South Wales
No ground crews attempted to
intercept the vehicle. No strategies
such as road blocks or tyre
deflation sites were deployed to
bring this situation to a halt
The vehicle crossed the border
into NSW, still on the highway. The
traffic conditions in NSW were the
same as in Queensland. It’s the
same road. Our Polair continued to
follow, monitor and direct ground
crews. Only this time, there was
actually a ‘ground response’
NSW police engaged the vehicle in
a pursuit in an attempt to stop the
vehicle. Isn’t that what the public
expect police to do? The pursuit
was ‘self-terminated’. The pursuing
police self-managed the risk as it
presented itself
NSW Police continued to follow,
without light and sirens, from a
NSW Police coordinated with their
RDO and formulated a ‘resolution’.
Now there’s a novel approach. A
tyre deflation plan was activated
and the pursuit was re-engaged.
Still on a busy Pacific Highway, but
they did it.
Due to the persistence of police, the
wanted driver was forced to divert
off the highway onto a road under
construction near Byron Bay.
Again, the pursuit was terminated but
police still followed at a safe distance,
while being directed and coordinated
by Polair. They didn’t have to park up
and leave their quarry to disappear into
the night.
The offender ended up doing a ‘dump
and run’, however could not hide from
Polair, which directed police to the
offender’s location and he was arrested.
An offender, who had evaded QPS for
weeks while running drugs, who had
driven recklessly and unabated down
the M1, needlessly placing hundreds of
innocent motorists at risk, was now in
the custody, thanks to the NSW Police
Force. And no one got hurt.
and recorded the offenders actually
carjacking vehicles at gun point, yet still
no police response on the ground was
forthcoming.
What is going on in Queensland?
Let’s make one thing very clear: I
am a massive fan of Polair, and this
article is in no way a criticism of their
performance. However Polair is only
one tool in our arsenal. They can
really offer nothing, unless they are
supported by the forward commanders
on the ground.
They are there to record evidence, and
provide situational awareness to assist
the ground troops in planning a tactical
response, not just record the carnage
for the coronial aftermath. And therein
lies the problem - a lack of resolve
by our forward commanders to do
anything.
This current trend of pretending it’s not
happening will only end in disaster.
If it wasn’t for the NSW Police Force,
and the fact that these offenders have
been foolish enough to cross the
border, they could still be running
around causing havoc and endangering
innocent lives. I think the public expect
more from the police.
This was the second similar incident
over recent months, though there have
been many, many more that haven’t hit
the 6pm news.
“The ground crews are
sick of it, Polair are sick
of it … yet it continues
to occur.”
You may recall the incident few
months ago, where Polair observed
While I have seen many successful
Polair-assisted tactical resolutions, I
have seen many more where ground
crews have been directed to do
nothing, much to the frustration of all
involved. The ground crews are sick of
it, Polair are sick of it … yet it continues
to occur.
What is very apparent is that any
speeding and dangerous motorist on
the M1 is totally safe from the police
while in Queensland, because those
in command are absolutely clueless in
how to resolve such an incident.
Something needs to be done. Yet it
appears it is in the ‘too hard basket’
for the Commissioner. Or maybe he
doesn’t think there’s a problem, which
is even scarier. Surely he is not that out
of touch?
I am all for a restrictive ‘high speed’
pursuit policy. But the current policy
is simply unworkable and places too
many restrictions on police. It is totally
inflexible. It has also got us to the
stage where our forward commanders
(our RDO) are too scared to make a
decision.
I have actually had an RDO tell me “it’s
easier just to terminate, I’m not risking
a death in custody on my watch. I am
not going to get hung out to dry”. What
a sad indictment on the QPS that we
have senior officers openly admitting to
not doing anything as they don’t want
to risk the inevitable persecution.
If only the QPS could show as much
vigour in catching crooks as they do in
persecuting their own.
I find it incredible that in 2014, the
Commissioner announced that the
Pursuit Policy had been reviewed and
there would be no changes. The COP
was quick to remind us that there had
been no deaths as a result of police
pursuits since the policy’s inception.
Yet other stats, such as the sky
rocketing evade police offences, break
and enters and UUMV were totally
ignored.
Interestingly, no-one appears to know
who conducted this alleged review or
how it was conducted. It appears no-
one was consulted during this review.
The QPUE wasn’t.
The Regional and District Duty Officers,
who have to wrestle with this policy
on a daily basis, weren’t consulted. In
fact no stakeholders were spoken to.
What sort of review was it? A Clayton’s
review, that’s what.
What the QPS urgently needs to do is
conduct a proper, open, accountable
review of the pursuit policy. Identify
and include the relevant stakeholders,
because what we are doing at the
moment simply is not working. Look at
what works and what doesn’t. Have a
look at what other states are doing.
As part of that review, acceptable
and relevant strategies need to be
developed so these incidents can
be successfully resolved. Forward
commanders making the decisions
and implementing those strategies will
know they are on a firm footing and
aren’t going to have ethical standards
crawling all over them.
It is a similar situation after we have
deployed stingers. We have seen
suspect vehicles, time and time again,
continue to drive for a substantial
period of time after they have had their
tyres shredded.
Yet the QPS is devoid of documented
and accepted tactics and practices to
resolve these incidents. So often these
suspect vehicles are simply left to drive
off into the sunset.
Alternatively members who take it into
their own hands to successfully resolve
an incident, only face being stood
down or investigated for months.
The troops in the south eastern region
have had enough Commissioner. They
are frustrated and confused. They
took an oath of office but aren’t being
allowed to uphold that oath.
CHECK YOUR EQUITY
Troops, we are well and truly at the
end of the equity year, and a few quick
checks of ITAS at Beenleigh station
has revealed a number of members
who have worked in excess of their
allowable 56 weekend units, some as
much as 58.
I urge each and every member in the
region to check the equity on ITAS. It
is quick and easy to do, even this old
dinosaur could work it out.
If you are over, then you are entitled
to claim and be paid overtime for
those hours worked in excess of the 56
allowable weekend units. It is not your
fault if the roster at your station has
been mismanaged. Let me know if you
have any issues with your claim.
FUTURE ISSUES TO BE TACKLED
• A third car to be shared between
North Tamborine and Canungra.
Having police attend jobs in their
own car is simply not acceptable.
They need an extra car now
•
Formalising a proper functional
Helicopter Support Unit
•
Understaffing and inadequate
supervision of the SER
Communications Centre. Not
enough staff, members fatigued
due to too much overtime. Lack of
Senior Sergeant Duty Officers and
Duty Inspector
•
Watchhouse mismanagement.
Corrective Services prisoners filling
up our watchhouses instead of
being in prison where they belong.
We have been doing this for far too
long.
Phil NOTARO
South East Region
0403 655 885
We have more ‘evades’ in this region
than anywhere else in Queensland and
we need to do something about it. The
plummeting moral is in freefall and at
an all-time low.
21
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or your regional representative.
They will steer you in the right direction.
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Officers dedicated to
victims of disasters
By Ian Eckersley
They’re called the “twins” by their squad leader, while others see
them as the “odd couple” of the Service because of their uniquely
difficult and potentially traumatic police work. But at their core,
they’re just great mates who have always got each other’s back and
have had for more than a dozen years in the Service.
Detective Senior Constable
Warren Van Vuuren (he’s South
African-born) and Detective Senior
Constable Darren Kemball (he’s
as Aussie as they come) embody
everything that is good and noble
about policing.
They do difficult jobs, are driven by
an unshakeable sense of community
service and combine unique dual
roles working with the Disaster Victim
Identification Unit (DVI) along with
their ‘day job’ in the Illicit Laboratory
Investigation Team (ILIT).
The pair’s motives for their police work
are embedded in a deep and innate
desire to somehow provide comfort
Det Sen Const Kemball (1) and Det Sen Const Van Vuuren chopper into the Grantham disaster.
the supply line of dangerous and
"We get asked all the time why and how we do
the job. People say to us that it’s a thankless job
but we don’t do it for the recognition."
destructive substances such as Ice and
on-and-off since 1999 in suburban
two children (later deemed to be a
helps secure convictions.
stations and Crime Operations.
double-murder suicide).
and closure to grieving families in their
darkest hour; while their technical
work on drug labs helps to disrupt
Warren and his family moved to
Australia from South Africa in 1995
where Warren had risen to the rank
of Sergeant in the South African
Police Service, including trailblazing
DVI work in Orange Free State on a
mining disaster, which gave him an
According to their DVI boss, Sen Sgt
Ritchie Callaghan, they have been an
inseparable, efficient and professional
team within the team ever since.
“That’s fairly typical and our wives
are used to seeing us go to work in the
morning and not come home for days.
We’re very lucky to have supportive
families and stable home lives,” says
The day the Journal was due to sit
down and interview the pair for this
Darren.
story, they were called away on
“We get asked all the time why and
short notice to Mt Isa to assist in the
how we do the job. People say to us
Warren and Darren both joined DVI
investigation into the tragic caravan
that it’s a thankless job but we don’t
in 2004, having worked together
explosion which killed a father and
do it for the recognition.”
introduction to his future career.
25
Warren and Darren have worked together since 1999.
Darren and Warren have been
DVI Squad at the Victorian bushfires 2009.
investigators on many news-making
"A six-person Queensland DVI team was a
secondary responder, supporting the Victorian
squad and spent six weeks in the lifeless and
charred rural areas outside Melbourne searching
properties and buildings."
disasters and tragedies all around
Warren seamlessly picks up the train
The ante-mortem phase with primary
But it’s disasters closer to home that
of thought - as ‘twins’ often do.
(dental records, fingerprints or DNA)
have provided some of the greatest
or secondary evidence (jewellery,
professional challenges for Dets
clothing, information about tattoos)
Kemball and Van Vuuren in recent
obtained to assist in identification 3.
years – the 2009 Victoria bushfires
The post mortem 4. Reconciliation
which claimed 173 deaths and the 2011
- where all of the evidence from
Grantham floods west of Brisbane in
rather than never knowing or burying
the previous phases is collated to
which 10 people died.
an empty casket, is an important part
positively, identify human remains.
“Both of us do this job because it’s
so important to families and friends
who have had their lives ripped apart
by tragedy. To know that there is
identification of their loved one/s,
of their healing process,” Warren says.
So how do they cope with the trauma
“If the situation was reversed, I would
and gruesome nature of identifying
like to know that there would be good,
victims, who are often physically
professional people doing the sort of
unrecognisable?
job that the DVI Squad does to help
provide some answers and bring some
“Well having a sense of humour
closure.
helps,” quips Warren. “We have
“Some people think we’re ‘heartless’
because we don’t have any emotional
attachment but you have to dissociate
yourself with DVI work. At the same
time, it’s still possible to have empathy
our own coping mechanisms and
generally our stress levels are
naturally very low.
“But to be honest, while we’ve
Australia – although the DVI team can
be (and has been) called anywhere
in the world including, in recent
years, the Christchurch earthquake in
2011 and the MH17 air tragedy in the
Ukraine last year.
A six-person Queensland DVI
team was a secondary responder,
supporting the Victorian squad and
spent six weeks in the lifeless and
charred rural areas outside Melbourne
searching properties and buildings.
“It was such a surreal other-planetary
landscape – with every living object
completely obliterated by fire,” recalls
Darren.
“What was most vivid was the
complete silence. It was eerie because
been great friends for a long time,
all wildlife and insects were wiped
we’ve never had a D&M (deep and
out and of course any residents in the
The DVI squad work involves four
meaningful conversation) about the
way of the intense heat didn’t stand
stages of investigation following a
job. We just do our work and remove
a chance. Everything and everyone
disaster: 1. The Scene Phase where
ourselves emotionally when we’re on
was frozen black in that destructive
bodies and remains are recovered 2.
a scene.”
moment in time.”
for the people and families involved.”
26
Victorian bushfires.
Grantham, 12 January 2011 - just a
a scene with everyone in the team
The medal recognises those who
short Blackhawk chopper ride from
having a clear role and the team is so
have served the community during a
their homes was a different, yet still
well-trained and so professional that
nationally significant emergency. The
traumatising type of devastation for a
everyone stays very focussed on their
whole community. And so began an
DVI Officers joined a select group of
job.
officers awarded two approved clasps
arduous two-week, house-by-house,
street-by-street search by a large DVI
“Grantham was difficult in many
Squad for flood victims.
respects because the scene was so
“There’s always some low-level
nerves and uncertainty when you first
arrive at a scene until you know what’s
going on but as soon as you have a
clear task, the cogs click into place,”
says Warren.
“It’s not an adrenalin rush or anything,
more anticipation of the hard work and
for the NEM for their work in the
2009 Victorian bushfires and the 2011
Queensland (Grantham) floods.
chaotic. There were bodies buried
under mounds of furniture inside
“We’re both very proud to receive
houses and entangled in wire and
debris outside in paddocks and there
were a few children which always
this high recognition but in reality we
were lucky to get the medals before
anyone else in our squad and it really
makes it a bit harder.”
is acknowledging a team effort by 30
The outstanding work of Warren and
people,” says Darren.
