Queensland Police union Journal July 2012

Transcription

JULY 2012
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Contents
also in this issue...
Contents
COVER STORY
Page 27
GEARING UP FOR G20
On the same day that Prime Minister Julia Gillard confirmed
Brisbane as the host of the G20 summit in November 2014,
twelve QPS officers took part in tactical operational drills in a
nondescript building near the abandoned Academy site at Wacol.
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then permission to reproduce is withdrawn unless permission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.
Page
General President & CEO
General Secretary
Assistant General Secretary
Southern Region Roundup
Far Northern Region Roundup
Northern Region Roundup
Central Region Roundup
Metro South Region Roundup
South East Region Roundup
Gearing Up For G20
Resilience
Day in the Life of Senior Constable Dan Hayward
The QPU Makes a Meal at Ronald McDonald House
Police Recipes
From the Archives
Book Review - The Sisters Brothers
Police Living
Out and About
New Wage Rates
Increase to Allowance
Australian Police Golf Championships
Conflicts of Interest
Are You Proud to be a WHS Committee Member?
Firearms Training & Breastfeeding Officers
Letters to the Editor
Police Health
QRPA
Journal Contact
Queensland Police Union Journal
PO Box 13008 George Street Brisbane QLD 4003
TEL: (07) 3259 1900 FAX: (07) 3259 1950
journal@qpu.asn.au
MEMBERSHIP SERVICES
Membership
Reception
Mick Gerrard
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEES
Finance, Audit &
Risk Management
Kaye Ellis
Carly Beutel
Melissa Lindner
Legal
S. Maxwell (Chair)
P. Thomas
D. Lees
B. Smithson
Membership Services
D. Lees (Chair)
B. Smithson
S. Maxwell
P. Mullen
Rules
T. Collins (Chair)
P. Mullen
B. Smithson
B. Feldman
Workplace Health
& Safety
P. Thomas (Chair)
M. Bristow
B. Feldman
T. Collins
Women’s Advisory
Committee
B. Smithson (Chair)
A/Snr Sgt Virginia
Miller
INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS SERVICES
Senior Industrial Officer
Stephen Mahoney
Industrial Officer
Chris Stephens
Industrial Officer P/T
Aasha Venning
Workplace Health
Rosemary
& Safety
Featherstone
General Secretary
Asst General Secretary
Vice President
Treasurer
Ian Leavers
Mick Barnes
Denis Sycz
Shayne Maxwell
Darren Lees
EXECUTIVE MEMBERS
Far North Region
Northern Region
Central Region
North Coast Region
Metro North Region
Metro South Region
HQ & SCOC Region
Southern Region
South Eastern Region
Marty Bristow
Peter Thomas
Bill Feldman
Des Hansson
Shayne Maxwell
Tony Collins
Paul Mullen
Darren Lees
Bob Smithson
EXECUTIVE SERVICES
Corporate Affairs &
Journal Coordinator
Journal & Media
Systems Specialist
& Journal Sub Editor
Finance Officer
Executive Secretary
LEGAL SERVICES
Solicitor
Legal Support Officer
A/Legal Support Officer
Barrister (retained)
www.qpu.asn.au
MEDIA ENQUIRIES: TEL: 0459 241 291 media@qpu.asn.au
ADVERTISING: TEL: (07) 3259 1989
SUBMISSIONS: The Journal accepts letters and articles to be
considered for inclusion.
UNION STAFF
Field Officer (North Qld)
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Simon Tutt
Andrea Appleton
James Johnston
Kelly Harris
Janice Gaden
Calvin Gnech
Wendy MacDonald
Larissa Krasnoff
Simona Vladimirova
Troy Schmidt
I. Leavers (Chair)
M. Barnes
D. Sycz
S. Maxwell
D. Lees
General President, General Secretary and
Assistant General Secretary are ex-officio
members of all committees.
Queensland Police Union Journal July 2012
1
IAN LEAVERS
EXTRA POLICE ANNOUNCED FOR CAIRNS
Finally, someone has listened to our members crying out for assistance from the increasing number of crime
hotspots throughout the Cairns CBD. Public drunkenness, homelessness, attacks on tourists, car thefts, and
youth crime have long been on the increase in Cairns, and long ignored by the previous Labor government. This
month, Cairns police have been heard by Premier Campbell Newman and Police Minister Jack Dempsey, and
Operation Escalate has been announced.
Operation Escalate will see ten
detectives and ten uniformed police
officers deployed to Cairns to assist
local police in tackling the crime
issues throughout the Cairns CBD.
Problem areas have been identified for
a significant increase in patrols, and
officers will be taking a zero-tolerance
approach to antisocial behaviour and
illegal activity in the city.
the streets reoffending a day after an
appearance in court.
The LNP is interested in listening to
our members on this issue, and in
implementing programs, boot camps,
additional school-based policing, and
any other initiatives to tackle youth
delinquency head on, which is a
refreshing change.
“Although most criminal behaviour is on the
decrease throughout the rest of Queensland,
public drunkenness, homelessness, attacks on
tourists, car thefts, and youth crime have long
been on the increase in Cairns.”
This highly visible and mobile police
presence is the first step in a planned
process of short, medium, and longterm strategies and interventions
planned for Cairns.
Another planned step is to boost
permanent police numbers in the city,
with the HR process for the transfer
of ten additional officers already
underway.
The LNP government is also keen
to focus not just on the immediate
law and order issues, but on
the underlying social problems,
particularly among Cairns’s youth.
Our members have been frustrated by
the so-called revolving door of justice
that can see youth offenders back on
2
DRINK SAFE PRECINCTS EXTENDED
In another smart move by the
government, the Drink Safe Precincts
established in December 2010 to tackle
alcohol-related violence in Brisbane’s
Fortitude Valley, on the Gold Coast, and
in Townsville will be extended beyond
their initial two year expiry date.
At this stage, the initiative will be
extended until February to cover
Schoolies, Christmas, and New Year’s,
while the government consults with
our members, the hospitality industry,
and community groups to determine
the Drink Safe Precincts’ long-term
future, and other options to reduce
alcohol-related violence.
Anyone who has taken a late-night
walk through a Drink Safe Precinct
during the past two years can confirm
that they have been a resounding
success, with high-vis police out in
full force, alcohol and drug support
services available, and better
transport options.
The Union applauds the government
for the extension of the Drink Safe
Precincts, and looks forward to similar
long term solutions being put in place
in these areas that were previously
out of control with alcohol-fuelled
violence. Perhaps permanent Drink
Safe Precincts are the way to go.
There are also other areas that would
benefit from more policing numbers
during busy weekend periods, and the
Union will lobby for these areas as
well.
“Our members have
been frustrated by the
so-called revolving
door of justice that can
see youth offenders
back on the streets
reoffending a day
after an appearance in
court.”
The possibility of earlier lock-outs
and trading hours at pubs and clubs
across Queensland is of course
another option in the fight against
alcohol-fuelled violence and antisocial
behavior.
The Union welcomes the government’s
proposal to consider earlier lock-outs
and trading hours, and hopes the
implementation of such measures
would be another step in avoiding the
recent tragic circumstances in Sydney’s
Kings Cross.
MORE FEET ON THE BEAT
We are all looking forward to the extra
300 officers that we will see spread
throughout the state in the coming 12
months.
There are next to no stations that have
had their full complement of staff
over the past few years, and officers
responsible for rosters have had to
perform miracles each time a roster is
due.
These extra troops will not only
ensure we are providing the service
the people of Queensland deserve, but
they will also provide some breathing
space for our overworked members
who simply have not had time to
undertake particular training courses,
consider a move to another area, or
take a much-needed holiday. Bring on
our new feet on the beat.
Des with members of the Women’s Advisory Committee
“There are few stations that have had their
full complement of staff over the past few
years, and few officers responsible for rosters
who have not had to perform miracles each
time a roster is due.”
“Anyone who has
taken a late-night walk
through a Drink Safe
Precinct during the
past two years can
confirm that they have
been a resounding
success.”
multiple tasks to be completed. This is
a duplicity that is both frustrating and
time consuming. For example, the new
domestic violence reporting; is this
really a streamlining of the process?
His Union position is thus vacant,
and we invite nominations from all
interested parties. The Nomination
Form follows the Roundups in this
Journal.
Our Police Minister Jack Dempsey
himself said that paperwork was one
of his personal bugbears when he
was on the job, and he is interested in
looking at ways of reducing the time
we spend behind our desks.
On behalf of the Union Executive,
Union staff, and of course our
members, I thank Des for all his hard
work. Caloundra’s loss is McKinlay’s
gain.
STREAMLINING PAPERWORK
Ask any officer the task they least
enjoy on the job, and nine times out
of ten, it’s paperwork. It makes sense:
we didn’t join the job to be pushing
paper around a desk, we joined the
job to be out on the streets protecting
and serving the people in our
communities.
If you have any ideas about how
to reduce some of our reporting,
while at the same time retaining our
accountability, we would like to hear
from you.
There seems to be a form, log, or
report for every single step we take
these days, and oftentimes there are
Stay Safe.
Ian Leavers
0419 786 381
FAREWELL DES
Our North Coast Regional
Representative Des Hansson has
resigned from his Union duties
following a transfer from the
Caloundra coast to the McKinlay
bush.
3
General Secretary
MICK BARNES
COMMUNICATIONS SUFFERING
Reports from members continue to flow in regarding not only inefficient communications, but the complete lack
of any communications between operational police and Police Communications Centres (PCC) right across the
state.
The PCC at Beenleigh has been the
subject of much public comment,
yet the situation is being allowed to
continue in the false belief that an
independent inquiry will come up
with some panacea. The only solution
to rectify the PCC for the whole South
used by some members and police in
other jurisdictions. Many new torches
on the market have a strobe option.
This bright light can momentarily
disorientate people, allowing an
opportunity to subdue and restrain an
offender.
“Members on the Gold Coast are reporting
that it is now quicker to change radio channels
and ask NSW police for vehicle registration
details.”
East Police Region is to increase
staffing levels.
Members on the Gold Coast are
reporting that it is now quicker to
change radio channels and ask NSW
police for vehicle registration details
on Queensland registered vehicles
than wait in queue for available on-air
inquiries.
The big benefit is that it is painless.
The downside is that you only get one
chance, and it really is only effective at
night. Still, it is something to consider
PCC staff have always had to suffer
from high-stress related situations,
however the QPS’s inability to
adequately manage their PCCs is
irresponsible and unconscionable.