Darren was recently acknowledged
traumatic scenes that are ahead.
when they were awarded the
DVI Squad leader, Sen Sgt Ritchie
National Emergency Medal by Police
Callaghan, agrees with the role of the
“We have a very rigorous process
Commissioner Ian Stewart and Police
team, but is ever-fulsome in his praise
that we follow when we arrive at
Minister Jo-Ann Miller.
for Dets Kemball and Van Vuuren.
27
Det Sen Const Kemball receives his National Emergency Medal from Police Minister Jo-Ann Miller and
Commissioner Ian Stewart.
National Emergency Medal.
“They are unique in the fact that
they combine skills and expertise in
DVI and ILIT and know each other’s
methods well,” he says.
“Through experience and years of
teamwork, they know what comes
next and they are an efficient and
Det Sen Const Van Vuuren receives his National Emergency Medal from Police Minister Jo-Ann Miller and
Commissioner Ian Stewart.
Queensland DVI Squad.
28
professional combination.
“We call them ‘the twins’ as they are
hardly separated and have such a
great friendship and understanding
and they are an integral part of the DVI
team and an highly experienced duo.
is a professional, well-co-ordinated,
Being South African, Warren is
functional team who complete a sad,
passionate about the game. While he’s
a Wallabies fans most of the year, old
but necessary part of the (police)
loyalties kick into place when they play
process.”
the Springboks.
"But you leave them with no doubt that
come the next disaster or drug lab bust, that
unspoken and sacred trust between two
officers, two mates, will see them suit up,
ship out and tackle a tough police job with the
greatest of skill, care and compassion."
And Australia’s last-gasp win over
South Africa in July in Brisbane gave
Darren the chance to metaphorically
sink the boot into his best mate and
have a laugh at his expense.
But you leave them with no doubt that
come the next disaster or drug lab
bust, that unspoken and sacred trust
“But we’re lucky in this squad.
The only hint of possible conflict
Queensland DVI has been led, from
between Darren and Warren arises
its inception, by excellent team
when you mention rugby union,
see them suit up, ship out and tackle
leaders who have refined the DVI
especially with the Rugby World Cup
a tough police job with the greatest of
processes over the years. Our squad
looming fast this year.
skill, care and compassion.
between two officers, two mates, will
DVI – DIGNITY IN DEATH
Queensland’s DVI Squad are internationally renowned for their professionalism, training and
expertise.
The team’s core value is to repatriate the human remains in a dignified and complete manner to
give closure to the community and the families involved in the disaster.
Their motto is Per Maestas Quo Veneration which roughly means “dignity in death” and their
symbol is the phoenix - hope rising from the ashes of disaster.
DVI squad members are taken from all areas of policing so they don’t impact on Business as Usual practices, while
each member has given the commitment that they are able to travel at a moment’s notice.
On a scene the team works for each other, acting as body handlers, recorders, SOCOs, safety officers and can
interchange easily into most roles.
Squad leader, Sen Sgt Ritchie Callaghan has been part of DVI since 2012 and has 25 years’ experience as a SOCO. He
officially took over in March from Sen Sgt Ken Rach upon his retirement.
“The SOCOs in the squad regularly train not only in DVI but in Advance SOC techniques and we now also have 10 of
the DVI squad qualified as Forensic Searchers, able to be deployed in post homicide and CT searches. The closeness
of the team allows for highly efficient working units,” says Sen Sgt Callaghan.
“We are hoping to have another course later this year, in which we are looking for highly motivated, fit individuals, who
like working in team environments. They will be psychologically assessed to ensure they have the mental aptitude
and resilience for dealing with gruesome scenes.”
Sen Sgt Callaghan paid tribute to his predecessor Sen Sgt Rach and Sgt Shane Scarinci who acted in the role over
Christmas.
He said the Queensland DVI squad had been part of the investigation teams of all of Australia’s and of the world’s
major disasters in recent years including:
2002 – Bali bombings – 202 deaths
2004 – Boxing Day tsunami - 5395 deaths (Thailand only)
2009 – Victorian bushfires – 173 deaths
2011 – Grantham Floods – 10 deaths
2011 – Christchurch earthquake – 185 deaths
2014 – MH 17 air tragedy, Ukraine – 298 deaths
29
By Ian Eckersley
Just like thousands of young Australian men and women in 1915,
Alexander Price was overwhelmed by a sense of duty to give up his
life of freedom in Queensland and head overseas to fight for King
and Country.
There was also - supposedly
And that according to McKinlay
consternation in the upper echelons
Station OIC, Sen Const Des Hansson,
of the police service – especially as he
is an injustice that needs to be
originally told them he was joining the
corrected.
Postal and Telegraph Service.
“Price came to north western
Police Commissioner Cahill accepted
Queensland as a single man having
his resignation but chided Sub-
After being sworn into the police
grown up in Esk and it was obviously
Inspector O’Connor of Cloncurry,
service in 1910, Const Price had
a hard life 100 years ago living out
endured more than four years of
here,” says Sen Const Hansson, who
“having to work under difficulties and
was posted to McKinlay in February
live a life of monotony and hardship
2012.
- the lure of travel and adventure in
exotic and faraway Europe. Although
Constable Price wasn’t exactly
surrendering a life of luxury and
privilege back in Australia.
saying it should have been his duty
“to discover and report to me the
cause of this man’s dissatisfaction.”
Before his untimely death in October
1916, Corporal Price fought gallantly
“What’s that saying – ‘the more things change
the more they stay the same. Exactly 100 years
later police in the north west are still treated
pretty poorly.”
in the trenches and was awarded one
of the highest bravery honours, the
Military Medal, for showing “great
coolness and courage while on the
front line.”
Although his battalion was subjected
to some of the heaviest shelling any
and receive no consideration or
“The correspondence from his police
thanks for same” in Camooweal and
record says that he resigned due to
Cloncurry during what he described as
his dissatisfaction with his conditions
“the best years of one’s life”.
at the time – even though he said
post beyond the front line and set a
his work as a police officer was
fine example for his unit, staying with
“congenial.
his post while directing and organising
After military training in Brisbane in
late 1915, he saw his first major battle
unit had experienced in the war to
date, Price commanded an advanced
his men.
at Pozieres, France in August 1916, but
“What’s that saying – ‘the more things
sadly he only survived three months
change the more they stay the same.
New life was injected into the
on the battlefield before being gravely
Exactly 100 years later police in the
Alexander Price story in the McKinlay
injured by shelling and died of his
north west are still treated pretty
Shire recently with the fortuitous
wounds in a field hospital.
poorly.”
discovery of a blackened frame board
But because Const Price resigned
Price’s resignation in July 1915 (“I
from the police service, rather than
can see no chance of improvement
took leave, he is not included in the
… I think I will be much better off in
It was discovered that the board (with
Queensland Police Honour Roll of
some other employment” read his
textured inscriptions) was made of
officers who Died on Active Service.
typed resignation letter) caused some
copper and that the face had oxidised
in a back room. The board had been
30
devoid of any TLC for decades.
The McKinlay cenotaph honours the 28 locals who served their country during WW1.
over time causing the piece to look
totally black. It was carefully cleaned
by a community member and a local
treasure - an old war honour roll
recognising 24 soldiers of the area that
served in WW1 - was revived.
McKinlay Shire Council then hired a
military historian to delve into the list
and found another four names. The
research revealed Price was one of six
locals who were Killed In Action in the
Great War.
The surprisingly large list also proved
a lightning rod for locals to rally
Sapper Kurt Hansson, son of McKinlay OIC Sen. Const Des Hansson, attended the dawn service from
Brisbane. Photo by Heather Moore.
together to build a local cenotaph in
time for Anzac Day this year.
“For some reason, we never had a
cenotaph out here to honour the 28
servicemen from the McKinlay district
who served their country in WW1,”
says Sen Const Hansson.
“I guess people maybe hadn’t thought
about it before and being the Anzac
Centenary this year sharpened the
focus of the locals to honour our fallen
heroes from last century.
McKinlay Shire locals played a cricket match to raise funds for a cenotaph.
31
32
“McKinlay Shire received a Federal
Government grant which partially paid
for the cenotaph but we needed to do
some of our own fundraising which
we did with a community cricket day
last November.
“It was a bit of a mad scramble to
have the cenotaph ready in time for
our Anzac Day dawn service this year.
I think the paint was still drying when
everyone arrived for the service.”
Sen Const Hansson’s son Sapper Kurt
Hansson (who did a tour of duty to
Afghanistan in 2012) from 2 Combat
Engineer Regiment at Enoggera
The solemnity of Anzac Day was later replaced by the traditional game of two-up by locals.
was given permission to attend the
McKinlay service.
“Personally I’d like to see a small
memorial built to him outside the
But it’s the lack of official
police station. Maybe the red tape
acknowledgement by the QPS of
involved in that might be a big hurdle
Price’s military achievements that the
as well as raising the money for it but
good folk at McKinlay Shire would
I’m still keen to do it.“
like to change – led by the chairman
of the community committee for
Walking in the footsteps of his
the Cenotaph fundraiser, Sen Const
predecessor of exactly 100 years ago,
Hansson.
Sen Const Hansson is pretty sure that
Constable Price would be smiling
“Price isn’t on the Queensland
down upon McKinlay with satisfaction,
Police Memorial wall and he’s not
if he was to finally receive some
acknowledged, because you had to
“thanks and consideration” for the
take leave to join the army. Because
sacrifices he made for his district, the
Alexander Price resigned from the
police service and his country.
force I can sort of accept that,” he says.
“But his story and life needs to be told
and more widely known to the people
of McKinlay, the north-west region
and for visitors who pass through.
33
Graduates continue fine
family traditions
By Ian Eckersley
The graduation of 129 recruits in June and July will provide
an important boost to frontline services around the State and
continues the QPS’ fine tradition of producing outstanding and
well-trained First Year Constables.
The FYCs originate from Australia,
In June, 40 recruits and three police
FYC ROBERT GROGAN - GYMPIE
Canada, England, France, Germany,
dogs were sworn into the Queensland
FYC Robert Grogan has proudly
Police Service at an induction
become the fourth member of his
ceremony in Townsville.
family to be inducted into the service.
bring with them life experiences from
Those FYCs originate from Australia
and England, and bring with them life
He follows in the footsteps of his
diverse backgrounds.
New Zealand, Northern Ireland, South
Africa, Taiwan and Vietnam, and
experiences from diverse backgrounds
Previous occupations include parks
with previous occupations including rail
environmental ranger, correctional
station attendant, upholsterer, youth
officer, pharmacist, tennis coach,
worker, bank officer, labourer, wildlife
youth worker, teacher, lawyer, security
educator and construction assistant.
guard and paralegal.
father, Sgt 1st Class Phillip Grogan
(retired 1993), uncle Sen Sgt Barry
Grogan (retired 1995) and nephew
Constable Brendan Florence (sworn
in 2010 and now posted at Wynnum
station).
The 129 recruits completed the 25 week
Commissioner Stewart congratulated
Recruit Training Program. The program
Robert has been posted to Gympie
the FYCs on their graduation and
aims to provide recruits with a quality
and has moved there with his partner
foundation so that they can provide
Elise and one-year old son Dominick.
announced that they would be
positioned in the Brisbane, Central,
Northern, South Eastern and Southern
Regions to commence their career.
Among the FYCs were nine officers
excellent service to the community
and ensures their policing skills have
Aged 33, Robert believes he brings a
developed to a level necessary for
broad range of life experience to his
operational policing as First Year
new job having worked in security
Constables under supervision.
as well as being a volunteer surf
who have family currently or formerly
lifesaver and a rugby league referee
serving in the QPS.
with the Intrust Super Cup Queensland
competition.
The QPS also welcomed three police
dogs who officially joined the ranks as
part of the induction ceremony.
PD Bertie and his handler, Sergeant
Sean Baxendell; PD Larry and his
handler, Sergeant Warren Gates;
"Graduates continue to
be inspired by family
members who have
already chosen careers
in the service."
It almost seems natural that he should
join other family members in serving
the community at the frontline of
policing, although it took him a while to
confirm his interest in the profession.
and PD Prue and her handler, Senior
“It does get in your blood when you
Constable Chad McLeod will all be
see so many family, especially your
stationed at the Brisbane Dog Squad
Graduates continue to be inspired by
Dad being so dedicated to community
where they will perform duties as part
family members who have already
safety plus I know that the police
of the cadaver detection police dog
chosen careers in the service. Police
service is such a good, stable career,”
teams.
Journal spoke with two of them.
says Robert.
34
The graduation of 129 First Year Cadets in June and July will boost frontline service around the state.
“The Academy course was really
enjoyable although it was a bit tough
going back and studying full time for
the first time in years.
“There was a great variety in the
course with interesting theory and full
on but really practical lessons and it
was a great feeling at the end of each
week knowing that you’d acquired all
this knowledge that you’re going to
start putting into practice in just a few
months.”
"Robert is unsure
where his specialty
interest in the QPS
lies although given
his background in surf
lifesaving, the Water
Police might beckon at
some stage."
FYC Robert Grogan and father Sen Sgt Phillip
Grogan, who retired in 1993.
Sen Sgt Phillip Grogan, who worked in Brisbane,
Richmond and Kuranda.
“For now I’m happy to be on general
“Graduation day was a very proud
duties and soaking up as much
day. Dad didn’t say a lot but I knew he
experience as I can and Gympie is a
was proud to see me in uniform. His
great place to start. I really hope to
best advice was ‘be prepared for the
unknown and back your decisions.
stay here for a while,” he says.
Plus enjoy it because it’s a job that’s
really worth doing’.”
“I think having life skills and life
experience will be of great benefit to
me in the job, especially having been
Robert was thrown straight into the
deep end of the job having to contend
Robert is unsure where his specialty
a rugby league referee at a high level.
interest in the QPS lies although given
You can get a range of emotionally-
his background in surf lifesaving, the
charged situations arise at any time
full of praise for the immediate peer
Water Police might beckon at some
on a field and you’ve got to make split
support he received in a challenging
stage.
second decisions.
first week.
with a dead body and busting an Ice
lab in his first few days. But he was
35
lot more challenging – yet rewarding
– than university. It was a big relief
when I graduated. It wasn’t so much
an issue of letting my Dad down, I
didn’t want to let myself down. I’m
very determined and persistent.”
FYC Beard thinks she has “struck
gold” in being posted to country
service at Biloela.
“We’ll encounter a much broader
range of everyday situations – such as
the first week when we almost had to
herd the cows that were in danger of
escaping after a car crashed through
the wire fence by the side of the road.
Continuing the family tradition: Sen Sgt Tim Beard and FCY Hannah Beard; FYC Matthew Trezise and Insp Tim
Trezise.
"Hannah has no hesitation in saying that she
found her Academy study harder than studying
for law."
Plus our trainers in the country I think
are more experienced,” she says.
And proud Dad has some simple
advice for his daughter. “Have a life
outside of work but enjoy the lifelong
friendships you’ll make in the job.
Policing is great job and I do believe
that we do something that counts,” he
FYC HANNAH BEARD – BILOELA
class of 1986, and good friend and
First Year Constable Hannah Beard
godfather to Hannah, Inspector Tim
brings more qualifications to her job
Trezise.
than most, having a double degree
in criminal law and languages (she
Inspector Trezise’s son FYC Matthew
speaks fluent Italian as well as French)
Trezise also graduated as a class
and is also a fierce competitor in the
mate of Hannah. And in another quirk
Thai kick boxing discipline of Muay
of fate, Matthew Trezise has been
Thai.
stationed at Petrie and has been
says.
“I’ve told her never forget your
humanity – oh, and don’t take shit
from any of the grubs out there.”
assigned to Sen Sgt Beard’s squad.
Hannah practised as a criminal lawyer
for six months last year, but wasn’t
Hannah has no hesitation in saying
comfortable dedicating herself to
that she found her Academy study
getting cases against alleged criminals
harder than studying for law. “In
thrown out of court.
university it’s all open book study and
you need to apply laws to a particular
“The culture and integrity of it didn’t
case and can look it all up but at the
sit well with me, as well as the hours. I
Academy you have to condense so
just didn’t like it and the police service
much work into 25 weeks,” she says.
really appealed to me having seen
what a great career my Dad has had in
“We have to know the Police Powers
the service and what he’s achieved,”
and Responsibilities Act almost inside
she says.
out because you will be faced with
making split second decisions and
Sen Sgt Tim Beard was on hand to
judgements that impacts greatly on
see his daughter graduate in what
lives and legal outcomes.
was a very poignant and historic day.
Alongside Sen Sgt Beard was his
“Plus you’ve got your firearms and
fellow Academy graduate from the
learner driver training, so I found it a
36
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AFSL / Australian Credit Licence 241413.
5/08/2015 1:18 pm
New exemplary conduct
medal for G20 police
By Ian Eckersley
Eight officers have been presented with a new award introduced in
2015 to recognise exemplary service.
THE Queensland Police Exemplary
Conduct Medal was presented by
Commissioner Ian Stewart and Police
Commissioner Stewart said the
years of diligent service by members
recipients reflected the professionalism
of Australian police forces, defence
that was a hallmark of the QPS.
forces, and members of the ambulance
and fire services. Clasps to the National
Minister Jo-Ann Miller at a ceremony
“I would also like to acknowledge the
held at Police Headquarters on
Medal are awarded for a further period
family and friends who stand alongside
of ten years’ service.
20 July. The award is presented with a
clasp which denotes the nature of the
role or duty for which the recipient is
recognised.
The first clasp for the award is
G20 – 2014 which recognises the
recipient’s extraordinary performance
in the management of planning and
successful conduct of Operation
Minister Miller presented Senior
“Commissioner
Stewart said the
recipients reflected the
professionalism that
was a hallmark of the
QPS.”
Sergeant Michael Rowlands with his
2nd Clasp acknowledging 35 years’
service, Sergeant Wendy Seeto with
her 1st Clasp for 25 years’ service and
Sergeant Teresa Thoi with her inaugural
National Medal.
Southern Cross during the G20 events
QUEENSLAND POLICE EXEMPLARY
CONDUCT MEDAL
in Queensland last November.
SENIOR SERGEANT JOHN HODGE
The recipients were: Queensland
Fire and Emergency Services
them during both the challenging and
the rewarding times,” Commissioner
Snr Sgt Hodge joined the QPS in
1982 and has spent almost 25 years
Stewart said.
in dignitary protection working with
(formerly Assistant Commissioner),
“Your support is essential for each of
VIPs including Premiers, Prime
Superintendent Mark Plath, Inspector
us to perform our roles.
Ministers and several American
Commissioner Katarina Carroll
Ian Thompson, Inspector Shane
teams responsible for safeguarding
Presidents.
Williams, Inspector Stephen Donnelly,
“It is the comfort, support and counsel
Acting Inspector John Hodge, Senior
that you provide that gives police
In November 2012, Sen Sgt Hodge
Sergeant Wade Fuller and Acting Senior
officers the strength and confidence
was appointed to Acting Inspector
Sergeant Michael Cahill.
required to fulfil their duties, even in
and to the role of Project Manager,
the face of adversity.”
Dignitary Protection, G20 Group.
Commissioner Stewart also presented
He was responsible to the Program
Inspector John Kranenberg and
Minister Miller also presented 30
Manager, Operational Planning for the
Detective Sergeant Debra Wicks with
current and four former police officers
development and coordination of a
their 5th Clasp to the QPS Medal for 35
with the National Police Service Medal
dignitary protection response capable
years’ of dedicated service.
in acknowledgement for their past and
of supporting the G20 meetings.
future commitment to give ethical and
Detective Sergeant Murray Pearce
diligent service. This award recognises
He and his team managed the capability
received his 4th Clasp for 30 years’
the special status sworn police officers
and capacity building over a period of
service, Detective Sergeant Lisa-Jane
have because of their role protecting
nearly two years to ensure the QPS was
Dwan received her Clasp for 25 years’
the community.
prepared for the challenging task of
service, two officers received their 1st
Clasp for 15 years’ service.
38
co-ordinating protection operations in a
The National Medal recognises 15
CBD environment.
Sen Sgt John Hodge with the Exemplary Conduct Medal for extraordinary
performance during the G20.
Sen Sgt Wade Fuller receives the Exemplary Conduct Medal.
“As always these are major team efforts and I was fortunate that I was
recognised with an award when we had 70 teams involved which were
protecting up to 40 dignitaries,” said Sen Sgt Hodge."
Sen Sgt Hodge also recognised the
“But we also had a team of 550
Group (JIG) facility for G20 in Brisbane,
need for the co-ordination of a health
Australian personnel at the frontline
and the Regional Police Operations
response to address issues such as
of their protection and I had complete
Centre in Cairns.
CBR attack, victim triage and general
faith in their skills and professionalism
health response to Internationally
as well as in all of the layers of security
This complex task involved
Protected Persons to ensure the QPS
and logistics and everyone did their
determining requirements, securing
had this capability.
jobs to the highest standard.
floor space and co-ordinating
He undertook the role of Capability
“G20 was a successful operation
Commander in the Police Operations
although I must admit my heart skipped
Centre and co-ordinated the large
a beat when German Chancellor Angela
Sen Sgt Fuller demonstrated excellent
number of concurrent protection
Merkel decided to go for an impromptu
problem solving and negotiation skills
operations melded to the G20 Leaders
walk and meet some locals on Caxton
to ensure the project remained on time,
Summit.
Street on the Friday night.”
on budget and achieved deliverables.
construction works with numerous
internal and external stakeholders.
He also used his knowledge of
“As always these are major team
SENIOR SERGEANT WADE FULLER
database applications to shape ICT
efforts and I was fortunate that I was
Sen Sgt Fuller was sworn in to the QPS
solutions and worked with G20 ICT
recognised with an award when we
in 1993 and is the first serving officer in
contractors to ensure new systems met
had 70 teams involved which were
his family.
business requirements.
protecting up to 40 dignitaries,” said
Sen Sgt Hodge.
“For all of us involved, it was the most
challenging yet most rewarding project
we had all been involved in.
“Sen Sgt Fuller brought a vast bank of frontline
policing experience in venue security, public
safety response and major event security to the
G20 task.”
“The logistics of it were obviously
In January 2013, Sen Sgt Fuller was
Sen Sgt Fuller brought a vast bank of
massive, including the negotiations
appointed as Senior Project Officer,
frontline policing experience in venue
that we had to undertake from two
Command and Control, G20 Group.
security, public safety response and
years out with overseas governments
major event security to the G20 task.
to ensure everything from the
In this role, he was responsible to the
manageable size of motorcades to the
Program Manager, Command and
“It was terrific that the QPS and our
numbers of foreign security teams
Control for the design and delivery
team was able to show interstate
allowed in venues to personally protect
of a state of the art Police Operations
and international law enforcement
their dignitaries.
Centre (POC), the Joint Intelligence
authorities – including the US Secret
39
Recipients of the QPS Exemplary Conduct Medal with Police Minister Jo-Ann Miller and Commissioner Ian Stewart.
Service – our professionalism and
given time. We also had to define what
Nothing was done in isolation or
capability,” he said.
operational decisions commanders
without the support of our dedicated
would have to make and what
and disciplined team.”
”Nothing was
done in isolation or
without the support
of dedicated and
disciplined team.”
situational awareness they would need
for a wide range of scenarios.
a modern hi-tech Police Operations
“The project was complex because
Centre capable of supporting
there were so many key stakeholders
commanders trying to deal with any
including the Australian Federal
imaginable security situation.
Police, Australian Defence Force,
State agencies that each had differing
DETECTIVE SERGEANT
MICHAEL CAHILL
requirements within the POC and JIG.
Det Sgt Cahill joined the QPS in 1996.
ASIO and some 20-25 other local and
“From a command and control
Also significant is the legacy with
In November 2014, Det Sgt Cahill was
perspective, the challenge was to
understand where 37 of the world’s
“I’m quite humble to receive the award
appointed as Senior Project Officer,
most important leaders were at any
as a small part of a very large team.
Bomb Search and Response, G20 Group.
“He and his team
were critical to the
introduction of new
technologies and the
integration of military
forces into the search
program.”
In this role, he was responsible to the
Program Manager, Public Safety for the
development and coordination of bomb
search plans and a response capability
Det Sgt Michael Cahill developed and delivered on a bomb search and response program during G20.
40
in support of the G20 meetings.
The Gold Coast District Honours and Awards ceremony was held on 29 July. Among the award recipients were Commissioned Officers, Inspector Karen Shaw
(awarded the 1st clasp to the National Medal for 25 years of service) along with Inspector Monique Ralph who was awarded the National Police Service Medal.
Det Sgt Cahill and his team developed
the clock to achieve the bomb search
time in Australia we used the latest
and delivered on a bomb search
tasks”, Det Sgt Cahill said.
technology combined with highlytrained people and a proven process.
and preparedness program with his
attention to detail allowing for the
“My colleagues and all of the 108
search and seal of over 50 kilometres of
police bomb searchers, including the
“Every bomb searcher displayed
roadway and infrastructure – including
venue search commanders, sacrificed
dedication and commitment to the task
all accommodation hotels, the entire
sleep to respond to short notice tasks.
Brisbane Convention and Exhibition
performed exemplary under pressure
infrastructure.
in excess of 2,500 vehicles. He and his
team were critical to the introduction of
new technologies and the integration of
military forces into the search program.