Unfortunately, this will lead to not
only more psychological injuries with
the PCCs, but will also place officers
on the street at risk.
The G20 Conference is just over two
years away. This problem cannot
wait.
NEW USE OF FORCE OPTION
I’ve seen and heard of a valuable new
situational use of force option being
4
General Secretary
if you’re in the market for a new torch:
get one with the strobe option.
Murphy, is co-coordinating the
Queensland participation.
WALL TO WALL RIDE
2010 saw the inaugural Wall to Wall
Ride, where officers from around
Have a look at the website at
www.walltowallride.com for
information, or contact Bradyn by
“Bright light can momentarily disorientate
people, allowing an opportunity to subdue and
restrain an offender.”
Australia rode their motorcycles
to meet up at the National Police
Memorial in Canberra to honour
those officers who have lost their
lives policing their respective
communities.
The Wall to Wall Ride is on again this
year in September. It is expected that
over 100 riders from Queensland
will make the trip. Gold Coast Traffic
Branch OIC, Senior Sergeant Bradyn
Many thanks to Des for his years
of service to members in the North
Coast Region and the whole of the
membership during his time on the
Executive. I wish Des well in his
future endeavours. Des was recently
transferred from Caloundra when he
applied for and won the position as
Officer in Charge at Mckinlay.
Be Safe
Mick BARNES
General Secretary
0411 453 335
QPS e-mail. I’m taking holidays to
make the trip. See you there.
NORTH COAST EXECUTIVE MEMBER
DES HANSSON
North Coast Region Executive
Member Des Hansson has tendered
his resignation effective 31 August
2012. The Election Notice and
Nomination Form for this vacancy are
printed in this edition of the Journal.
5
DENIS SYCZ
As you would appreciate, the police discipline system is broken—it has been for more than 20 years. Under
the current regime, an officer is either dealt with under the discipline process or alternatively dealt with via
desktop resolution or managerial guidance. Or so we thought!
BACKGROUND TO POLICE DISCIPLINE
AND THE LAW
Police are entitled to procedural
fairness and rules of natural justice as
is any other person in this country, or
for that matter, most countries around
the world. It would seem the exception
to that rule is if you are a police officer
in the Queensland Police Service.
“Police are entitled to
procedural fairness
and rules of natural
justice as is any
other person in this
country.”
A police officer is entitled to contest
any adverse finding against them by
the QPS via a discipline hearing.
This is opposed to complaints that
are resolved by managerial guidance.
This simply occurs via a senior officer
providing guidance to the subject
officer in regards to the incident. For
many years, we have been led to
believe that this was the case.
BUT WHAT IS ACTUALLY
HAPPENING?
Believe me, we were as astounded as
anyone when we found out what the
QPS have been doing. The QPS have
adopted a process where managerial
guidance is given, and then they go
ahead and substantiate the complaint
against the officer, making an adverse
entry by recording misconduct or
breach of discipline on the officer’s
service record.
6
That’s right—without an officer
being properly informed, without
the opportunity to contest it, and
with outright disregard for all legal
principles of procedural fairness and
natural justice.
Police are not being given the
opportunity to contest the recording
of misconduct or breach of discipline
against them.
HOW DOES THIS AFFECT YOU?
As you are aware, defence solicitors
now subpoena police service records
in an attempt to use this information
as evidence, to attack the credibility of
police officers.
The above lack of proper administration
by the QPS has exposed all officers to
unwarranted criticism from the courts
in having false and misleading histories
being put before the court.
Further, if you do unfortunately have
to face a discipline hearing, the alleged
previous misconduct or breach of
stinks of incompetence, and falls
nothing short of gross negligence on
their behalf. The QPU will be doing
everything possible to rectify this
mess.
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?
Here is a five step process of what to
do if you have been given managerial
guidance. We cannot confirm how
many years the QPS have been
conducting themselves in this way,
so it will be up to you how long you
would like to go back.
STEP 1
OPM 25.3.5.5.1.5 applies. Prepare a
report directly to the Professional
Practice Manager (PPM) for your
Region, seeking a copy of your
service record—good and bad
comments.
STEP 2
If this is refused, then prepare a
report directly to the Assistant
Commissioner of Ethical Standards
Command (ESC), seeking a copy of
“The QPS have adopted a process where
managerial guidance is given, and then they go
ahead and substantiate the complaint against
the officer, making an adverse entry
by recording misconduct or breach of
discipline on the service record.”
discipline against you has again been
falsely recorded on your service
record.
As you can clearly tell from the tone
of my article, this conduct by the QPS
your service record—good and bad
comments.
STEP 3
Pursue your service record.
Ensure all entries are correctly
recorded and that there are not any
recordings of misconduct or breach
of discipline that you have not had
the opportunity to contest.
STEP 4
If you do identify entries that
have been recorded misconduct
or breach of discipline against
you for managerial guidance,
without your having been offered
the opportunity to contest it, you
should prepare a report through
your chain of command demanding
that your personal record be
altered correctly.
able to provide you with advice on
this issue.
I will endeavor to keep you informed
either through my monthly article
or via QPU e-news of any further
developments around this issue.
Denis SYCZ
0417 724 883
STEP 5
If the QPS refuse to act accordingly,
then you will need to seek legal
advice. Police Union lawyer Mr
Calvin Gnech has carriage of this
matter on behalf of the QPU, and
he can be contacted on 32591970
or cgnech@qpu.asn.au. He will be
7
DARREN LEES
THE GOOD OLD QPS: SMOKE AND MIRRORS, THE ULTIMATE MAGIC ACT
I want to spend time this month bringing to your attention to a decision made by the QPS hierarchy in conjunction
with their Human Resource Section, a decision which I am sure is going to displease the newly formed LNP
government.
I recently became aware that a decision
has been made by the Service, and
filtered down through the Director
of HR for the QPS to all Regions, that
all available vacancies in all stations
around the state will be filled by placing
FYCs into those vacancies.
From what I understand of the decision,
the basic principles are as follow. If, for
example, Toowoomba Police Station
had 10 vacancies unfilled in general
duties (the numbers are an example
only), and they had 15 FYCs attached to
the District or station, then 10 of those
FYCs will in effect take over the position
numbers for those 10 vacancies.
This is a bit like a smoke and mirrors
magic act, ladies and gents. To the
untrained eye, this information may not
seem to mean very much.
In the past, those vacancies have been
advertised in the weekly Gazette,
offering people who are out of tenure
and have genuine reasons under the
Transfer Provisions of the Enterprise
Bargaining Agreements (now the
wage determination) to apply for those
vacancies.
Let’s say we have someone in
Townsville who has fulfilled their
tenure requirements, and they require
a transfer to Toowoomba for family
reasons. If they have an approved
transfer ticked off by the Transfer
Advisory Committee (TAC), they can
take one of the vacant positions we
have just outlined in Toowoomba.
Well, not anymore. The QPS have
made it perfectly clear that they will not
entertain any further surplus positions
“The Service has hidden behind a staffing
model that reflects a dog’s breakfast for such
a long time, rather than providing an honest
model designed to have adequate police at the
coal face to get the job done.”
Perhaps you are thinking, ‘there are 10
vacancies, there are 15 FYCs, and 10 of
them are now going to fill the position
numbers of those vacancies. In effect,
the District or station hasn’t lost any
numbers, so what is the issue?’ Well,
troops, there are several hidden issues
that will dramatically affect policing.
We are all aware that a lot of stations
(normally bigger centres around the
state) hold vacancies at any given time.
8
around the state, and I could quote a
myriad of examples where the issue of
surplus positions and transfers have
affected our members in the Southern
Region and other parts of our state in
the last 12 months alone.
Hence the poor member in Townsville,
who needs to get to Toowoomba for
family reasons, will now not be able
to because Toowoomba will have no
vacancies.
But what is extremely disappointing
about this decision is how it will affect
our colleagues in hard-to-fill and
remote locations.
It may well be the case now that when
our members are sent or choose
to go west to perform a three year
“I can see a situation
where people will
avoid the west like
the plague, for fear
they will be stuck
there forever.”
tenure period, and then want to try
and get back to a bigger centre for
better experience or for other family or
lifestyle reasons, they may struggle to
do so.
I can see a situation where people
will avoid the west like the plague, for
fear they will be stuck there forever.
How that helps our members or the
communities out there that need police
numbers, I have no idea.
In my opinion, it is bad enough that the
Service has hidden behind a staffing
model that reflects a dog’s breakfast for
such a long time, rather than providing
an honest model designed to have
adequate police at the coal face to get
the job done.
But to now come up with this decision
shows just how bad the staffing model
is, and the lack of insight the QPS has
on the issue.
The whole issue of counting FYCs as
part of a District’s overall strength has
been something I have been against for
a long time now. But the good old QPS
was only too happy to hide behind their
interpretation of the staffing model.
This has led to our senior management
not wanting to rock the boat for fear
that the QPS senior executive will
Have they ever even looked at some
of the issues like part time police,
maternity leave, long term sick leave,
and unbelievable growth in workloads
in some areas? No, they have not.
duties, part time property squads and
For at least the first year of service,
and probably well into the second year,
FYCs are still learning a lot about being
frontline police officers.
the arguments of compulsory training
the like, and they are at a stage where it
is almost impossible to provide enough
experienced police (FTOs) to cover the
number of FYCs they have, let alone
and leave that each station experiences
each year.
I can only see this getting worse in
the coming years with the dramatic
“The AC has made the decision that our
Districts can use the EOI system to establish
who is available for periods of relief, and
subsequently choose an appropriate
candidate.”
increase in numbers the LNP have
promised.
The last thing we want to see is a
situation where we have prevented
other police from transferring to an
area that has many vacancies, leaving
a situation where we have one FTO and
two FYCs in a police vehicle, because
put a stop to sending FYCs in various
directions: in effect hampering police
numbers again.
Ask anyone in the state who has
anything to do with frontline policing,
including DOs, and they will tell you
that the current staffing model does not
work.
I have never been able to work out
how in the world the QPS could use
the argument that if you have 30
FYCs in your District, and you have 10
vacancies, then you in effect are 20
over your strength in that District: so
stop whinging.
They fail to recognise that there is
nowhere in the state that has the
numbers available to provide proper
relief for all one and two officer stations
and smaller sections such as CIBs,
CPIUs, Scenes of Crime, Intelligence
offices, and the list goes on.
Wouldn’t they be better served
having a system where each District
has numbers over and above what
the strength may suggest for that
District, to ensure that if you have three
female officers who start a family in
a station or section, or if you have six
people away with serious illnesses,
then you have ample staff to replace
these people, rather than leaving such
stations and sections operating on third
world numbers?
It is only common sense that they will
not have the experience or confidence
of other police who have been in the
job for five, 10, 15, or 20 years or more.
So why then are we trying to sell this
decision as a BMW when we all know it
is a Datsun 120Y?
The bottom line is that FYCs should
not hold any position within the
station or District in which they work
there are too many FYCs.
You can also throw in the argument of
limiting opportunities for general duties
police to relieve in areas such as CIB,
CPIU, Tactical Crime Squads, and other
areas when the opportunities arise,
because their own sections will be so
decimated that no OIC in their right
mind could let them go on a period of
relief somewhere.
“There is nowhere in the state that has the
numbers available to provide proper relief for
all one and two officer stations and smaller
sections.”
until they have completed all the
requirements of the FYC Program, and
they are confirmed and appointed to a
position.
They should be over and above
the strength of that District, so the
District has full numbers in stations to
accommodate large numbers of FYCs.
We should have enough police in each
large centre to accommodate at least
one FTO per FYC at all times, and that
should not be negotiable.
Some larger centres have to absorb
policing functions such as Watchhouse
So much for the notion of expanding
an officer’s career, and exposing them
to many areas of policing to make them
the ultimate all-rounder.
In my humble opinion, the Premier and
Police Minister need to read this article
and ask some very serious questions
of the QPS and its HR section. What
exactly are they trying to do with this
decision? It looks very much like they
are trying to destroy frontline policing.
The other obvious thing that needs
to occur is an overhaul of the current
ridiculous staffing model.
9
This process would need to incorporate
input from the QPU as to what sort
of model is required to supply every
District in Queensland with the
numbers it requires to provide the best
possible service, rather than the bare
bones numbers the QPS seem to think
they can get by with.
I am sure ‘Can Do’ Campbell would not
be impressed if he realised the exact
implications this recent ridiculous
decision will have, or the issues we
have in frontline policing around the
state.
I would like to see the Premier get
in the Commissioner’s ear to fix the
problem. I would then like to see
the Commissioner take this matter
seriously for once, because it has been
a laughing stock for a long time now.
Here is a chance for him to make a wise
decision and commence a legacy prior
to his departure, by sorting the staffing
model once and for all.
10
COMMON SENSE PREVAILS
On another note prior to signing off
for this month, I would like to advise
any of you who have been highly
confused and frustrated by the decision
of the Service to do away with the EOI
“For at least the first
year of service, and
probably well into
the second year, FYCs
are still learning a lot
about being frontline
police officers.”
process for periods of relief. It appears
that sanity has prevailed and a decision
has been made at a Regional level that
we can continue to use the EOI process.
I met with Assistant Commissioner
Wilson a couple of times on this issue
and thankfully the AC has made the
decision that our Districts can use the
EOI system to establish who is available
for periods of relief, and subsequently
choose an appropriate candidate. So
we now have the process of allowing
all interested members to express their
interest for periods of relief in a fair and
equitable manner. Anyone who has
any queries on this (or if there are still
issues relating to EOIs), please feel free
to give me a ring.
Keep up the good fight and
stay safe.
Darren LEES (Beefa)
Regional Representative
Southern Region
QPU Treasurer
0417 776 184
If it happens, protect yourself and your family
by immediately contacting:
The QPU office Ph 3259 1900 (24 hours)
or your regional representative.
They will steer you in the right direction.
MARTY BRISTOW
I have been quite scathing of some of our Commissioned Officers in the past. So as to be reasonable, I think it is
only fair to outline circumstances where they have gone above and beyond to help.
In late May, a young Constable at a
Cape station was unfortunate enough
to be involved in an incident where he
had his thumb nearly severed.
I must say the way management
looked after this chap was exceptional,
and I applaud all those involved in
assisting him.
The Royal Flying Doctor Service
(RFDS) had been tasked elsewhere,
and the officer would have had a
lengthy and painful wait for the RFDS
before he could be transported down
to Cairns.
In early June during a busy weekend
day shift, RDO Inspector Mark Jackson
was in the communications room
and observed that there was quite a
lengthy backlog of jobs.
A big ‘thumbs up’ to Cairns District
Officer Superintendent Brian Connors
who said no to the wait and chartered
a plane to have our injured colleague
and his family flown down to Cairns
Base Hospital as quickly as possible.
This flight was probably a contributing
factor in old mate keeping his digit.
Rather than jump up and down
pointing the finger at uniform staff,
demanding the Duty Sergeant find
some crews to clear the queue, he
teamed up with a Sergeant and
headed out on the road.
There was no flicking of jobs; they
attended what they were sent
“Rather than jump up and down pointing the
finger at uniform staff, the Inspector teamed up
with a Sergeant and headed out on the road.”
The Aurukun medical clinic had
booked accommodation next to
the Cairns Hospital, to enable our
colleague and his family to keep in
close contact.
Unfortunately, only half of the first
three days’ accommodation had
been paid, so when the DDO tried to
book the officer’s wife and child in,
management were not willing to do so
until full payment had been made.
Inspector Rhys Newton was at the
station and on being advised, he
immediately took his wallet out and
handed over a wad of notes, advising
the DDO to contact him if more was
needed.
12
to, including a domestic with an
application necessary. I’m not sure if
the good Inspector got entwined in
QPrime, but credit needs to be given
where it’s due, and in this instance
the leadership shown was definitely
worthy of being mentioned.
One of my most memorable
recollections of Inspectors at work
happened a few years ago on New
Year’s Eve, when our Regional Traffic
Co-ordinator Bob Waters was Regional
Duty Officer.
He is not allergic to a bit of operational
policing, and has been seen on
numerous occasions directing vehicles
into an RBT site, performing breath
tests, or ticketing drivers on the side of
the road on his way to or from work.
On this particular New Year’s, it was a
few hours after midnight, and Bob was
in the communications room watching
the CCTV cameras that were focusing
on a disturbance at a local nightclub.
Police were on scene, but there were
numerous people running amok,
with one man continually interjecting
but distancing himself just enough
so that he did not earn a spot in the
Watchhouse.
Bob pointed out the person in question
who needed to be arrested, because
his behaviour was unacceptable, but
unfortunately we did not have officers
available. Ten to 15 minutes later, the
call button at the front counter was
activated and on viewing the station
foyer camera, I noticed it was old mate
from earlier.
I commented to Inspector Waters that
it was the male from the nightclub we
had been watching on CCTV, and we
both attended the counter to find out
what his problem was.
The drunken male walked up to the
counter and demanded to speak to the
Duty Sergeant in typical intoxicated
fashion.
Before I could speak, the good Inspector
was in the foyer with him, explaining
that he was the Duty Inspector and that
due to his inappropriate behaviour, he
was under arrest.
Bob promptly escorted him out of the
station and over to the Watchhouse,
where he did the QPrime entry
and all associated correspondence
required for the arrest. There was no
‘Constable, do this for me’, though
there was some ‘Constable, how the
*^&$ do you do this QPrime?’
“There was no
‘Constable, do this
for me’, though there
was some ‘Constable,
how the *^&$ do you
do this QPrime?’”
This was the talk of the station for
months, and it still puts a smile on
many a young uniform officer’s face
when the story is repeated.
station speaking to the crews and
those rostered on, and when he is
overviewing significant events or
critical incidents, he personally speaks
to all those involved, thanking them for
their assistance. I know this is greatly
appreciated by all.
So there you have it—we do have good
Commissioned Officers. After all, they
were all once QPU members.
I am contactable 24/7.
Marty BRISTOW
Far Northern Region
0438 767 839
Inspector Waters is also renowned
for his interaction with staff when
he is RDO. He is frequently in the
13
PETER THOMAS
Welcome to July, the month of the year that realisation sets in that the ‘hungries’ that you got out of bed at
2:30am to do really have not done too much for your take home pay—but the tax man thanks you.
This is going to be the month that
we see major changes to the QPS
recruiting policy, hopefully an
announcement by Can Do Campbell
and Police Minister Dempsey in
relation to their vision for QPS
housing, and the continued jostling
for the ‘top job’.
THE GOOD
This month I am going to combine
‘The good, the bad and the downright
ugly’ as they relate to the same topic.
During May, Ian Leavers and I visited
the stations in the west and south
west of the Northern Region.
During the seven days we visited
Kynuna, McKinlay, Cloncurry, Mount
Isa, Dajarra, Boulia, Bedourie, and
Birdsville stations, covering almost
4,000kms.
This is some of the most beautiful
country you will ever see. It is easy to
understand why the bush balladeers
wrote with passion about this
harsh, desolate, and yet picturesque
countryside.
“It is almost a case
of picking the QPS
residence by simply
looking for the
worst house in the
community.”
Every time I travel through these
areas, I think of the expedition of
Burke and Wills in 1860, and their
desperation when they got to the top
of one hill and could see a huge wide
14
Des Hansson and Peter in Dajarra.
“Mateship, camaraderie, and reliance between
stations gets these officers through everyday
policing.”
open expanse of nothing until the
next set of ranges.
Policing in these areas can pose a
significant danger, because in most
instances the nearest back up is over
150 kilometres away, and generally
on poor quality corrugated roads.
Mateship, camaraderie, and reliance
between stations gets these officers
through everyday policing.
The officers in these areas certainly
are the epitome of the ‘bush copper’,
where it is just a part of the job
in their communities that they’re
expected to be a jack of all trades. It’s
expected that they can do everything,
and then a bit more.
This includes and is not limited to
travelling to properties for vehicle
registration, euthanising injured
wildlife and cattle, being the local
snake catcher, assisting unprepared
tourists who have broken down in
the middle of nowhere, assisting
with mustering, and being the local
counsellors to the community.
It is apparent that these fine ladies
and gentlemen have found their
niche, because they love doing it and
they are doing it well.
THE BAD
The QPS have really let these officers
and their families down with their
housing. In each of these areas, the
QPS are certainly the poor cousins
to the Queensland Health and
Queensland Education employees.
It is almost a case of picking the QPS
residence by simply looking for the
worst house in the community. You
have to wonder how we have come to
be in this position.
How can we expect the families of
these officers to reside in residences
that do not have flyscreens, that have
paint peeling from the walls, holes in
the roof and ceiling, and bathrooms
that have the hand basin cabinets
falling apart?
While in Bedourie, Ian Leavers
and I spoke with the local QBuild
representative, who stated that
approximately four years ago he
repaired kitchen cupboards for the
OIC at Boulia.
Peter, Ian Leavers, and Neil McShane in Birdsville.