Det Sgt Cahill also provided training in
success. I accepted the award on behalf
of the QPS/ADF searchers who all
Centre, the Brisbane Airport and other
It also involved searching and securing
and it was an honour to lead them to
“Every bomb searcher
displayed dedication
and commitment to
the task and it was an
honour to lead them
to success.”
to ensure the G20 meeting went ahead
without incident.”
bomb searching to a large portion of
the organisation, ensuring a legacy of
skills for the QPS.
“We reinvented the whole search
“Our small team, in conjunction with
regime within a limited time frame that
the Australian Defence Force (2nd
had to fit within the parameters set
Combat Engineer Regiment and 2/14th
by the Federal Department of Prime
Light Horse Regiment) worked around
Minister and Cabinet. It was the first
41
Trans Tasman red ball
rivalry
By Sergeant Ian Reimers
Forget Bledisloe Cup or the Battle for the Ashes. The real test of
Australian sporting honour for 2015 was held earlier this year at the
18th Biennial Australia-New Zealand Police Cricket Championships.
A strong 17-person contingent
representing the Queensland Police
Cricket Association flew across the
ditch to Auckland in February, keen
to wrest the title from their Kiwi
comrades.
Five Australian teams from
Queensland, New South Wales,
Victoria, South Australia and Western
Australia battled it out with New
Zealand in a 45-over format.
The championships were first held
in 1977 (the year of the Centenary of
the Ashes) and over the decades has
developed into a fantastic exchange of
police culture and experience both on
and off the field.
Friendships have been forged and
battles waged but matches are always
in the true spirit of sport with the
camaraderie a credit to all concerned.
After a very successful championships
on the Gold Coast last year, all eyes
turned to Auckland and they continued
the high standard of organisation
by conducting a very successful
championships.
The New Zealand team came prepared
to win with a youthful and eager side.
One of their opening bowlers is on the
verge of first class honours bowling at
speeds in excess of 140km/h.
(l to r) Peter Reimers, Stephen Hargreaves, Shane Connors and Paul Bonney at the awards ceremony.
“After a very successful championships on
the Gold Coast last year, all eyes turned to
Auckland and they continued the high standard
of organisation by conducting a very successful
championships.”
in the nether regions with the impact
However New Zealand prevailed,
cracking his protective equipment!
taking out the championships on a
superior run rate quotient.
As defending champions, the pressure
was on New Zealand and they were
pushed all the way by a spirited and
highly credible performance from the
Queensland recorded wins against all
Australian teams only going down to
New Zealand while the hosts lost to
Victoria.
Queensland batsman Ryan Baillie
Queensland team which finished equal
could attest to the ferocity of the New
with the Kiwis with both teams winning
It was an extremely hard fought
Zealand bowling attack after being hit
four games and losing one.
carnival with all teams competitive,
42
none more so than the match between
NSW and NZ where the hosts won by
one run. Had NSW hit that one run,
Queensland would have taken out the
championships.
Queensland was able to successfully
defend its title as Razor Cup Champions
from last championships with a great
effort from every member of the
touring party. Particular mention must
go to team manager Brett Hutton for
anchoring the team very successfully.
“Queensland was able
to successfully defend
its title as Razor Cup
Champions from last
championships with
a great effort from
every member of the
touring party.”
Paul Bonney (left) receiving the Queensland Player of the Tournament trophy from Life Member Colin Harvey.
The Queensland team celebrating back to back Razor Cup wins.
43
Queensland batsmen Dion Bryant (left) and Paul Bonney (right) walking to the crease against South Australia.
There were some strong performances
A successful fundraising effort
help the development of our cities and
with the bat, including the only century
involving a raffle and golf day was
great country.
from a Queenslander with Paul Bonney
run by Senior Constable Dion Bryant
taking out the highly coveted Colin
of Palm Beach Station which helped
Frederick Harvey trophy for Queensland
subsidised the cost to players.
history of community engagement
The brotherhood of the policing cricket
assistance.
Player of the Championships.
Evergreen Queensland wicketkeeper,
Mount Tambourine’s Stephen
Hargreaves took out the overall award
community was also showcased in
Auckland with the Queenslanders
raising funds for Constable Ashley
Stockland have a long and proud
and the QPCA are grateful for their
The QPCA would also like to make
special mention of Foztrax Earthmoving
Renouf and his ill daughter.
- earthmoving contractors with over
Reimers, Paul Bonney and Shane
All teams dug deep and doubled
Downs - for providing sponsorship for
Connors were rewarded for strong
the raffle profits which enabled the
the carnival.
performances with selection in the
presentation of a cheque for over $800
Championship Merit Team.
to Ash to assist with treatment costs.
for most dismissals by a keeper. Peter
“The Queensland team could not attend these
carnivals without a tremendous amount of
hard work, dedication and assistance from the
organising committee and supporters.”
30 years’ experience on the Western
Finally, thanks goes to ANZPCC Life
Member and Principal of MCG Legal,
Mr Matthew Gill for his continued
support and sponsorship over the past
six years.
The next championships will be held
in South Australia in November 2016.
Anyone interested in being involved,
The Queensland team could not attend
Special thanks should go to major
can contact Detective Brett Hutton at
these carnivals without a tremendous
sponsors Stockland, which showcased
Fortitude Valley CIB.
amount of hard work, dedication
their new development at Augustine
and assistance from the organising
Heights on the playing gear. Stockland
committee and supporters.
was founded in 1952 with a vision to
44
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Disclaimer: Salary packaging is only available to eligible employees of the Queensland Government as per the Standing Offer Arrangement CPO 250/10. The implications of salary
packaging for you (including tax savings and impacts on benefits, surcharges, levies and/or other entitlements) will depend on your individual circumstances. The information
in this publication has been prepared by Smartsalary for general information purposes only, without taking into consideration any individual circumstances. Smartsalary and
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QLD GOV_Police Journal Ad_Oct 2014.indd 1
21/10/2014 10:26:59 AM
Police Rostering:
A Basic Guide
By Steve Mahoney, Senior Industrial Officer, QPUE
Members have recently requested that the Union publish A
Basic Guide to rostering to help them to better understand their
entitlements.
Although it should be noted
that this guide simply covers the
main guidelines. The Award and
EBA contain much more detailed
information about rostering. If you
have any concerns please do not
hesitate to contact the Union office.
ALL SWORN EMPLOYEES
HOURS PER WEEK
The average hours worked over the
cycle of the roster must be 38 hours
per week.
SHIFT START TIME
REST DAYS
a mutually agreeable date elsewhere
Employees are entitled to four rest
within the same roster. The employee
days per fortnight, taken as:
must be advised of the alteration as
• two consecutive rest days off in
soon as practicable.
each week; or
• one day off at the end of one week
and one day off at the beginning
of the next week; or
• four consecutive rest days off in a
fortnightly period; or
Where this is unable to be complied
with and the employee is directed to
work on a PDO with no corresponding
roster alteration, overtime is payable
for such work.
• one day off in one week and three
consecutive days off in the next
week.
Shifts are to commence on the hour.
Rest Days will be from midnight
NUMBER OF CONSECUTIVE SHIFTS
arrangements have been agreed
Employees will not be required to
to accommodate a “Z day/lay day”
work more than 10 consecutive shifts.
arrangement).
to midnight (unless specific
Employees required to work more
“Unless justifiable,
there must be a
10 hour break between
ordinary rostered
shifts.”
than 10 consecutive ordinary shifts
PROGRAMMED DAYS OFF (PDO)
BREAK BETWEEN SHIFTS
for whatever reason will be paid at
Where the arrangement of ordinary
Unless justifiable, there must be a 10
overtime rates for each additional shift
hours of work provides for a PDO
hour break between ordinary rostered
worked.
(usually where employees work 8 hour
shifts.
At the request of the employee, the
relevant OIC/Manager may agree that
more than 10 consecutive ordinary
shifts can be worked to accommodate
shifts), all employees will work to a
roster which will provide for one PDO
A justifiable reason includes any of the
on a 28 day basis. That is, in usual
following:
circumstances employees will work a
• Where the duty to be undertaken
19 day month.
the employee’s personal
circumstances.
Where such agreement is reached, it
A PDO may be taken on its own, or in
conjunction with leave or rest days.
cannot be planned for and is
outside of the control of the
Service (e.g. late notification of an
attendance at court);
• Where the work of the station,
shall be recorded in writing and placed
PDO’s should not be rostered on a
on the employee’s personnel file,
Public Holiday.
section or establishment cannot
will consider the occupational health
Where it appears that an employee
in question being on duty (e.g. a
and safety and fatigue management
will not be able to access a PDO due to
crew cannot operate without that
impacts of the request. In this instance
operational reasons, then every effort
employee being available for duty)
overtime is not payable.
should be made to change the PDO to
and there is no other alternative;
and the employee and OIC/Manager
46
proceed without the employee
• Where it is imperative that the
The officer-in-charge may approve
4 weekends in a row across adjoining
work being undertaken by the
of a change to the rostered shifts
rosters, for whatever reason, will
employee in question is not
where mutually agreed between one
be paid at overtime rates for each
delayed (e.g. urgent investigative
employee and another.
additional weekend shift worked.
OSA WORKERS
At the request of the employee, the
There is no requirement for a 10 hour
EQUITY
relevant OIC/Manager may agree that
break between the end of a shift and
There will be equity in rostering of
more than 4 weekends in a row across
the commencement of a recall to duty
OSA positions. This means that every
adjoining rosters can be worked
and after the end of a recall to duty
officer on an OSA roster should work
to accommodate the employee’s
and the commencement of the next
the same number of afternoon/night/
personal circumstances.
rostered shift.
weekend/public holiday shifts.
Where employees seek to swap shifts
Obviously where an officer is not
shall be recorded in writing and placed
by mutual agreement, the 10 hour
working on the roster for a period
on the employee’s personnel file,
break - for this circumstance only -
of time (eg sick leave, higher duties,
and the employee and OIC/Manager
may be reduced to an 8 hour break.
secondment etc) this will be reflected
will consider the occupational health
However, the break cannot be reduced
in the annual equity figures.
and safety and fatigue management
work).
Where such agreement is reached, it
impacts of the request and overtime
to less than an 8 hour break.
WEEKENDS
provisions will not apply.
ROSTER CHANGES
Weekend hours are those ordinary
A 28 day roster will be prepared
hours performed on Saturday and
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
setting out the days of duty of each
Sunday shifts. A Saturday shift is
Employees in receipt of the OSA will
employee including the starting and
one which commences on a Saturday
be rostered to work no more than
ceasing times of such days, rest
and a Sunday shift is one which
seven public holidays in an equity
days and, where applicable include
commences on a Sunday.
year, provided that there are no more
than 11 public holidays within that
programmed day off.
Each employee is to be rostered off at
equity year.
Such roster should be posted in a
least one full weekend in each 28 day
place conveniently accessible to
roster - one full weekend will mean a
In instances where there are more
Employees at or before 2.00 p.m.
Saturday and a Sunday together. That
than 11 public holidays within an
on the seventh day preceding the
is, rostering arrangements will exclude
equity year, an employee will not be
commencement of the next 28 day
the possibility of working in excess of
rostered to work more than 14 public
roster period.
three weekends in a 28 day roster.
holidays over that equity year and the
Where there is a change to an
Where it is absolutely necessary that
employee’s rostered hours, it is the
an employee work in excess of these
Where it is absolutely necessary to
responsibility of the supervisor and/
rostered hours, this is to be worked as
work additional public holidays to
or officer in charge for ensuring
overtime.
the number specified above, these
following equity year.
days are to be worked within ordinary
the affected employee is notified,
especially where the employee is
Each employee will not be rostered
rostered hours. These days will be
on leave or rest days at the time the
to work more than 56 weekend days,
paid at the rate of double time.
changes are made.
accounted as 448 weekend hours, in
an equity year.
Where there is an operational
requirement for a change in an
Where it is absolutely necessary that
employee’s rostered location within
an employee is rostered more than
or across districts a minimum of 24
448 weekend hours in a year, any
hours’ notice is required.
weekend hours worked in excess
of such hours will be worked as
It is the responsibility of the
overtime.
supervisor and/or officer in charge
for ensuring the affected employee
Employees will not be rostered to
is notified, especially where the
work more than 4 weekends in a
employee is on leave or rest days at
row across adjoining rosters. Any
the time the changes are made.
employee required to work more than
47
Police Recipes
Police Recipes
MALAYSIAN FISH CURRY
Fish curries are a dish for all seasons.
And they are really flexible as you can
make them with fresh fish (ideally)
or frozen fish. You can spice them,
adorn them and garnish them dozens
of different ways with a range of
ingredients.
This simple, aromatic Malaysian
Fish Curry can be made using any
firm white fish. A perfect dish for
Saturday night dinner ... although with
a preparation and cooking time of
less than 45 minutes, it could work on
weeknights too. And it can be frozen
which means it can be prepared in
advance – or devoured later.