He said they were in an extremely
poor state and he felt sorry for the
officer, fixing them for free on a
weekend because the QPS were
doing nothing about it. This is an
absolute disgrace.
One has to wonder if this is the
fault of our Regional managers, or
the previous government in failing
to allocate funds to maintain these
residences.
South Australia – Queensland border
Regardless of who is going to accept
responsibility, this is an issue that has
been ongoing for years, and it has to
be addressed as a matter of urgency.
It is even more pertinent now with the
harmonisation of Work, Health and
Safety legislation.
THE DOWNRIGHT UGLY
Nothing is happening to repair these
residences, and the Service is using
the standard response of ‘there is
no money’. Having spoken with my
colleagues on the Executive, this is
the general state of disrepair of QPS
housing throughout the state, and ‘no
money’ is the standard company line
that is being spruiked.
My suggestion to the residents of
these QPS houses is to contact your
local Regional QPU Representative,
A wide expanse of nothing – Bedourie to Birdsville road
15
and we will assist you in any way that
we can.
You do not deserve to live in secondrate housing when every other
government department provides
their employees with a decent
standard of accommodation.
Bedourie Education QLD house
Premier Newman and Police Minister
Dempsey: please act on this matter
with priority.
Until next month, work safe, take
the time to attend your next branch
meeting, and remember:
No Union Rep = no interview
Peter THOMAS
(Thommo)
Bedourie QPS house
16
Northern Region
0409 591 270
BILL FELDMAN
WHERE HAVE ALL THE POLICE GONE? LONG TIME PASSING... (sung to The Searchers tune)
I recently took a well-needed and well-deserved time out for four weeks. I saw my son get married, and I
visited my daughter in China. While in China, I witnessed appalling workplace health and safety breaches
around building sites—no railings, workers balanced precariously on ledges without harness, no scaffolding,
scaffolding made out of bamboo and tied together with rope—and no one seemed to care about the worker.
At least here your Union cares, and
is doing its utmost to shame the QPS
into action to address our monumental
safety issue: our lack of staff.
You know staffing issues are really bad
when you see your Inspectors, Crime
Managers, Brief Managers, and OICs
of DETO and Intel manning frontline
cars to make a roster work and protect
the troops on the ground.
This is how the frontline officers
in Mackay know that their OICs,
Inspectors, and District Officers do
care about them; they are putting
themselves in harm’s way to assist
with a depleting, nightmare roster.
The most disappointing news upon my
arrival home was that of the six FYCs
who were to arrive in Mackay (when
we needed 16), only two arrived. The
others just evaporated; it must have
been the heat.
“Every day that
staffing numbers
are not addressed,
officer safety is being
compromised.”
Then, of three promised second
and third year officers, only one is
earmarked to arrive. I hear one resigned
and the other took another posting.
Every day that staffing numbers are
not addressed in the Central Region,
officer safety is being compromised.
Moreover, the QPS is acutely aware of
the inherent risks and their vicarious
liability associated with their inaction
in addressing this vital officer safety
issue.
The officers in Central Region are
some of the hardest working and
experienced officers in the state. Our
bond, and our support for each other,
is what metal and real steel is made of.
But we need help.
“It seems to have become an increasing trend
that investigating officers request clarification
after clarification in e-mails, and in fact begin a
protracted interrogation.”
Keep my articles, and remember the
decisions and motions raised at your
Union meetings; the Union Executive
and I are more than happy to appear
at any future civil proceedings
where an injured officer is suing the
Service because their safety had been
compromised.
Remember, every time you are asked
to perform a single officer patrol, or
undertake a duty that you feel places
your safety at risk, raise it with your
supervisor and ensure it is noted at
that level. Your safety is paramount.
We certainly do have obligations
applicable to the Oath we took as
police officers, and we know that our
job comes with risks and dangers.
I have said before that we do not get
paid for what we do: we get paid for
what we are prepared to do. But we
are not prepared to die because of the
QPS’s inability to properly address our
frontline numbers shortage.
Prospective Mackay officers, please
stand up: Mackay needs you!
Remember, Mackay is not at the end
the world. Admittedly, you can just
about see it from Mackay, but give us a
try! Come to the Central Region; come
and feel the love!
INVESTIGATION OF COMPLAINTS
Speaking of feeling the love, there is
an increasing trend when investigating
Compass complaints in the Central
Region.
The assigned investigating officer—
usually a friendly Sergeant or Senior
Sergeant, or sometimes even an
Inspector—will send an e-mail
outlining the matter for investigation
and requesting an e-mail reply from
the witness officer.
An e-mail is not generally sent to the
subject officer. This is generally a
friendly enough e-mail, but do not be
mislead. This is an investigation, and
you should consult the Union Rep at
17
your station or your QPU Regional Rep
before responding.
oral statement requested but only
Also, your response should contain the
QPU disclaimer as the first paragraph
It seems to have become an increasing
trend that investigating officers
request clarification after clarification
in subsequent e-mails, and in fact
begin a protracted interrogation.
– ‘I am aware of the obligations
imposed on me by the Commissioner
through the OPM’s to provide all
under protest’.
“I have said before that we do not get paid
for what we do: we get paid for what we are
prepared to do.”
information requested by or required
If this occurs to you, you should
of me by a police officer (or to obey the
request that the investigating officer
lawful direction of a superior officer,
conduct a proper interview, and that
depending on the circumstances) and
the officer make arrangements for that
of the possible serious consequences
interview through your Union Rep.
of disobeying such a direction.
Accordingly, I shall provide the e-mail
We as a Union do not take kindly to
response/report/statement/document/
these shortcuts being taken when they
18
affect the rights of our members: your
rights.
Where have all the Police gone? Long
time passing ... when will they ever
learn? (Remember The Searchers ...)
Work smart, work safe –
make it home.
Bill FELDMAN
Central Region
0419 659 105
TONY COLLINS
RED TAPE
The Free Dictionary by Farlex describes ‘red tape’ as the following:
The collection or sequence of forms and procedures required to gain bureaucratic approval for something, especially
when oppressively complex and time-consuming.
Well, if the Newman government is
looking to get rid of red tape, then it
does not have to look any further than
the QPS. We are tied up in knots with
what is defined as red tape. Where do
we start?
people cannot claim on third party
public liability insurance without one.
Act whereby electronic copies are
accepted as suitable for pleas of
guilty. Solution: changes to the
Even though the QPS makes some
money from this database, I would
suggest that it does not compensate
for the lost time of the on-road crews.
Evidence Act and the Magistrates
Court boundaries.
We consistently go on about
accountability, so to be accountable,
we do car logs. The problem is
of course that this log is then
reproduced with an electronic log.
Unfortunately, this electronic log
can only be produced at a station,
because we don’t have mobile data,
thus making us inefficient.
Solution: amendments to the Motor
“We are tied up in
knots with what is
defined as red tape.”
Even with the adoption of ITAS, we
are still doubling up, and sometimes
if the job is worthy, we are tripling
up in the DDO logs. This is time
consuming and thus should be
regarded as red tape. Solution:
mobile data.
Traffic crashes are also right up
there. Why do we go to all the minor
crashes to take reports for the
insurance companies? What does
having a bull bar fitted have to do
with the nature of the crash?
How many traffic crash reports have
you taken lately because of a minor
injury, and that is reported weeks
or even months after the crash has
occurred? This farcical situation
where we have to take minor injury
traffic crash reports is because
Why can’t Senior Sergeants who are
Officers in Charge of sections or units
“Why do we go to all the minor crashes to take
reports for the insurance companies?”
Vehicle Insurance Act, and changes
to QPS policy to attend only serious
accidents.
The effect of the court system on our
processes and procedures is making
us completely inefficient. Take Oxley
District as an example. Oxley has
to deliver court documents to five
different court houses for their simple
offences.
Firstly, it is time to abolish court
boundaries for simple offences so
that the matters can be heard in the
nearest court house to the police
officers. Secondly, we now have a
computer system where everything
is visible and can be scanned in. It is
time to stop crews delivering court
briefs, and start transferring them
electronically.
This means court houses must be
wired for the reading of QPRIME from
the bar table. I will stand corrected,
but I understand that Mt Isa does this.
Why can’t the rest of the state?
The issue of original documents
would need changes to the Evidence
be able to dispose of their unit’s or
section’s property? The handbook
of delegations has this authority for
Senior Sergeant Officers in Charge of
stations only.
This loads up those particular OICs,
rather than sharing the load, and
it also makes the disposal process
convoluted. Solution: changes to the
handbook of delegation.
Here are some quick ones:
Why are we wasting our time with
Fatigue Management Logs when the
approval process is so complex and
time consuming that you need to be
Pythagoras to work out if you can do
the special or not? It is time for the
logs to be relegated to wide loads
only.
Why do we have to serve Notice of
Intention to Allege Previous? Why
can’t the criminal and traffic history
be produced, and stand on its own
merit, as it did when I first joined the
job?
Why is it such a convoluted process
to impound vehicles for the third
time?
19
Why does it take so long to do a
domestic violence application? And
why can’t it be mandatory for both
parties to firstly go to court and then
secondly stay in the court precinct
until the documents are ready and
then served on them?
With all the special projects the QPS
has done, why have they not done
a real time and motion study (not a
SWAS survey) to figure out exactly
how much time is spent off the
street? I believe that such a study
would shock the hierarchy, because it
“How many full briefs have been done to
have the offender plea guilty on the day of
court when you are sitting there with all your
witnesses?”
Why do we do applications at all? If
someone has committed domestic
violence, why are they not arrested
and charged for a domestic violence
offence? Arrest them all and let the
Magistrates sort them out.
Why can’t the Penalty and Sentences
Act be amended to increase
penalties for offenders who waste
the court’s and thus police time?
How many full briefs have been
done to have the offender plea
guilty on the day of court when
you are sitting there with all your
witnesses? Magistrates should be
made to tell the offenders they
would have only got two months jail
if they had not wasted the court’s
time, instead of the six months they
are about to get.
would show how inefficient we really
have become.
We currently take twice as long to
process drink drivers than when
we did when I first started, and
that was putting them through the
Watchhouse. Why does it take longer
now that we have Notice to Appears?
Why does the discipline process take
so long? How does the QPS justify
taking up to two years to hear a minor
disciplinary matter at Superintendent
level?
Remember, this exercise by the
government is to cut red tape. We
have plenty of it, and I have only just
scratched the surface.
RADIOS
Last month I reported on the fact that
the QPS is now procuring radios that
don’t have CB radio functionality.
Metro South is now identifying cars
to place stand-alone CB radios into.
Further, after the communications
issues with regards to the Algester
road rage incident where Logan
crews could not talk to Oxley crews
and vice versa, Metro South is
purchasing analog radios so this
situation can be better managed.
I say ‘well done’ to Metro South for
acting as quickly as it did when these
issues were identified. However, I
would suggest that it is long overdue
for the South Eastern Region to be
covered by digital communications.
Tony COLLINS
Metropolitan South Region
0414 804 472
After two years, any lesson that
should have been learnt has well and
truly been learnt, and you are just
wasting the prescribed officers’ and
the subject member’s time.
by immediately contacting the QPU office
Ph 3259 1900 (24 hours)
20
BOB SMITHSON
QPU WOMEN’S ADVISORY COMMITTEE
I wish to advise that I have recently been elected by my fellow Executive members to take over the role as the
chairperson for our Union’s Women’s Advisory Committee (WAC). This position was previously held by Des Hansson
of the North Coast Region. Des has been required to relinquish this job as a result of his recent transfer out west to
McKinlay.
On behalf of the committee
members, I would like to express my
appreciation to Des for his work in
this area over the past few years. I
now look forward to working with the
committee and facing the challenges
that lie ahead.
Having chaired my first meeting in
May, I can report that the committee
members have been doing plenty
of work in a number of areas. The
committee has been developing ideas
and looking at various designs to
produce a WAC poster for distribution
throughout the state.
This project will be finalised shortly
and the posters should be popping up
at police establishments.
The committee has also been working
on reviewing the QPU WAC Terms
of Reference document. One of the
goals contained in the Terms of
Reference is to encourage female
members of the QPU to actively
participate in Union activities.
This has been an aim of the current
Executive for a number of years now,
and I encourage our female members
to become more involved with their
Union.
LOGAN DISTRICT ISSUES
I continue to receive reports and
information from our members in
the Logan District and I appreciate
this input. On 13 June, the Beenleigh
branch held three separate meetings
(at Springwood, Loganholme, and
Beenleigh stations).
The agenda items included reference
to staffing shortages at each of these
three stations, and also the SER
Communications Centre.
An interesting point was raised in that
stations are left short staffed when
some members are away on training
or development courses.
“I encourage our
female members to
become more involved
with their Union.”
For example, staff undergoing Scenes
of Crime or Prosecutions training are
absent from their home station for
many months on end. While they are
away, their positions are not back
filled, leaving gaps in the roster. The
branches moved motions at these
on our members to carry their
personal mobile phones while on
duty. In the first instance, this is an
acknowledgement that the mechanics
of the radio system are inadequate to
cover all areas of the Region (due to
black spots).
Secondly, the radio traffic volume is
so great that there are insufficient
numbers of radio operators to answer
all calls from patrol units. (There is
still only one main channel operator
and one inquiry channel operator per
District, which is grossly inadequate.)
Thirdly, the topic of officer safety was
raised. If jobs are being despatched
to car crews by mobile phone, the
car crews in the nearby vicinity are
unaware of what is going on just
down the road.
These are just some of the concerns
raised by our members in relation
to the carrying of private mobile
phones.
“If jobs are being despatched to car crews
by mobile phone, the car crews in the nearby
vicinity are unaware of what is going on just
down the road.”
meetings for the Executive to pursue
this issue with senior management.
Another topic raised was the
practice of SER Comms relying
We as a Union seem to have been
banging our heads against the wall in
relation to Communications problems
in this Region for years now. What
will it take to get these things fixed?
21
I just hope that someone is not
seriously hurt, or worse, while these
troubles persist.
NEW LNP GOVERNMENT SWINGS
INTO ACTION
As the new LNP government is
starting to settle into its first term,
we have already seen some worrying
signs. There must be plenty of
people around Queensland working
in government departments who
are rightfully concerned about their
immediate job security.
Hopefully, the members of our Union
will still have a secure future. It is
only early days yet, but the rumours
are starting to flow in a number of
different areas.
Some of these include future
pay offers from the government,
the reintroduction of cadets, and
removing the OSA and returning to
penalty rates.
22
I must ask our members to remember
that these things are only rumours at
this stage and they should be treated
as such.
The Senior Executive of our Union
is keeping a close eye on any
developments in government that
might affect our membership. We are
assured that we will be included in
consultation in matters that may or
will affect us.
So if you hear rumours, let your local
branch officials know about it and
get some proper feedback before the
rumours spread out of control.
Bob SMITHSON
South East Region
0408 120 110
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QUEENSLAND POLICE LEGACY SCHEME
Suite 75, Level 11, Northpoint
231 North Quay, Brisbane, 4000
Telephone: (07) 3236 2276
Fax: (07) 3236 4219
Email: qplegacy@bigpond.com
AUTHORITY TO DEDUCT
Manager
Payroll Services
Partner One – QPS Payroll
Level 6, GPO Box 1395
BRISBANE 4001
I hereby authorise and direct you to deduct from my fortnightly pay,
the sum of $
:
This authority replaces all previous authorities and shall remain valid until cancelled
by me in writing to the Queensland Police Legacy Scheme.
FULL NAME:
RANK:
REG NO.
REGION:
STATION:
SIGNATURE:
Please forward this authority directly to the following address:
The Secretary/Manager
Queensland Police Legacy Scheme
P O Box 13003
GEORGE STREET Qld 4003
tHE
Queensland Police Union
of Employees
Election Notice - Executive Member - Regional Representative
The Industrial Registrar has issued a Decision, pursuant to the Industrial Relations Act 1999, that the Electoral Commission of
Queensland conduct a casual vacancy election for the position of Executive Member-Regional Representative for North Coast
Region for the Queensland Police Union of Employees. The successful candidate for the position will be elected for the
remainder of a four year term until 30 June 2015.
Office
No. of Positions
Executive Member - Regional Representative
North Coast Region ......................................................................... 1
Nominations close midday Friday, 31 August 2012
Nominations open at midday on Thursday, 2 August 2012. Written nominations signed by at least three financial
members as nominators and by the nominee and complying with the Unions’ Rules must be lodged with the
Electoral Commission of Queensland no later than midday on Friday, 31 August 2012.
Candidates for election shall be financial members of the Union and must belong to the Region for which they are
nominating. A Nomination Form is printed with this Election Notice. Extra Nomination Forms are available from
offices of the Union and the Electoral Commission of Queensland, and the Commission’s website;
www.ecq.qld.gov.au. These forms are provided for members’ convenience. However, any form of nomination that
complies with the Unions’ Rules is acceptable.
Nominations may be received by means of hand delivery, post, facsimile or any other electronic means that
includes the signatures of the nominees and nominators. Nominees should ensure that their nomination is
received by the Commission and can be clearly read. Candidates may withdraw from the election at any point prior
to the printing of ballot papers by giving written notice of their intention to the Commission.
Candidate Statements
Candidates may lodge a statement on a single A4 sheet supporting their election to the position sought. These statements
are included with eligible voters’ ballot material. Statements must be received by the Commission no later than the
close of nominations.
Ballot
If necessary, the Commission will take a secret postal ballot to determine the successful candidate for the position.
A roll of voters is completed when nominations close and contains the names of persons who are financial members
of the Union 30 days before nominations opened and are eligible to vote for the Region in which the voters home
station is situated. Voting is by the First-Past-the-Post method.
It is a member’s responsibility to ensure that the Union is advised of their correct address and other details.
Members entitled to vote in a ballot and who will be away from their usual address at the time the ballot is taken
may give the Commission a forwarding address at which they can receive their ballot material.
The ballot will open on Monday, 17 September 2012 and close at midday on Monday, 8 October 2012. Ballot
material may be posted to eligible members up to two days before the ballot opens.
Tanya Meizer
Returning Officer
9 July 2012
ELECTORAL COMMISSION of QUEENSLAND
Level 6 Forestry House, 160 Mary Street, Brisbane, Qld.
Postal Address: GPO Box 1393 BRISBANE QLD 4001
Telephone: (07) 3035 8034 or 1300 881 665; Fascimile: (07) 3221 5387
Email: Industrial@ecq.qld.gov.au
25
Queensland Police Union of Employees
Nomination Form
Nominations close at midday Friday, 31 August 2012.
We the undersigned financial members of the Queensland Police Union of Employees, desire to nominate
Reg No:
Ms/Mr/Other:
Courtesy Title, If any
(Print the full name of the person you are nominating)
as a Candidate for the office of Executive Member-Regional Representative representing North Coast
Region.
Reg. No.
Station
Full Name
Signature
Consent to Nomination
I,
(Print your name as you would like it to appear on the ballot paper)
accept nomination and am prepared
fully to comply with the aims, object and Rules of the Queensland Police Union of Employees and otherwise
faithfully serve the best interest of my members if elected to represent them.
Address:
Postcode
Telephone: (Home)
(Business)
(Mobile)
Facsimile:
E-mail:
Signature:
Date:
ELECTORAL COMMISSION of QUEENSLAND
Level 6 Forestry House, 160 Mary Street, Brisbane, Qld.
Postal Address: GPO Box 1393 BRISBANE QLD 4001
Telephone: (07) 3035 8034 or 1300 881 665; Fascimile: (07) 3221 5387
Email: Industrial@ecq.qld.gov.au
26
Gearing Up For G20 – The Dignitary Protection Team
Gearing Up For G20
The Dignitary Protection Team
By Andrea Appleton
On the same day that Prime Minister Julia Gillard confirmed
Brisbane as the host of the G20 summit in November 2014, twelve
QPS officers took part in tactical operational drills in a nondescript
building near the abandoned Academy site at Wacol.
As much of the state cheered
another win over Sydney and New
South Wales so soon after the State
of Origin series, the announcement
provided the officers at Wacol
an added focus as they bustled
colleagues role-playing as dignitaries
away from other colleagues roleplaying as gunmen.
These officers were in their third week
of a four week Dignitary Protection
Course, and if successful during
the final simulation of an operation
undertaken in the Brisbane CBD, they
will more than likely be called upon
when the 20 heads of state of the
richest countries in the world arrive in
Brisbane for the economic conference
in 2014.