What do I need?
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1/2 lemon, juiced
• 1 stalk lemongrass, finely chopped
• steamed white/brown rice and
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1 fresh long green chilli, thinly
sliced
• 2 pieces fresh ginger, finely
chopped
• 1 tsp chilli flakes
• 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
• 400 ml coconut milk
• 375 ml carton fish stock
• 1 tbsp fish sauce
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
lemon wedges (to serve)
What do I do?
1). Heat oil in a large saucepan on
through. Remove from heat. Stir
herbs and lemon juice through.
Serve with rice and lemon
wedges.
and garlic for 2-3 minutes or until
Tips: Curry can be frozen for up to
onion is tender. Stir in green chilli,
2 months. Rice can be frozen for up
ginger, chilli flakes and turmeric.
to 3 months. Defrost in the fridge
Cook, stirring, for 1 minute, until
or microwave before reheating in a
fragrant and soft.
saucepan with a little water. Bring curry
2). Blend
in coconut milk, stock, fish
sauce and brown sugar. Bring
to boil. Reduce heat to medium
• 1/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh
and simmer, uncovered, for 20
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
minutes or until fish is cooked
high. Saute onion, lemongrass
• 750 g firm white fish, cubed
coriander
3). Add fish. Cook, stirring, for 3-4
minutes, until sauce thickens
slightly.
to the boil on high and simmer for 3
minutes. To reheat rice, sprinkle with
a little water. Microwave, covered, on
high (100%) power, for 2-3 minutes or
until hot (stir after every minute).
Recipe source: www.foodtolove.com.au
Do you have a favourite recipe that you’d like to share with members?
E-mail us at [email protected]
48
From the Archives
From the Archives
THE BLACK MARIA, PETRIE TERRACE circa 1935
Constable John Thomson stands beside a Black Maria** (prison van) within the grounds of the Petrie Terrace Police Depot,
c1935. The first mechanised prison vans were introduced in 1926 - prior to this they were horse drawn. Constable Thomson
was sworn in to the force in March 1935 and spent the first four years of service at the depot where he drove the prison van
for a period of time.
He was transferred to the Water Police in 1939 and spent the next 11 years there. In January 1951, Constables Thomas
Johnston and John Thomson escaped from the police launch Vedette after it exploded and burst into flames off Redcliffe. Constable Johnston escaped with slight burns to the left leg while Constable Thomson was taken to Brisbane General
Hospital with extensive burns to both arms and face as well as a laceration to the left eye, and shock.
**It’s unclear where the term Black Maria derived from but most likely it came from Philadelphia in the United States in the 1830s, where the name was associated
with a fearsome black (female) keeper of a sailor’s boarding house whom the local police would call on for help with difficult prisoners. Black Maria was also
commonly used in England and other European countries in the 19th century to describe prison vans.
Each month we print a photo from the archives to
showcase the history of the Queensland police service.
We are always on the lookout for any old policing photos,
so please send in any you may have.
49
Book Review - Go Set A Watchman
Book Review
Go Set A Watchman
By Ian Eckersley
Talk about the proverbial tough act to follow! 55 years after the
ground-breaking, eternal classic To Kill A Mockingbird comes a
landmark ‘new novel’ by the same author Harper Lee, incorporating
many of the same characters, set two decades after her
masterpiece.
But here’s the thing. Go Set A
Watchman is neither a ‘prequel’ nor
‘sequel’’ to Mockingbird – and many
book critics are disputing whether it
can even be labelled a ‘new novel’.
Go Set A Watchman was written in the
mid-1950s (To Kill A Mockingbird was
printed in 1960) and has become both
an instant best-seller and water-cooler
talking point.
Within days of its recent release,
it became mired in controversy in
literary circles with debate centring
on the reality that the new offering is
Go Set a Watchman is set 20 years
after To Kill a Mockingbird — still
in Maycomb, in the heart of the
conservative southern states
‘smallsville’ - when main character
Jean Louise ‘Scout’ is 26 and travels
from New York to Alabama to visit her
father, the ageing yet morally faultless
(in her eyes at least) Atticus Finch.
Descriptions of the still principled
and highly respected Atticus and his
achievements are familiar.
So too the curious blend of childhood
insecurities, tomboy toughness,
idealism and resilience of Jean
a first draft of the later classic, which
Louise Finch; along with traits of
was worked into literary greatness
other Mockingbird characters; and the
shape with close and nurturing
florid and picturesque writing style of
guidance from Lee’s book editor.
Harper Lee.
Let’s make it clear – if you truly loved
Although it should be said, the draft
To Kill A Mockingbird and the woven
version of the classic novel sees
tale of heroism, youthful coming-of-
a more juvenile and naive writer
age, idealistic stands against bigotry
struggling at times to create a
and entrenched racism, then this book
relevant and compelling narrative –
might not be for you.
something so later skilfully achieved in
It has the potential to shatter that
Mockingbird.
Harper Lee
Random House
Sydney 2015
RRP: $45 (hardback)
wholeheartedly trusted … had failed
her ... betrayed her, publicly, grossly
and shamelessly.”
The revelation comes when Jean
warm and fuzzy feeling of nostalgia
So here we go, Spoiler Alert: The
that probably still resides deep within
harsh reality and most dramatic
the recesses of your mental library.
feature of Go Set A Watchman is
Admirers of print and film versions
that Atticus Finch - the supposed
of Atticus’ earlier life will perhaps
paragon of probity, courage and
find it painful, shocking and certainly
wisdom; the one human being Jean-
Literary and intelligentsia reviews and
disorienting.
Louise Finch had “ever fully and
interpretations of Lee’s second book
50
Louise spies her deified father and her
own long-time boyfriend and suitor,
Henry Clinton, participating in a Ku
Klux Klan meeting.
Book Review - Go Set A Watchman
(or first, depending on your view of the
Jean Louise’s emotional roller coaster
Trivia footnote for crime buffs: Harper
novel’s evolution) are fascinating.
of disillusionment, disgust, hatred
Lee was a pivotal player in the creation
and physical distress takes her on a
of another American literary classic
Take Exhibit A, from New York
hometown journey of life-forming
In Cold Blood. She was a childhood
Times reviewer Michiko Kakutani
childhood memories, through to
friend of author Truman Capote and
which will shatter anyone’s glowing
confrontation with her uncle, boyfriend
was closely involved in the research
reminiscences of the seemingly
and finally, her father Atticus.
for that non-fiction work.
flawless Atticus Finch (and who wasn’t
enamoured with the dulcet tones and
A form of understanding and
silky acting skills of actor Gregory
reconciliation of sorts ensues, which
Peck in the 1962 black and white
in totality provides an enlightening
Academy Award-winning film?)
freeze frame into a critically important
time and place in American racial
Says Kakutani: “How did a lumpy tale
about a young woman’s grief over her
discovery of her father’s bigoted views
evolve into a classic coming-of-age story
about two children and their devoted
widower father? How did a distressing
narrative filled with characters spouting
hate speech … mutate into a redemptive
novel associated with the civil rights
politics and its history.
movement …”
unchanged from how it was originally
The book’s title derives from a Bible
Go Set a Watchman has apparently
been released now (with Lee herself,
aged 89 in poor and declining health
living in a nursing home) at the
writer’s request. Her United States
publisher Harper Collins said Lee
wanted the novel published now
written.
quote and aligns with Jean Louise’s
Where Go Set a Watchman does
view of her father, as the moral
succeed is in presenting a nostalgic
compass (“watchman”) of Maycomb
and historically important book laced
and has a recurrent theme of
with creative and morally stimulating
disillusionment and moral dilemma as
writing.
she realizes the extent of the bigotry in
It is evocative on many levels and
her home community.
will stir debate among lovers of good
As Atticus tells her: “Every man’s
island, Jean Louise, every man’s
literature. A great one for a compelling
watchman is his conscience.”
local book club.
debate at the next gathering of many a
by immediately contacting the QPU office
Ph 3259 1900 (24 hours)
51
GOVERNMENT
52
JUSTICE
LEGAL
MANAGEMENT
PUBLIC SAFETY
TRAINING
SECURITY
WHS
Police Living
Police Living
SCRUBBA PORTABLE LAUNDRY SYSTEM WASH BAG
If you’re like most people, you invariably return from that camping trip/holiday with a bunch of dirty
washing. There’s many reasons why it happens – lack of access to washing facilities, on the move too
quick and having too much fun – did someone say ‘too lazy’?!
The idea of being able to take the world’s “lightest and most compact washing machine” with you
sounds pretty ideal. So meet the Scrubba Portable Laundry System Wash Bag. Weighing in at just
140grams, it enables you to wash your clothes whenever and wherever you want and for free! It’s a
modern take on the old fashioned washboard. Grip circles on the exterior prevent the Scrubba from
slipping while you rub the bag and activate the hundreds of internal Scrubba nodules that perform
the work.
Simply drop clothes in the Scrubba and add water and detergent. Seal the dry-bag style closure and
open the side valve to release excess air. Scrubba efficiently cleans your clothes in minutes and in
most cases, provides a machine quality wash. When finished, the Scrubba folds down to a compact
size small enough to take anywhere.
FEATURES
• A modern take on the old fashioned washboard: hundreds of internal Scrubba nodules
efficiently clean clothes in minutes
• Durable microbial- and hydrolysis-resistant polyether TPU; doubles as a dry-bag
• Lightest and smallest washing machine in the world at only 140g.
Got a photo of yourself amid some great scenery during recent travels? We have a
$50 BCF voucher up for grabs for our favourite shot, so send your pictures to us at
[email protected], and you might see yourself in the next Journal.
53
Out and About
Out and About
NEW THURSDAY ISLAND WATER POLICE VESSEL
Police Commissioner Ian Stewart joined Thursday Islanders and local police in launching the new QPS vessel the ‘Carolus Isua’,
named in the memory of the late Honorary QPS Superintendent Carolus Isua.
QUEENSLAND POLICE CHRISTMAS IN JULY
Snow boots usually aren’t standard police issue – but Southern Downs police felt it should be when they awoke to a winter wonderland at Stanthorpe and Warwick.
54
Out and About
The Upper Mt Gravatt Bike Squad has some new members to perform southside bike patrols. Above left, Constables Jason Davie, David Arnold Anthony Boban take a
breather after a patrol to the city and later hits the forest trails.
Constables David McKinnon, Emilia Bryson and Aaron Christoffel enjoyed water views on their training course, while bike squad leader Senior Constable Gavin King
(right) had to settle for more mundane views from the office (on a more high-powered machine!)
55
From
conversation
comes confidence.
They can be powerful things, conversations. And they can change your life
for the better.
We’re here to help you set yourself up for the lifestyle you want in the future.
• Talk to us about our range of information and tools.
• Create a simple super action plan that you can put in place now.
Spend a few minutes with us and see how much you could get out.
Start the conversation today.
qsuper.qld.gov.au/
conversation
Just quickly, we need to let you know that this product is issued by the QSuper Board (ABN 32 125 059 006) as trustee for the QSuper Fund (ABN 60 905 115 063) so please
consider how appropriate this product is for your personal needs. You can do this by downloading a copy of the product disclosure statement at qsuper.qld.gov.au or calling
us on 1300 360 750 and asking for a copy. © QSuper Board of Trustees 2015. 8920 07/15.
What is Parental Responsibility? Where does it begin and does it end?
What is Parental Responsibility?
Where does it begin and does it end?
By Deena Yousif, Sciaccas Lawyers
The term “parental responsibility” relates to all the duties, powers
and responsibilities and authority which, by law, parents have in
relation to children.
The Family Law Act 1975 provides
that, subject to any court orders,
parental responsibility is vested in
each parent of a child, from the time
of the child’s birth up until the child
reaches 18 years of age.
It is important to note, however,
that parental responsibility does
not denote how much time is spent
with a child but rather, affects the
decisions relating to the major long
The effect of Equal Shared Parental
like to discuss any other family law
Responsibility requires the child’s
matters, please do not hesitate to
parents to consult each other before
contact our family law specialists -
making decisions relating to the
Emario Welgampola (07 3867 8846)
major long term issues affecting
or Deena Yousif (07 3867 8812)
the child’s care, welfare and
for a confidential, obligation free
development.
discussion.
Practically, joint decision-making
requires a level of understanding
and open communication between
parents. This will be a factor that the
term issues affecting a child’s welfare
courts will take into consideration
and development such as education,
when assessing whether it is in the
religious and cultural upbringing,
“best interests of the child” for the
health and a change to the child’s
parents to have Equal Shared Parental
name.
Responsibility.
Parental responsibility is not affected
Another important aspect of such
by the marital status of the parents
responsibility is the ability of a parent
of the child. This is because when
to facilitate a healthy relationship for
determining Parenting Orders, the
the child with the other parent.