Amidst the many layers of security
that will necessarily be put in place
“Bill Clinton was here as President... he was
here on the night of September 11, and we had
to get him out of the country and back to the
States.”
for the summit, these officers will join
a select team of other QPS officers as
[from the Dignitary Protection Course]
As Const Hill and Snr Const Griffiths
the last line of defence for the visiting
have already said that they’ve done
rejoin the ten other recruits for
dignitaries.
a lot of big jobs, but none of them
another exercise at the training
compare to G20. So it’s going to be a
centre, Acting Inspector Col Briggs
‘I like to be in the thick of things
great experience, and we’ll be lucky
from State Crime Operations [his
sometimes,’ says Constable Gavin
to be a part of it.’
usual position is Operations Co-
Hill, down in Brisbane from the one
Ordinator for the Security Intelligence
officer police beat at Slade Point near
‘These guys have done royal visits,
Branch] and Sergeant Darren Carey,
Mackay, ‘so G20 will get me right in
presidential visits, and CHOGM,’ says
a team leader of the Dignitary
the middle of the action.’
Const Hill, ‘but nothing compares
Protection Team, discuss the G20 and
to G20. Twenty heads of state, plus
their newest recruits.
‘It’ll be great for us, experience-wise,’
spouses … the President of the United
agrees Senior Constable Jim Griffiths
States, and the heads of state of all
‘The G20 is very significant,’ says Act
from PSRT. ‘Some of the facilitators
those countries.’
Insp Briggs, ‘there’s not a bigger job we
27
would do. The number of heads of state
coming to one location at one time, and
the status and level of those dignitaries,
as well as the issues that follow from
protests provide an additional element.
“You might think Queensland is not a big place,
but just about every head of state has been
here.”
‘We’ll have to think about all this when
planning jobs. To have an event of
WHO DO THEY PROTECT?
‘We’ve looked after Cherie Blair,
The protection team provides security
Prince William, and Prince Harry was
for top-level Australian dignitaries,
on a property for three months, and
‘If you crunch the figures, just one
such as the Prime Minister, the
we protected him then,’ he continues.
of the top G20 principals here would
Governor General, and the Premier,
‘Middle Eastern royalty have come
take a significant amount of people,’
as well as internationally protected
through Queensland, and the Prime
says Sgt Carey.
persons (IPPs) and other foreign
that magnitude, and having to do that
planning, it’s a significant operation.’
dignitaries visiting Queensland whose
Both men agree that regardless of the
threat level dictates that they will be
international security measures in place
afforded close personal protection.
for the summit, having an appropriate
amount of QPS officers is vital.
DIGNITARY PROTECTION TEAM
The Dignitary Protection Team currently
works out of police Headquarters in
Brisbane, with support from trained
officers spread across every Region of
the state. The twelve newest recruits
are all from different regional areas
with a view to strengthening capacity in
their particular Regions.
The US Ambassador is an IPP, as well
as the Israeli Ambassador, and the US
Consular General.
‘You might think Queensland is not a
big place, but just about every head of
state has been here,’ Sgt Carey says.
‘Her Majesty, the Chinese President,
even Bill Clinton was here as President.
Minister of Papua New Guinea (PNG)
is here quite often.’
‘The Commissioner also has
discretion as to other dignitaries
who might need protection,’ Act
Insp Briggs says, ‘While they may
not be an IPP, if because of their
importance and standing it would be
sensitive politically if something was
to happen to them here, and would be
embarrassing for Queensland, then
we’d look at their protection.’
‘But we don’t get involved with
celebrities in a professional capacity,’
‘In fact, he was here on the night of
Sgt Carey says. ‘For example, a
The benefit of having officers in place
September 11, he was in Cairns, and
popstar can’t ask us to look after
throughout the state is that they are
we had people on him with the Secret
them on special duties. They all bring
used to plan and undertake operations
Service, so we had to get him out of
their own security, or they hire private
when dignitaries are visiting their areas.
the country and back to the States.
security firms.’
28
29
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN
THE DIGNITARY PROTECTION TEAM
AND A BODYGUARD?
After spending even a short amount
of time with the Dignitary Protection
officers, it’s obvious that Whitney
would have given Kevin Costner the
So for example, if the Prime
time you’ve arrived there, there’d be
Minister is coming to Queensland,
a protection team there,’ says Sgt
the Dignitary Protection Team will
Carey.
be provided with her itinerary in
advance, and in conjunction with the
AFP, they will go to every venue she
flick if she’d had the opportunity to
plans to attend to conduct an advance
engage them instead.
reconnaissance.
‘There’s a difference between
They will complete an operational
us and five bodyguards meeting
order, check intell, use surveillance,
a celebrity off the plane,’ says
note ways into the venue, as well as
“Whitney would have given Kevin Costner the
flick if she’d had the opportunity to engage the
Dignitary Protection team instead.”
‘They’d have worked out how to get
in, how to get out, they’d have seen
the manager, worked out the carpark
and basement, and they’d have spent
as much time as possible identifying
a safe area for you if something
happened.
‘They’ll have notified the others in
the concentric circle of protection,
and everyone will know where we’re
going, in case they are needed.
‘Everywhere they move, they’ve got
eyes and ears already in advance for
Sgt Carey, ‘We do train for close
ways out, they time routes, check out
protection, which is guarding the
vulnerabilities, note where cars need
person, but it’s also the planning, and
to be if they’re attacked, and complete
the extra layers of protection that
a report for every venue.
CONFLICT AVOIDANCE, NOT
CONFLICT RESOLUTION
PSRT, intelligence, and access to
Even if a dignitary has a last minute
conflict,’ says Sgt Carey. ‘We do
investigators.
change of schedule and wants to
advances and intelligence and
attend an area that has not been
planning; we do everything we can so
‘We have a lot of resources, and when
planned for, the Dignitary Protection
that hopefully nothing happens.
you start peeling back the layers of
Team will send an advance team and
the onion, what we call the concentric
do whatever they can in the time they
circle of protection, then we’re just
have available.
aren’t evident: surveillance teams,
the bit you see around the principal.
Most of our work is already done
‘If you’re an IPP and your staff
when the dignitary arrives; it’s mostly
suddenly tells me you want to go
behind the scenes.’
shopping at Louis Vuitton, by the
them,’ Sgt Carey says.
‘In everything we do, we avoid
“Most of our work is
already done when
the dignitary arrives;
it’s mostly behind the
scenes.”
‘Our advance teams are there to pick
up the threat, and if they do, our
motorcade might not stop. We’re not
there to fight it out, we’re there to get
out. We are there to take our principal
away from danger. So everything we
do is based on removing them as far
as we can from anything that’s a risk.’
‘Sometimes unfortunate things
happen, but there’s not much you can
do about it,’ Sgt Carey continues.
‘There might be a flash mob, because
protesters have heard your principal
talking on the radio, and they know
they’re doing something somewhere,
so you go from no-one knowing what
you’re doing, to suddenly having 100
people there.’
30
‘Anywhere that there are protests
and the potential for violence is
uncomfortable,’ agrees Act Insp Briggs,
‘but that’s what we’re trained for. You
have to get the principals out without
embarrassing them or ourselves.’
‘So it’s all about avoidance, rather
than resolution,’ Sgt Carey says, ‘We’ll
always try to go out the back door,
but some dignitaries don’t like to be
seen being taken out the back door.
It’s about dignity again. That’s why
we need to know the building, and we
have to know which exit is best.’
WHEN THINGS GO WRONG
‘We use footage of assassination
attempts with our recruits, and try to
get them to pick out what went wrong,’
says Sgt Carey.
‘Of course, these people only need to
get it right once, but we need to get it
right every time,’ says Act Insp Briggs.
‘It’s the old saying,’ agrees Sgt Carey.
‘Sometimes you can plan and plan
“If you’re an internationally protected person
and your staff suddenly tells me you want to
go shopping at Louis Vuitton, by the time
you’ve arrived there, there’d be a protection
team there.”
and plan for what you think is every
eventuality. So we try and use those
Sgt Carey. ‘At the end of the driving
‘There’s a lot of planning,’ he says,
instances where things haven’t gone
section we do a counter ambush
‘and a lot of work in what they do.
quite right.’
exercise in a motorcade, and practice
We had committee parliament up in
a number of scenarios. It’s to test
Mackay last year, and all you ever see
recruits under stress.
is some guys as they walk past with
RECRUITMENT COURSE
Viewing footage of assassination
the Premier. But there’s a lot more to
attempts on Ronald Reagan is just one
‘Then there is also three weeks at the
part of the training and recruitment
Academy,’ he says. ‘Half is tactical,
program in place for potential
we do high risk threat- based drills,
members of the Dignitary Protection
and then for the other half, the
Team. There is also extensive pre-
recruits are out in the CBD conducting
screening before recruits are accepted
a major exercise.’
into the program.
‘You get to see what happens behind
it than that.’
“There’s a difference
between us and five
bodyguards meeting a
celebrity off the plane.”
‘We’re very clear on what we require,’
the scenes,’ says Snr Const Griffiths,
says Sgt Carey. ‘Superior driving skills,
on a break from recruitment drills.
superior firearms skills, patience, and
‘All you normally see is the guys in
As well as coming to terms with the
focus.
the suits, but there are also a lot of
paperwork and advance preparations,
other guys in suits that you don’t see
the recruits also learn to work with
‘We got over 80 applications for
that obviously contribute to the job.
other security agencies, both from
our current course, and 12 were
You don’t really give credit to them
interstate and from overseas.
shortlisted. There are psych tests,
because you don’t even know that
physical competencies, interviews,
they’re there.’
The Secret Service and US Diplomatic
Security Service both present during
and background tests.
Const Hill agrees that there is a lot of
the course, and they describe how
‘It’s a four week course, and the first
work behind the scenes that he hadn’t
they operate. Participants are able to
six days are driver training,’ explains
appreciated before.
see the similarities in processes.
31
The National Counter Terrorism
Committee Dignitary Protection
Capability Advisor is a QPS officer,
Senior Sergeant John Hodge. He
“If a nation has a protection team here and
there’s an attack against that nation’s principal,
it’s still our responsibility.”
will be involved in further training
and development to enhance
interoperability between jurisdictions
in the lead up to G20.
G20
Learning to work with other agencies
is particularly relevant following the
announcement of G20 in Brisbane.
With such high-level dignitaries in
attendance, international security
services will travel with their
principals, adding another element to
the planning of the job.
‘There will be a lot of different
protection teams coming from other
jurisdictions,’ says Act Insp Briggs,
‘so the opportunity to talk and work in
with them is excellent.’
‘If you want to break it down, if a
nation has a protection team here and
there’s an attack against that nation’s
principal, it’s still our responsibility,’
says Sgt Carey.
32
“We’ll always try to go
out the back door, but
some dignitaries don’t
like to be seen being
taken out the back
door.”
The planning for the security of the
G20 summit is obviously in the very
early stages, and as yet, the exact
magnitude of the operation is unclear.