”Another important aspect of such
responsibility is the ability of a parent to
facilitate a healthy relationship for the child with
the other parent.”
courts’ paramount consideration is
However, the presumption of Equal
always “the best interests of the child”.
Shared Parental Responsibility may
be negated if there are reasonable
The presumption enshrined within
grounds to believe that a parent of
the Family Law Act 1975 is that, it is
the child (or a person who lives with
in the “best interests of the child” for
a parent of the child) has engaged in
both parents to have Equal Shared
family violence, child abuse or neglect.
Parental Responsibility. This is at all
times the starting point when the
Should you consider making
court makes Parenting Orders.
parenting arrangements, or would
57
Letters to the Editor
Letters to the Editor should be no longer than 400 words if possible and sent to: (Letters may be edited for length and clarity.)
PO Box 13008 George Street, Brisbane Qld 4003 Fax: 07 3259 1996 or Email: [email protected]
Dear Editor
Firearms Legislation Review
one for the purpose of training – full
own Weapons Act run by our own
stop.
bosses, the same ones who say they
can’t afford to train you more, makes
The Commonwealth Attorney General
With a review of the legislation
it unlawful for you to own a suitable
Department (AG) is currently working
being conducted surely we could be
rifle and in the case of pistols, makes
on an overhaul of the National
given an exemption whereby we can
it unnecessarily hard by giving us no
Firearms Agreement 1996 (NFA).
obtain one handgun and one rifle for
exemptions.
All state police services/forces will
training.
Do these same bosses stand next to
be sending representatives to make
Like general users, DFTOs and SFIs
you in the gun fight? Maybe if they
submissions. At the end of this time
in my region have no guaranteed
had to, they might think training was
a new agreement will be made and
firearms training days other than the
a little more important.
it is likely the states will modify their
one training/testing/requal/upskill
firearms legislation.
day.
It is with this in mind that I ask the
Also, in reality, we all know it is not
This is likely to be our only chance
question “Do we really get a say?”
a day of ‘shooting’. It is a day of four
for the next 20 years to get a bit of
hours at the range, four hours POST,
I am a current firearms trainer for
common sense on behalf of our own
minus travel, minus theory, minus
training.
both pistol and rifle for the QPS. One
TOET, minus the “one on one” when
of the most common complaints I get
you are not the “one”, minus lunch.
So speak up.
In short you are likely to be pulling
Name withheld.
The law is up for review at present. It
has not been reviewed for 20 years.
from police is: “We don’t get enough
training.”
a trigger for less than one hour per
When asked, the QPS states it
year yet with this you may need to
cannot afford the time or money to
perform complicated acts to save
allow us more training. I understand
yours or someone else’s life.
that the impost on the Queensland
Dear Editor
Politicians and the media have
Police Service to provide extra
An officer trained in rifles goes
recently attempted to increase the
training is great due to rostering,
through a similar further one hour
awareness of Domestic and Family
transport, booking ranges and cost of
of actual time behind the gun on the
Violence and portraying how much
ammunition.
trigger per year.
of it is going on in Australia and that
So what about us training more in
On top of this did you know the
our own time? Many officers say
government already acknowledges
Perhaps consideration should be
they would be happy to pay some
the need for police to do extra
given to changing the legislation that
of the costs but that they have no
training in their own time? How do
would show they are serious about
exemptions under the law and either
I know this? I know this because
making a change.
cannot afford the $2000 to get into
even the ATO specifically provides
a pistol shooting club or cannot
for police officers to claim guns,
When the government got concerned
afford all the required time to do
ammunition and other shooting
about road trauma and deaths years
safety courses, do the mandatory
related items for training.
ago, the legislation was changed.
they want people to speak up.
I can write a ticket for not wearing
competitions and other requirements.
So just to be clear, the Federal
a seatbelt (eight minutes). Write
The rifle process for a Cat D rifle is
Government says if you want to
another ticket to the same person
even more restrictive in that you
do extra training we will help by
(eight minutes). Maybe throw in
simply have no legal way of obtaining
making it a tax deduction, yet our
another 20 minutes for ordering ticket
58
Letters to the Editor
books and despatching them on
locating them first go). Then if they
The fact that an order needs to be
TINMS.
breach this order (QP9 and interview,
made to tell someone to be of good
statements etc, it takes two to three
behaviour to someone else, then
hours).
the fact we need to serve a notice to
Nowhere do they need a court order
saying they should wear a seatbelt,
allege previous reminding someone
they don’t need a notice to allege
They breach it again (another two
they have been to court previously
previous before they lose enough
to three hours) and serve them a
is quite comical, when we can issue
points and their licence is suspended
notice to allege previous, have a
a ticket for someone being a public
(perhaps one hour at most, and
JP sign this to say it was served on
nuisance on the spot. No one gave
them to remind the defendant they
them a public nuisance order saying
have been charged before and the
they can’t be a public nuisance.
someone has got $706 in fines and
most probably will not fail to wear
their seatbelt again.)
Someone with influence was in a
restaurant and observed some bikies
having a fight. Within a very short
time frame legislation was introduced
to prevent congregations of outlaw
motorcycle clubs.
previous offence will be brought up
again (even though the Magistrate
and Police Prosecutor have it in front
of them).
They get a fine or suspended
sentence (include in this, the time to
enter occurrences on QPRIME, enter
Why not do something for Domestic
custody reports, locations search
Violence, despite appointing more
reports, scan documents, update
task forces and parliamentary
tasks).
inquiries?
Name withheld.
Police time – 15 hours minimum, not
At present, operational police go to
including court time. Double this time
a Domestic Violence incident. They
if they live 25 kilometres from the
make observations (that takes one
police station and are hard to locate.
hour or more depending where they
live and where the nearest police
Solution: make changes to the
station is). The aggrieved does not
legislation making Domestic Violence
wish to provide a statement or lay
an offence similar to public nuisance
criminal charges.
which relies on observations where
offenders can be given a ticket
Police do up an application for a
(called domestic battery in the United
Domestic Violence Order (another
States).
hour). They serve the application
on the respondent (another hour
In the US, police go to an incident. If
minimum dependent on where they
their observations show they believe
live and finding them first go).
Domestic Violence has occurred, it is
They get a JP to sign an affidavit
that the application was served on
the respondent then deliver this
application to the courts (one hour or
more dependent on where the court
house is from the police station).
The court makes an order for
someone to be of good behaviour
towards someone else (which was
common sense and courtesy when I
a simple offence and the offender is
given an NTA immediately or charged
and released on conditions.
If police believe more conditions
are needed - such as no contact etc
are relevant for two years - then
this could be entered into the QP9
and then a court order made for
the defendant to comply with those
conditions. The order is made
was brought up).
straight from the QP9 and is part of
This order is then served on the
court and there is no need to serve
respondent (one hour dependent on
the application on them.
the sentence and the defendant is in
Please be aware that we are
legally unable to publish letters
if we do not know the verified
author. The Editor may withhold
names at her discretion.
59
Police Health
Police Health
by Peter Shanahan, Police Health Chairman
RISK AND REWARD IN
PLAYING SPORT
stands at a surprisingly high 545,000.
And the figure is growing.
• depression
The shocking image of Australian
cricketer Phillip Hughes collapsing after
being felled by a bouncer last year
stunned the nation and made headlines
around the world.
According to Victorian research the
frequency of hospital-treated sports
injuries among people over the age of
15 is increasing at an estimated rate of
six percent every year.
• a profound change in lifestyle
and ability to perform normal
activities.
The talented sports star was in his
prime. But the force of the ball striking
his head caused a brain haemorrhage
and he died two days later aged just 25.
A separate study of hospital admissions
for sport-related concussion discovered
a significant jump over a 10-year period
to 2010-11.
His death brought into sharp focus the
risks all people take when participating
in the sports they love.
Analysis by AIHW found that the various
football codes are to blame for about
one-third of all sports-related hospital
admissions, followed by cycling and
motor sports.
Playing sport and exercising is highly
recommended with numerous studies
showing a fit body contributes to longterm good health while also creating
better of quality of life and even helping
greatly with mental health issues.
But in any sport there can be injuries.
While the Hughes tragedy was
extremely rare, the chance of suffering
some kind of physical trauma during
your sporting life – whether you’re an
amateur or professional – is relatively
high.
According to the Australian Institute
of Health and Welfare (AIHW), about
36,000 Australians are hospitalised
every year with a sports-related injury.
Thousands more are treated by GPs,
physiotherapists and other healthcare
professionals.
Most of these people are young and are
soon back on the playing field. But in
more serious cases the road to recovery
can be slow and requires extensive
long-term treatment.
A WORRYING TREND
The number of Australians suffering a
long-term health condition caused by a
sport or exercise-related injury currently
60
Various reasons have been put
forward for these increases. A higher
participation rate in sport is one
possible factor. Another is the increased
level of competitiveness leading to
higher-intensity activity and faster
games.
One factor consistent in all the studies is
the demographics. About twothirds of those admitted to hospital
suffering sporting injuries are aged
under 35, and over three-quarters are
men.
• chronic pain
Even minor injuries may carry the risk
of future disability, especially if they are
recurrent.
A study by the European Union
estimated that 4.6 per cent of all sports
injuries result in temporary disabilities
– meaning they can be cured within
one year – while 0.5 percent lead to
permanent disability.
FOCUS ON INJURY AVOIDANCE
As the sports injury toll mounts, health
authorities are concerned that people
will reduce their physical activity or quit
sport altogether.
New strategies to prevent this trend
are becoming a priority. The focus is on
limiting the risks.
Many sport injuries are predictable
accidents that can be prevented or
better managed – if only they are given
sufficient attention.
Proven preventions include:
• avoidance of excessive training
which can lead to overuse injuries
Some may consider themselves fit
and healthy and not see the benefit of
private health insurance. Yet following
an injury the cost of treatment can be a
considerable financial burden.
• better management of rest periods
THE RISKS OF INJURY
For many children and young adults,
sports injuries cause only temporary
pain, discomfort and restricted
movement. For others the diagnosis can
be far more serious, resulting in:
• use of protective equipment.
• permanent disability
• traumatic stress
• skill development with attention to
proper technique
• core and neuromuscular
conditioning
Prompt medical treatment for an injury
is also important but research shows
first aid standards among sports clubs
vary considerably.
Some clubs operate with no trained first
aid personnel and with coaches who
have limited or no expertise in judging
Police Health
the physical ability of individuals to
cope with the stresses of particular
activities.
SEEK MEDICAL HELP
Athletes should not attempt to ‘push
through’ the pain of a sports injury.
This will most likely only cause more
harm and delay recovery. While you
can treat some minor injuries yourself,
others should be seen by a doctor
straight away. This includes when:
• the injury causes severe pain,
swelling, or numbness
• you can’t put any weight on the
area
• an old injury hurts or swells
• the joint feels unstable.
POLICE HEALTH COVER
Athletes and people engaged in sports
activities will usually have coverage
for a sports injury by their club. For
treatment not covered by a clubs’ sports
injury insurance policy or where a policy
is not required, Police Health provides
comprehensive hospital cover.
you must use your sports injury cover
first if you have such cover.
We also offer generous benefits for
treatments such as physiotherapy
and exercise physiology which are
commonly needed.
The cover includes an $850 combined
annual treatment limit per person, with
an exercise physiology sub-limit of $400
per person or $800 per family.
There is also a rollover benefit for
physiotherapy that can increase cover to
$1700 per person. The cover is subject
to waiting periods.
DID YOU KNOW?
An estimated one million Australians
are injured playing sport each year.
Sport is the most common cause of
injury-related chronic pain.
Police Health | Ph: 1800 603 603
www.policehealth.com.au
There are no exclusions, no restrictions,
no excesses and no co-payments, but
61
QRPA
QRPA NEWS – JULY 2015
State President:
RECENT LUNCHEONS
Greg [email protected] 0407 960 588
I have been able to attend the recent Luncheons of the
Gold Coast and Gladstone branches. Commissioner Ian
Stewart attended both these Luncheons. While the number
of attendees was down a little from last year, the luncheons
were very successful.
State Secretary: Jillian [email protected] 0411 401 596
QRPA website: www.qrpa.asn.au
E-mail: [email protected] FUTURE LUNCHEONS/DINNERS
MESSAGE FROM GREG EARLY,
STATE PRESIDENT
14 September – Brisbane – Broncos Leagues Club –
Bob Pease 3355 7441/0401 399 839.
THE NATIONAL POLICE
SERVICE MEDAL
16 October – Mackay-Whitsunday – probably Buffs Club,
Mackay – Bev Houley 4942 3856
In the last Journal I mentioned that
16 November – Rockhampton – dinner – Frenchville Sports
Club – Russell Smith 4928 3245
I was one of 180 recipients of the
National Police Service Medal (NPSM)
at the best ever ceremony at the City
Hall on 22 June. Also it was gratifying to see four widows
receive their husband’s medal posthumously - a daughter did
likewise in regard to her father’s medal while another widow
received her husband’s medal at the same time as her Acting
Inspector son received his medal.
All recipients have received a photograph of them receiving
their medal as well as a CD containing the photos of all
recipients. These are great mementos of this special event.
In recent times several retired officers have received their
medal by registered post (their choice), at QRPA luncheons/
meetings and departmental ceremonies. Due to poor health, a
21 October – Darling Downs – Futures Restaurant,
Toowoomba TAFE College – Kev Weise 46360348/
Graham Hohenhaus 4634 3471.
1 December – Logan-Beenleigh – Beenleigh Sports Club Terry Ahearn 3805 9299
2 December – Bundaberg – RSL Club –
Grannie Pearce 4153 3189
2 December – Townsville – RSL Club –
John Urquhart 4773 4497
9 December – Ipswich – Brothers Leagues Club, Raceview –
Ken Martin 3288 9782
few have received their medal from a senior QPS officer at their
NEW MEMBERS
place of residence.
thought would come to fruition.
Robert Willem Retrot, former Chief Superintendent, Brisbane;
Anthony Leo Sheil, former Inspector, Brisbane; Colin Trevyr
Keevers, former Senior Constable, Far North Queensland;
Richard Wayne Milles, former Constable 1/c, Far North
Queensland; Leith Reid Lindsay, former Senior Sergeant,
Hervey Bay.
WEARING OF NATIONAL POLICE SERVICE MEDAL
NEW ASSOCIATE MEMBERS
I have been pleased to be involved in pressing to have the
issue date of the medal taken back from 30 October 2008 to
14 February 1975 – over 33 years – an achievement I never
The QPS Honours and Awards Unit has indicated that
the main police medals in order of highest to lowest are:
Australian Police Medal, Queen’s Police Medal for Gallantry,
Queen’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service, Police
Overseas Service Medal, National Police Service Medal and
National Medal; then other imperial long service medals such
as the Queen’s Police Long Service and Good Conduct Medal,
then any approved foreign medals go below these in order of
receiving them. All of the above medals are worn on the left
hand side whereas the Queensland Police Service medal is
worn on the right side.
62
Judith Ann Retrot, spouse of new member Rob Retrot,
Brisbane; Diane Joy Mills, spouse of new member Richie Mills,
Far North Queensland.
OBITUARIES – May they Rest in Peace
Members: Former Inspr Robert William Maynard, 12 July 2015,
81 years; former Sen Const William Ernest Wallace, 24 July
2015, 83 years; and former Const 1/c (NSW) Lawrence Birrell
McNab, 1 August 2015, 86 years.
Non-Members—Former Sgt Robert Frederic Roehrig, 19 July
2015, 75 years; former police officer Peter Lergesner, 15 July
QRPA
2015; former Sgt Michael James O’Halloran, 24 July 2015, 62
years and former Insp Ian Churchill, 11 July 2015.
Family—Dorcas Krosch-Grimmett, mother of member Barry
Krosch, 17 July 2015, 90 years.
QRPA CERTIFICATES
Veteran—(over 75yrs and over 10yrs continuous financial
membership) – Lawrence Birrell McNab (Gold Coast), Arthur
Ernest Jones (Gold Coast) and Brian Joseph Beveridge
(Townsville).
Senior—(over 65yrs and over 10yrs continuous financial
membership) – Kevin Keith Sauer (Gold Coast), Clement
Frederick Edwards (Gold Coast) and Francis George Hurren
(Gold Coast).
Street, Brisbane donated the lucky door prize valued at $180.
Upcoming BBQ: Thursday 29 October - to be hosted by Des
and Sue Sorensen. Fundraiser for Sgt Ian Birkbeck: To support this cause we
purchased $400 worth of stubby coolers which are almost
sold out. At the July meeting Russell Robertson gave our
members a brief talk about his recent tour of Europe. Russell
and Beverly enjoyed a five-week trip which included a 14-day
river cruise floating down the Rhine to Amsterdam. Welfare:
Pat O’Brien has just completed his radiation treatment and was
able to attend the Annual Luncheon. Arthur Jones is well into
his cancer treatment and hopes to attend our August meeting.
(David McNamara)
90 and over—Kevin William Monaghan, 93 - 6 August
(Brisbane), John Barrie Tiernan, 94 - 4 August (Brisbane),
Robert Alexander Weston, 93 - 31 August (Brisbane) and
Norman Stanley Thorne, 91 - 16 August (Sunshine Coast).
AROUND THE BRANCHES
BUNDABERG
Annual and general meetings were held at Brothers Sports Club
on 31 July. The result of the election of officers was: President
- Rowan Bond, Vice President - Bob Materna, Treasurer - John
Francis, Secretary - Grannie Pearce, Assistant Secretary - Mary
Waugh, Welfare Officers - Ian Hargrave and Mary Waugh with
John Read assisting when required and Bowls Co-ordinator
Jack Field. Welfare: Mary and Ian have been busy. They have
been to see Reg and Moreen Denney. Reg is using a wheelchair
now to get about. Gordon and Heather Storer were visited by
Ian. Gordon has been to Longreach and has now returned
to Bundaberg. Bob Hayes has been to Brisbane for further
treatment on his leg, Keith Lipp has to go to Brisbane for further
medical treatment and at the time of the meeting Barry Cope
was in the Friendlies Hospital. President Rowan presented
the following with their National Police Service Medal: Jack
Field, John Hogeveen, and Elwyn Jones. Secretary Grannie
has arranged for members to be able to purchase a branch
shirt while 28 members received a voucher for $12.50 each to
enable them to attend a luncheon subsidised by the branch.
GOLD COAST
Our 7 July meeting was held at the Southport RSL Club. Our
Annual Luncheon was held at Signatures Restaurant at Twin
Towns Services Club on 14 July and was an outstanding
success with 61 guests attending. President Russell Robertson
welcomed the attendees and Neil Raward chaired the luncheon.
The invited guests were Commissioner Ian Stewart, Acting
Assistant Commissioner Stephen Hollands, South East Region,
Sen Sgt Murray Underwood, Runaway Bay Police Station,
Twin Towns Services Club Board members John Griffin and
Russ O’Leary, and Sue Marshman, Simplicity Funerals. During
the luncheon the Commissioner presented National Police
Service Medals to Ross Beer and Mick O’Brien. Attendees
at the luncheon were from the Brisbane, Near North Coast,
Darling Downs (Toowoomba), Redlands, Hervey Bay, and Gold
Coast branches. Tina Pizzoni from Helloworld Travel, Roma
Commissioner Ian Stewart presents Ross Beer (l) and Mick O’Brien (r) with their
National Police Service Medals at the Gold Coast luncheon, 14 July.
GYMPIE
We held our annual and general meetings at the Victory Hotel
on 29 July. Election result: President - Laurie Pointing, Vice
President - Rex Allison, Secretary - Norm Breen, Treasurer Glen Durre, Welfare Officers - Laurie Pointing and Chris Scott.
Welfare: A get well card had been sent to Bob Matthews.
Laurie and Norm visited Ivor Lane at Kabara Nursing Hostel
in Cooroy recently. He is in good spirits after a recent illness
that saw him hospitalised. Although he has difficulty in getting
about, he is always bright and enjoys company. Laurie spoke
on the NPSM and the ceremony in Brisbane on 22 June. He
said it was an occasion which every member who attended
will remember with pride. He also mentioned the eulogy that
he had written for Kevin Kruger for The Courier-Mail with the
help and consent of the family. He mentioned he had written
to Steve Donnolly, the new Inspector at Gympie, welcoming
him to the area and inviting him to attend our meetings at any
time he is able. The guest speaker was Dale Donahoe, Senior
Human Services Officer based at Maroochydore. She is with
the QPS and serves the area from Caboolture to Rockhampton.
She gave a very interesting talk on the availability of help to
serving police, not just in the area of trauma but day-to-day
problems that may arise in connection with the job.
LOGAN-BEENLEIGH
Our annual and general meetings were held at Club Beenleigh
on 16 July with the election of the executive resulting as
follows: President - Judi Newman, Vice President - Brian
Button, Secretary - Terry Ahearn, Treasurer - John Enright,
Welfare Officers - Bob Sawford and Ray Brand, Raffle Coordinator - Joy Moloney. Ray Brand welcomed members Mal
63
QRPA
and Joanne Nichols who have transferred from the Gladstone
branch. President Judi presented Frank Butler with his Veteran
Certificate. For the second year our branch held a Christmas
in July luncheon on Wednesday 22 July - not to be confused
with the annual luncheon held in December, also with a Xmas
theme. Although numbers were down on last year, from all
accounts those attending enjoyed the day with a good meal
and plenty of old war stories. The luncheon raffle, a week’s
accommodation for four people at Amity Point, was won by
Steve McGeorge. Keep well and remember With Honour We
Served. (Terry Ahearn)
was read by Acting Assistant Commissioner Paul Taylor and
Trevor read the Ode to a Police Officer. Retired and serving
police formed a guard of honour as the coffin left the service.
Ten branch members were due to receive the National Police
Service Medal at a ceremony at the Wellington Street PCYC
on 25 August. This year the Remembrance Day Service will be
held at St James Anglican Cathedral. Ian and Norma Palin are
presently in Fiji and John and Jenny Urquhart are presently
cruising from London to Australia via New York and Peru, and
last week (end of July) they were near the Bermuda triangle
and have not been heard of since! (John Cran)
SOUTHERN DOWNS AND GRANITE BELT
MACKAY-WHITSUNDAY
This branch has not met since their annual general meeting
and luncheon on 3 July.
The annual and general meetings were held on 18 July at the
Mackay Buffalo Club. Craig Joy chaired the AGM. President
Merv Fisher gave his first report as President having been
elected at the December 2014 meeting. He advised the
branch had 59 members, 21 of whom are associate members.
Merv acknowledged the efforts of Bev Houley as Secretary
and Editor of the monthly newsletter, Treasurer and Social
Organiser Dennis Hansen, Welfare Officers Barry Downs
and Margie Kussrow and the Tail Twister Dave Gray and
his proxy Barry Downs. The election resulted as follows:
President - Merv Fisher, Vice President - Doug Sologinkin,
Secretary - Michelle Sheehan, Treasurer - Denise Hansen,
Welfare Officers - Barry Downs and Margie Kussrow, Social
Organiser - Dennis Hansen, Newsletter Editor - Bev Houley,
Raffle Organiser - Margie Kussrow, and Tail Twister - Barry
Downs. Reports at the general meeting - Welfare: Margie
Kussrow advised that Tom Butcher had a short stay in the
Base Hospital and Tony Wynne was still a patient after three
weeks with an unknown diagnosis. Margie thanked Col
Duncan and Barry Downs for their hospital visits. Lorraine
Duncan is progressing slowly and Lofty Wesener is doing fine
and in good health. A couple of members attended the funeral
of retired police officer Ian Churchill who had worked in the
Mackay Region. Barry Downs was able to advise that Dave
Gray returns south next month for surgery on 12 August.
Social: Dennis Hansen advised that Ray and Dawn Hodgson
attended the June meeting from Proserpine and he thanked
Ray for his visits to Lofty Wesener. Others attending after a
brief absence included Robert Gray and Christine Roberts.
Guest speaker Justin Englert gave an informative outline of
the local SES and its interaction with the QPS. It was resolved
to congratulate Steve O’Connell on his promotion to Inspector
and transfer to Townsville and present him with a certificate
of appreciation when possible. Tail Twister: Barry Downs
found reason to fine several members, some of whom were
able to give reasons for him to also be fined.
Commissioner Ian Stewart presenting Hugh Middleton (l) & Eric Marks (r) with
the National Police Service Medal on 3 July at the QRPA luncheon at Warwick
ROCKHAMPTON
We met on 5 August at the Frenchville Sports Club. President
Barry Self said the Gladstone Luncheon on 25 July was attended
by 11 members from Rockhampton. Gladstone’s President,
Darryl Saw, was politely reminded of the expectation that
Gladstone members will reciprocate with similar numbers at
Rockhampton’s annual dinner. The luncheon was at its usual
great standard. It was great to catch up with Commissioner
Ian Stewart, Assistant Commissioner Mike Condon, and
State President Greg Early. The venue for our dinner is the
Frenchville Club on 16 November. Members were reminded
of the BBQ at the beach on 20 September. Welfare: President
Barry advised that member Noel Boardman was in the Mater
Hospital receiving treatment, at the time of the meeting while
Max Watson was then in the Rockhampton Base Hospital and
was being treated for high blood pressure and chest pains. It
was also reported that associate member Gloria Heywood was
admitted to Yeppoon Hospital and transferred to Rockhampton
for further tests. Next meeting 2 September. (Dennis Smith)
TOWNSVILLE
Our August meeting was held at the Townsville RSL Club on
5 August with 22 attending including member Nev Ingram
who has transferred from Mackay to Townsville. The Acting
Secretary advised that a number of members are yet to pay their
subs for the current year. President Trevor Errington advised
the meeting that 17 of our branch members together with
eight other retired police and four serving officers attended the
funeral of our late member Bob Maynard. Bob’s service history
64
IPSWICH
The 8 July meeting was held at the Dale residence in Rosewood.