But whatever the final involvement
of different sections of the QPS, one
thing is clear: the Dignitary Protection
Team will be very, very busy.
‘It makes it an exciting time to be
working in this area,’ Act Insp Briggs
says.
33
Resilience – Lessons from the Hanbury Street Shooting
Resilience – Lessons from
the Hanbury Street Shooting
By Andrea Appleton
Early on the morning of 1 May 2000, Senior Sergeant Daryl Green was
attending a routine ‘threats against the person’ job when he was
shot in the face.
A Constable at the time, he was at
‘Resilience’ has both scientific and
However, this does not mean that you
the job with his partner, Constable
psychological definitions, and Snr
cannot live a good life.’
Sharnelle Cole, and Sergeant Chris
Sgt Green coined a new definition
Mulhall, and they too were shot by
following his own recovery.
the same man, Nigel Parodi, who had
made the original threat.
He defines resilience as ‘the ability to
From the moment the first shot was
back—from significant trauma, and to
fired, the three officers’ lives were
live as normal a life as possible’. He
drastically altered, and as the days,
notes that ‘bouncing back’ is a catchy
“Resilience is the
ability to cope and
recover—including
bouncing back—from
significant trauma,
and to live as normal
a life as possible.”
weeks, and months passed in the
aftermath of the shooting, they began
to learn firsthand about resilience, a
cope and recover—including bouncing
phrase used in relation to resilience
training, but he does not believe it is
entirely accurate.
‘In reality, you sometimes have to claw
your way out of some deep holes over
a long period of time,’ he says.
Reflecting on both his professional
and personal ups and downs since
the shooting, Snr Sgt Green shares
“A traumatised person
may refuse your first
offer of assistance,
but they may very well
accept your second
or third.”
what he has learnt about resilience in
presentations to other QPS officers
He also notes the relevance of his
and business professionals. His aim
choice of words in living ‘as normal a
is to help others improve their own
life as possible’. He does not believe that
resilience, and to assist those around
a person will ever be exactly the same
them to be resilient.
after significant trauma or adversity.
One of the main lessons Snr Sgt Green
term bandied about when people have
‘We are our experiences,’ he says, ‘and
learnt during his recovery was the
been through significant trauma.
such an experience will leave changes.
benefit of having the opportunity to
Snr Sgt Green with his parents after receiving the
Valour Award.
16 Hanbury Street.
34
Nigel Parodi, aka Jesse James Ford.
and had stopped for a coffee at the
BP service station on Gympie Road,
Aspley.
A job was radioed through at 3:06am,
Graphic by Trevor Baker.
categorised as job code 106, ‘threats
against the person’, priority code 3 (ie.
no immediate threat to life or property).
talk: about the shooting, about how he
BEFORE THE SHOOTING
was feeling, or about not wanting to
On the afternoon of 30 April 2000,
talk about the shooting or how he was
Consts Green and Cole were joined
the gunman Parodi was in Hanbury
feeling.
by Sgt Chris Mulhall, and the three
Street, Chermside, in Brisbane’s north.
made their way to number 16 Hanbury
He had a conversation with a mate
Street. They met Parodi’s mates in
When Snr Sgt Green first returned to
work, he found others were unsure
whether to talk to him about his
experience, and treated the whole
“Others were unsure whether to talk about the
shooting, and treated the whole topic as taboo.”
topic of the shooting as taboo.
Snr Sgt Green conclusively quashes
this taboo and talks openly about his
struggle to regain control of his life.
And although the lessons he has learnt
about resilience have come in the
aftermath of an extremely traumatic
experience, they are equally valid for
the whole spectre of difficult personal
and professional experiences that life
can present.
The Journal presents a brief snapshot
of some sections of Snr Sgt Green’s
honest and thought-provoking
presentation, and recommends that
anyone given the opportunity to hear
about a second mate, to whom he had
the driveway of the house, and were
recently lost a $20 bet over the Anzac
invited inside.
Day test.
However, the officers were wary of
All three men lived in Hanbury Street,
the situation and opted to stay on the
in houses in close proximity, and
driveway and later the verandah, when
regularly socialised together. For
it started to rain. The officers tried to
some reason, Parodi had taken the
ascertain details of the threat, but the
loss of this particular bet personally,
credibility of the men was not strong.
and he told his mate that he was going
One produced an item that looked
to shoot the second man.
About 12 hours later, the threatened
man arrived home to Hanbury Street
after drinking in the city, and the first
man went to his house to warn him of
Parodi’s threat.
like a sewing thimble, claiming it
was a listening device. He also made
a strange statement about being
‘monogamous friends’ with Parodi,
and both men pointed to a dog, and
more specifically its tail and back,
Snr Sgt Green talk ought to take the
Meanwhile, Consts Green (as he then
which they alleged Parodi had painted
time to do so.
was) and Cole were on night shift
pink.
35
The rifle used by Parodi.
Snr Sgt Green in hospital.
“I bled all over the bonnet of the police vehicle,
while trying to keep a vigil for the gunman.”
Unsure what to make of the two men
I drew my revolver and exited the
inches, and it stayed there, lodging
and Parodi’s threats, all three officers
car through the door that I had been
near my throat).
returned to the police car.
shot through (the other door had the
Sgt Mulhall phoned ComCo North
to check on Parodi from the driver’s
seat, and Const Cole sat beside him
in the passenger seat to perform
radio checks on the other two men.
child lock activated). I walked to the
middle of the road, and realising the
full impact of what had happened,
screamed some obscenities at the
gunman.
Const Green sat in the middle of the
back seat to listen to the incoming
information.
THE SHOOTING
I heard a noise just outside the open
car door, turned to look, and was shot
by Nigel Parodi in the face; he was
standing just outside the door.
I screamed, and lunged back on the
then shot in the left arm, but I did not
realise this until later.
Parodi went on to shoot Sharnelle
and Chris. Lying on the backseat, I
was wrong. I yelled at her to get back
inside, telling her that a gunman was
in the area. I then saw another figure
nearby and pointed my revolver at this
person and told them to stop.
The woman shouted out, ‘That’s
“Lying on the backseat,
I remember feeling
blood pouring out of
my mouth and teeth
missing, and teeth
loose in my mouth.”
my husband!’ I again reiterated my
warning to get inside. I then turned
and rested on the bonnet of the police
vehicle.
I was tired and started feeling
very weary and lightheaded, even
somewhat delusional. I bled all over
the front of the bonnet; I put my hand
up to my mouth to try and stop the
rear seat covering my face with my
hands while wreathing in shock. I was
A woman came out and asked what
blood, but it was not possible.
I looked for Parodi, but he had
decamped. I then shouted Chris’s name
I was looking at Sharnelle through
half a dozen times.
the windscreen, and she called out,
This can all be heard on the police
‘Greeny, I’m hurt’.
communications tape, but it is difficult
I reassured her, saying, ‘Shar, it will be
to understand due to the injuries my
alright … it will be alright’ (Sharnelle
mouth had sustained (the first bullet
told me a couple of years later that at
went through my upper lip, knocking
that point in time, she was thinking,
When I sat up again, the shooting had
out three top teeth, smashing bone in
‘No it won’t, you don’t see what you
finished. Chris was not in the car, and
that area, and damaging two bottom
look like’ as I bled all over the bonnet
Sharnelle was in the front seat, very
teeth. It entered my tongue, travelling
of the police vehicle), while trying to
distressed. I told Sharnelle, ‘Get help’.
down my tongue approximately six
keep a vigil for the gunman…
remember feeling blood pouring out
of my mouth and teeth missing, and
teeth loose in my mouth.
36
THE DAYS AND WEEKS FOLLOWING
THE SHOOTING
Also during this period, Snr Sgt Green
are found to be appropriate by the
All three officers were transported
learnt that people have different
mental health professionals.
reactions to critical events, and that he
to the Royal Brisbane Hospital and
operated on. In Snr Sgt Green’s case,
doctors removed a bullet in his throat
was the type who wanted to know as
much information as possible.
RECONSTRUCTION SURGERY
The operation Snr Sgt Green endured
in the hours after the shooting was a
and in his shoulder, and performed a
And so began his struggle to
harrowing ordeal, and he initially faced
tracheotomy.
gain access to information, such
20 months of further reconstruction
as photographs of the scene,
surgery by a maxillofacial surgeon
He spent two days in intensive care
and another three in a hospital bed
before he was able to go home.
‘At first I was just stunned,’ says Snr
Sgt Green, ‘I was emotionally numb,
walking around in a daze.’
One meeting he does remember came
a few days after he was released from
hospital. Snr Sgt Green met with
“For those exposed to trauma, look for the
intent behind comments, and don’t always
assume the worst.”
statements, video tapes, and
to correct his missing maxilla bone,
newspaper articles.
missing three upper teeth, and his two
He researched Parodi (he was a low
broken lower teeth.
achiever with a petty crimes record
‘I did not realise it,’ he says, ‘but this
and a fascination with firearms) and
was the beginning of over seven
you’ll be back to work next week’.
other aspects of the incident, but often
years of procedures to reconstruct my
found himself thwarted by red tape.
mouth, because the first reconstruction
“Snr Sgt Green
met with WorkCover,
where a representative
said, ‘I expect you’ll
be back to work
next week’.”
LESSONS
He was not to know that this was the
• People cope with trauma differently,
WorkCover, where a representative at
the end of the meeting said, ‘I expect
was not successful.
• People exposed to trauma may be
‘In total, I had 17 general anaesthetic
sensitive to off-the-cuff remarks or
operations as a result of the shooting,
inappropriate comments, so choose
and this does not include the numerous
your words carefully.
dental procedures.’
• For those exposed to trauma, look
for the intent behind comments,
and don’t always assume the worst.
Snr Sgt Green was very concerned that
his workmates thought he had ‘just lost
a couple of teeth’. At times, he felt they
didn’t understand the exact nature of
first of many inappropriate comments
so put aside your personal biases
the painful and confronting procedures
he was to hear during his long road to
and fears, and assist a person’s
he faced, or the psychological impact
recovery.
coping mechanisms when they
of the damage to his face.
37
expression had taken him straight back
to the night of the shooting.
Snr Sgt Green began to recognise
that certain events triggered difficult
periods for him. The first significant
event occurred when Parodi’s body was
found three weeks after the shooting.
Parodi had committed suicide within
24 hours of the incident, and when Snr
Sgt Green tried to ascertain details of
the investigation, he was angered and
stressed at the difficulty he had.