Welfare: Bob Latter spoke on the ill health of Bill Wallace
who had been returned to St Andrew’s Hospital in Ipswich
(unfortunately Bill passed away on 24 July). Len Yarrow
informed the meeting that Elsa Lewis had been re-admitted
to St Andrew’s Hospital. Trevor Albury had a suspected heart
attack and has to attend a cardiologist after a stress test in the
QRPA
future. Bob and Beverley Latter, Ken and Margaret Martin, Pat
and Joe Priddle and Ken Morris attended the Southern Downs
and Granite Belt branch luncheon in Warwick on 3 July. John
McCrae and Ken Martin spoke on the NPSM Ceremony held
at Brisbane City Hall and congratulated the Police Service
on a tremendous day where many old faces emerged to be
recognised for decades of policing. John McCrae provided
an overview of his time as a driver for senior crew members
of the USS George Washington during its recent docking
in Brisbane. BBQ Report: Our annual pilgrimage was to the
Dale residence at Rosewood which coincided with the third
State of Origin in Brisbane, and Matt and Elaine set the scene
with maroon splashed everywhere. The main feature was
a life size photograph of Johnathan Thurston strategically
placed behind the dining table. A marquee was erected and a
mobile cold room was well stocked prior to the arrival of our
members. Matt and Elaine excelled themselves in all facets of
what was loosely termed as a BBQ. In fact there wasn’t a steer,
or part thereof, in sight. Instead Matt had pulled a few strings
with a mate of his from the Sunshine Coast who delivered
up some of the biggest and best tasting Tiger prawns that
have graced a table for a long time. Unfortunately our own
prawn connoisseur, Bill Wallace, was unable to attend to
pass judgment. However a sizeable portion was delivered
to him in St Andrew’s by Bob Latter. Prawns were followed
by freshly cooked fish pieces, chips and a wonderful salad.
Mary-Lou Polzin, as usual, cooked up a treat with her now
famous spring rolls. All of this was followed by cheese cake
and ice cream. What a wonderful day and many thanks to
Matt, Elaine and Mary-Lou – and to top off the day what a win
for the Maroons.
Doug Jones, Junior Vice President - Neil Coleborn, Treasurer
- Gordon Jones, Welfare Officer - Darryl Saw, Secretary –
unfilled as outgoing Secretary Keith McCann regrettably
declined nomination due to tyranny of distance from his home
to meetings and other commitments. Our Annual Luncheon
was held at the Dragon Garden Restaurant, Gladstone, on
Saturday 25 July. There was a good attendance overall of
44 people including Commissioner Ian Stewart, Assistant
Commissioner Mike Condon, State President Greg Early,
Inspector Darren Somerville and Senior Sergeant Jason
Chetham, Police Chaplain Fr Daniel Paulraj, Federal Member
for Flynn Ken O’Dowd and partner Shirley, State Member
for Gladstone Glenn Butcher and retired former Member
for Gladstone Liz Cunningham and partner John, Gladstone
branch Police Widows, 11 members from Rockhampton
branch, two members from Bundaberg branch and Gladstone
branch Members. Ernie Benson from Rockhampton won the
Lucky Door Prize of return airfares Gladstone - Brisbane
and accommodation (value $250) for two for a weekend
in Brisbane, sponsored by Departure Point, Gladstone (a
member of Helloworld). The multi draw raffle was sponsored
by Gladstone branch, Bunnings Warehouse, Gladstone, Feed
Barn and Rod’s Food Store, Dragon Garden Restaurant,
branch members, visitors and some complimentary wine
glasses from the Queensland Police Legacy Scheme ensured
that all attendees received a prize or memento of the
enjoyable and convivial occasion which was enjoyed by all.
Gladstone branch members feel privileged by and sincerely
appreciate the attendance of visitors to their luncheon. A
substantial donation will be made to the Queensland Police
Legacy Scheme following the next meeting. (Darryl Saw)
DARLING DOWNS
Matt Dale played host with the most at the 8 July meeting at Rosewood.
GLADSTONE
Nine members met at the Gladstone Golf Club on 1 July for
the monthly meeting which was then followed by the AGM.
Member Ross Vidler recently lost considerable property in
a shed fire at his home. However Ross was not injured and
his residence suffered minor exposure damage. Ross has
indicated that loss insurance can be a minefield when making
a claim. He said that we should well and truly check policies,
read the fine print and keep good records of value of property
which could be lost. The following members were elected
at the AGM: President - Darryl Saw, Senior Vice President -
The annual and general meetings were held at the West
Toowoomba Bowls Club on 9 July. The election result was:
President – Boyd Wilson, Senior Vice President – Graham
Hohenhaus, Junior Vice President – Kev Weise, SecretaryTreasurer – Roger Deshon, Welfare Officer – Rod Millward.
Mention was made of the Warwick Luncheon. It was a very
enjoyable day and the meal was great. Kev said the morning
tea at the winery was good but was disappointed that only 15
attended, including the wives. Welfare: Roger mentioned that
Fred Gillam had advised he was having chemotherapy that day.
John Keightley had a long day at hospital and was unable to
attend. Roger then mentioned his ill health and that it transpires
he has suffered a severe RSV as well as sinus problems. He is
still not fully over it. Bob Scarff said his son Damon was at that
time in Princess Alexandra Hospital and was quite ill. He has
since been allowed home.
NEAR NORTH COAST
The annual and general meetings were held at the Bribie
Island RSL Club on 20 July. The election resulted as follows:
President - Allan Hawkins, Senior Vice President - Des Kelly,
Junior Vice President - Gerry Morgan, Secretary/Treasurer Rick Losberg, Assistant Secretary/Treasurer - Ken Hubbard
Welfare Officer - Annabelle Andrews. President Allan thanked
outgoing Secretary/Treasurer Susan Burgess for her services
65
QRPA
over the past five years and presented her with a bouquet of
flowers. Membership applications were received from Keith
Charles Schultz and Robyn Selwood. Welfare: Des Carmody
has been hospitalised with heart problems. Next meeting 21
September at Caboolture Sports Club.
REDLANDS
The Redlands Sporting Club was the venue for the AGM and
general meeting on 28 July. President Leigh Gorrie did not
seek re-election. He conducted the election which resulted
as follows: President - Paul Fitzpatrick, Vice President - Merv
Collins, Secretary/Treasurer - Sue Luskie, Assistant Secretary
- Dave Stannard, Assistant Treasurer - Adrian Hall, Welfare
Officer - Ron Ehlers, Social Convenor - Rosie Nicol, Raffle
Co-ordinator - Doug McKinnon and Newsletter Editor - Terry
Ryan. Past President Leigh congratulated those elected to the
positions and expressed his thanks for the support he had
received during his time in office. June Walker, widow of the
late Foundation President, Terry Walker, complimented Leigh
on the manner in which he carried out his duties. Welfare: Harry
Burley has had a fall and badly broken his left arm. He was then
in the Princess Alexandra Hospital. Leigh Gorrie presented
Clarrie Staib with the National Police Service Medal and Terry
Ryan with the NPSM and the Queensland Police Service Medal.
The Redlands National Police Remembrance Day Service was
covered by Dave Stannard who advised that St. Paul’s Anglican
Church had agreed for the service to be conducted in their
Church. The service will commence at 2pm on 29 September.
The possibility of holding a lunch at the Donald Simpson
Centre as a social outing was discussed. Associate Member
June Walker provided a quote from the Centre and this will be
considered further by the Social Convenor.
great overview of the tourism industry, present and future, in
the Cairns region. Next meeting scheduled for 28 August at the
Tolga Hotel.
SUNSHINE COAST
The annual and general meetings were held at the Headland
Golf Club on 28 July. The election resulted as follows: President
- John Walker, Vice President - John Lewis, Secretary - David
Betts, Treasurer - Roly Dargusch, Welfare Officer - Margaret
Williams. Bill Gittoes was presented with his National Police
Service Medal at the meeting and Rod Taylor and Hans
Vervaart received their Veteran Certificates. The following
members of this branch received their National Police Service
Medal at the City Hall on 22 June - David Betts, Roly Dargusch,
Richard deGroot, Allan Dean, Greg Early, Brian Eastgate, Allan
Honor, Graham Kassulke, Ken Scanlan, Ron Strong, and Don
Teague. At the QPS medals ceremony held at the Lake Kawana
Community Centre, Bokarina, on 30 July, the following
members were presented with their NPS Medal by Assistant
Commissioner Mike Condon: Clarrie Blissner, Barrie Johnson,
Kevin Nunn, Horrie Robertson, Rod Taylor, John Walker, and
Col Grieshaber. Jodie Shaw received her father Barry’s medal
due to him being hospitalised. Over 150 medals were presented
along with a multitude of Assistant Commissioner and District
Officer certificates and other certificates/awards.
FAR NORTH QUEENSLAND
The annual and general meetings were held at the Mountain
View Hotel, Little Mulgrave, on 24 July, attended by 39
people. Special guests: Craig and Dianne Pocock and Acting
Chief Superintendent Brett Schafferius. The election at the
AGM resulted in the previous office bearers being re-elected
unopposed: President - Ian Swan, Vice President - John
Hartwell, Secretary/Treasurer - Joe Jackson, Welfare Officer
- John Thomson. Raffle result: An electric BBQ was donated
by Cheryl and Graham Cook and the winner, James Downham
of Mareeba Community Funerals, donated the prize back to
the branch for a future raffle. Gas bottle with gas donated by
Cheryl and Graham Cook – winner – Sonya Lousick. Electric fan
donated by Jock Macdonald – Winner – Dell Stubbins. Book on
the history of QPS donated by Max and Heather Lewis – winner
– Gloria Burge. Acting Chief Superintendent Brett Schafferius
presented National Police Service Medals to Beryl Pocock,
widow of Ron Pocock, and Allan Wall. Beryl’s son Craig and his
wife Dianne, a serving member of the QPS at Cairns station,
were in attendance. A medal presentation to Brian Norris took
place at Oz Care, Mossman, on 6 August. New members, Col
Keevers of Malanda and Richard and Dianne Mills of Tolga,
were welcomed. Guest speaker, Craig Pocock, who is part of
the senior management team at Skyrail, gave an excellent
presentation on the establishment of Skyrail. He also gave a
66
NPSM medal recipients at Lake Kawana Community Centre, Bokarina, on 30
July (l to r) Kevin Nunn, John Walker, Rod Taylor, Jodie Shaw (daughter of Barry
Shaw), Barrie Johnson, Colin Grieshaber, Rob Ensinger, Clarrie Blissner, Dick
Keats, Horrie Robertson
HERVEY BAY
The 21 July meetings were held at the Hervey Bay RSL Club.
President Grahame Gronow thanked those who attended the
Annual Luncheon and in particular Norm Sprenger and his
band of helpers who organised the occasion and assisted
on the day. Norm was also thanked for his PowerPoint
presentations on some serious crimes, some of which have
never been solved. A special welcome was given to Insp Kevin
Guteridge, Bundaberg, who later presented the National Police
Service Medal to his father, Kevin senior, and Ted Plant. He
especially acknowledged the role of police wives in supporting
their husbands in their police service, and also their families.
He noted former-serving officers had played an important role
in establishing the high professional standards and dedication
that now exists in modern policing. He said when his retirement
came that he hoped he could also reflect on his service with the
same pride that former members should have in their service;
also that it was a rare and special occasion for a son to have
QRPA
the privilege of presenting his father with a national award
for service in the same police service. (The presentation was
witnessed by his proud mother Cynthia). Grahame advised that
Geoff and Ann Flood are relocating to Crows Nest and they will
be sorely missed. Trevor and Gwen Trost have been travelling
through Europe, Dennis Bauer has been travelling in the USA,
Bevan and Margaret Bradshaw continue their regular van trips,
and Graham and Joy Newman were in Cairns. Welfare - Norma
Porter has had a shoulder reconstruction, Merle Dickens has
had a hip replacement, Owen Herbert received third degree
burns to his legs after falling into a fire pit and Vic Rossow has
severe dementia and is in a nursing home in Bundaberg. Next
meeting 15 September at the Hervey Bay RSL Club.
Inspr Kevin Guteridge presenting the National Police Service Medal to Ted Plant.
VAN DIEMEN’S LAND
The branch’s next meeting is scheduled to be held at the Gretna
Green Hotel on 23 August.
Insp Kevin Guteridge presenting his father Kevin Guteridge Sen with the National
Police Service Medal. A rare occasion.
by immediately contacting the QPU office
Ph 3259 1900 (24 hours)
67
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