Other difficult times for Snr Sgt
Green occurred when there were
police shootings, when he sensed a
lack of support from his colleagues,
when relationships failed, and on the
anniversaries of the shooting.
At work, Snr Sgt Green often felt like
The job on QPrime.
he was just going through the paces.
He felt he did not connect with his
“Snr Sgt Green was very concerned that his
workmates thought he had ‘just lost a couple
of teeth’.”
LESSONS
activities he used to enjoy no longer
• Be mindful of what you do not see.
had a positive effect. He also suffered
If someone you are supporting is
from anger, tension, and anxiety. He
going through a procedure, you
had problems with his relationship,
might want to talk to them about
he couldn’t sleep, and he had startled
it, ‘Google’ it, and find out how
response.
significant the operation is from
their perspective.
• Offer ongoing support. A
traumatised person may refuse your
first offer of assistance, but they
may very well accept your second
or third.
MENTAL HEALTH
“A friend called
‘shotgun!’ to claim a
front car seat, and Snr
Sgt Green jumped and
became very anxious
and alert.”
Prior to the shooting, Snr Sgt Green’s
workmates, and often ate lunch after
everyone else.
He knew he wasn’t functioning at 100%
at work, but he wasn’t functioning at
100% anywhere else, either, and he
faced criticism about his motivation.
This criticism of course increased his
stress and depression, and he felt
isolated and unsupported.
He decided he would have to leave the
Service, but felt he had no significant
skills to offer outside the QPS. So
Snr Sgt Green enrolled in a masters
degree in finance, and his life became
about commuting, working, and
studying: nothing more.
He was miserable. He hardly ever
smiled, because he tried not to show
his missing teeth, and also because he
friends described him as outgoing,
One particular incident occurred when
happy, joking, and fun to be around.
he and a few mates were walking
He had never suffered from poor
towards a vehicle they were about to
mental health, had never consulted a
climb into. It was nighttime, the car
psychiatrist or psychologist, and there
was parked in a cul-de-sac (similar to
was no history of mental illness in his
Hanbury Street), and a friend called
family.
‘shotgun!’ to claim the front car seat.
After the shooting, Snr Sgt Green
Snr Sgt Green jumped and became very
just: have shower, make coffee,
began to suffer from depression. The
anxious and alert, because this simple
check e-mail.
38
was genuinely unhappy.
LESSONS
• For people who have been through
trauma, on some days it is difficult
to put one foot in front of the other.
Creating simple ‘to do’ lists each
day can be beneficial, even if it’s
• Seek professional medical care and
medication if required.
• Talk to others who have been
• Seek help early
when he had to complete a finance
exam during work hours.
• Do not bottle up problems – talk
Insp Stevenson’s initial support helped
through similar experiences; it
Snr Sgt Green to recognise other
will help to was normalise your
supportive colleagues, such as then
situation.
Snr Sgt Mark Harvey, and slowly, over
• People who are struggling may try
to hide their emotions, so take the
the following years, he felt he ‘began
to regain control of [his] life’.
BREAKTHROUGH
By 2006, Snr Sgt Green was at breaking
point.
‘I was looking at throwing everything
away,’ he says, ‘the weight of
study, commuting, no relationship,
comments affecting me, normal work
pressures, and no light at the end of
the tunnel. All of this was weighing
heavily on me.’
Then Snr Sgt Green’s new Inspector,
Dave Stevenson, asked him if he
wished to give a presentation about
the shooting, a request which came
via a PROVE facilitator. Snr Sgt
Green was surprised, because few
workmates had ever spoken to him
about the incident.
“People who are
struggling may try to
hide their emotions,
so take the time to
ensure they really
are as ‘fine’ as they
say they are.”
• Actively choose your attitude to
events
manage them
“He hardly ever
smiled, because he
tried not to show his
missing teeth, and
also because he was
genuinely unhappy.”
• Practice self-care
• Realise that the world is not a fair
place – concentrate on the future to
make the best of any situation
TODAY
In March 2010, Snr Sgt Green was
promoted to Senior Sergeant at
the isolation I felt, the burden on
my parents, no career, insensitive
under stress
• Learn your triggers so you avoid or
time to ensure they really are as
‘fine’ as they say they are.
• Do not make significant decisions
He completed his Masters of Finance,
completed a successful EIO for Acting
Senior Sergeant for 12 months, and
moved to his own apartment.
Policelink, and a newspaper article
commemorating the tenth anniversary
of the shooting led to the finalisation
of his criminal compensation after a
five year battle.
ACCEPTANCE
I was trying to get back to the old Daryl
Green, but in 2009 I accepted I was a
new Daryl Green when I exited that
police vehicle after being shot. This
had been the advice from mental heath
professionals all along, but I could not
accept it for years. I accepted I had
“Despite significant
trauma, with the right
kind of support, it is
possible to recover and
remain on the job.”
changed as a result of the shooting.
The core Daryl Green—my values and
character—was still there, but there
were things about me that were new.
He is now working as a Senior
Sergeant in the Policy Unit of the
Office of the Commissioner. He is
Some bad, but some good too, and I
certainly feel I’m a wiser person from
this experience.
I realised we are our experiences,
for good or bad. This was just
another experience, a very traumatic
experience, but there is no way to
He agreed to the presentation, and
began to talk to Insp Stevenson not
only about the shooting, but about the
difficulties he was facing.
Insp Stevenson became a great
support for Snr Sgt Green, regularly
erase it from my history.
I have certainly grown with this
experience, and I can say I would not
have the understanding or support
skills I have now if it was not for the
event and subsequent journey.
chatting to him when he seemed
LESSONS
troubled, and also offering practical
• Be proactive to recover and cope
assistance such as covering for him
with adversity
Snr Sgt Green graduates with a Masters of Finance.
39
focused and motivated at work,
of support, it is possible to recover
enjoys running and skiing, and takes
and remain on the job.
off on holidays overseas at every
opportunity.
Snr Sgt Green hopes his story of
incredible resilience can help others
Snr Sgt Green enjoys giving his
who may be in need of a little
presentation about the shooting,
resilience of their own.
because he is keen to impart what he
“I would not have
the understanding
or support skills I
have now if it was
not for the event and
subsequent journey.”
If you would like more information
about the presentation, or wish to make
an enquiry regarding Daryl speaking to
an internal or external audience, please
contact QPS Workplace Wellbeing
manager Eve Gavel and Daryl by
e-mail: resilience@police.qld.gov.au.
has learnt about resilience through his
long road to recovery.
His delivery is honest, harrowing,
and inspiring as he discusses the
shooting, the physical and mental
health issues he has had to overcome,
and ultimately proves that despite
significant trauma, with the right kind
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FIANL QLD Police Journal wDisclaimer.indd 1
13/02/2012 12:04:59 PM
Day in the Life of
, Sunshine Coast Dog Handler
By Andrea Appleton
There are six QPS dog handlers based at Specialist Services
North in Coolum, and Senior Constable Dan Hayward has been
labeled ‘the face of the Sunshine Coast dog squad’ by the other
five. Snr Const Hayward earned this tag after being in the paper a
few times, and also because he regularly volunteers to do a bit of
PR with school kids and community groups.
‘I always seem to be the one doing
lectures to the kids, and the boys love
giving me a bit of stick,’ he says. ’So
please don’t make me sound like an
idiot in the Journal; otherwise, I’ll
never hear the end of it.’
Snr Const Hayward hasn’t always
wanted to be a dog handler, or in fact
even a police officer. When he was in
high school, he thought he would end
up as a lawyer. However, an incident at
a party during his final year of school
saw him sitting in a court room being
interrogated by a defence lawyer.
“He’s very good at
what he does. His only
weakness is the guy at
the end of the lead.”
Snr Const Hayward poses with Odin for the paper.
Photo by Cade Mooney
‘I was the one who was assaulted,
and spent his first year in Gympie
Snr Const Hayward completed his
I got punched in the head, yet
generals. He was then transferred
dog course in Brisbane in 2008 from
everyone was attacking me,’ Snr
to Redcliffe and was in general
February through to May, and has
Const Hayward says. ‘I really didn’t
duties there for seven years. While
like how the defence lawyer operated,
in Redcliffe, Snr Const Hayward
been a dog handler on the Sunshine
but the investigating officer, Shane
came into contact with the two dog
Campbell, was a good guy. I think
handlers stationed there.
he’s a Detective Sergeant in homicide
now, and he’s the reason I’m a police
officer. I decided I wanted to be the
‘Damien Chapman and Jason Austin
were the inspiration behind me
Coast ever since. His dog Odin has
lived with him since he was eight
months old, and he is now five years
old.
becoming a dog handler,’ he says. ‘I
‘He’s very good at what he does,’
liked the way they worked, and they
Snr Const Hayward says. ‘His only
Snr Const Hayward graduated from
seemed to enjoy their job. Plus, I love
weakness is the guy at the end of the
the Academy in November 2000
dogs, obviously.’
lead.’
good guy, and not the bad guy.’
42
Photo by Jason Dougherty
SO THAT’S SNR CONST HAYWARD’S
BACKGROUND; WHAT ABOUT ODIN’S?
program, and they are tested and
agility. As a novice handler, that’s
trained by Reg Worth, the puppy
where I learnt how to do it all as well.’
Odin is a pedigree German Shepherd
development officer, and Dean Hansen
from a working line pedigree. There
and Steve ‘Chirpy’ Palmer. When the
are two different lines of German
dogs are still puppies they are fostered
Shepherds: the show line (the
out, mainly to police officers.
in colouring). Working German
Shepherds are bred to track and hunt.
A dog must have particular traits
to be chosen to start the police dog
course. They have to be bold, and
not take a backward step if they’re
threatened.
They need to have a strong retrieval
drive, and they need to be scentdriven rather than visual; they have
to use their nose to find things rather
than their eyes.
Odin was one of the last dogs
purchased from a private breeder
before the puppy development
program commenced, but
occasionally a breeder or a dog
and Odin rode with another dog
handler for six weeks before
qualifying to go out on their own.
traditional tan and black saddle
look), and the working line (darker
After the course, Snr Const Hayward
“Odin has to qualify
every year in tracking,
obedience, building
search, and bite work.”
They also undertake ongoing
training throughout their careers;
every six months there’s a regional
assessment, and every 12 months
there’s a statewide assessment. Odin
has to qualify every year in tracking,
Snr Const Hayward raised Odin at
obedience, building search, and bite
his home from the time he was eight
work.
months old, and did some basic
‘The most important is bite work,’
training with him. Every couple of
says Snr Const Hayward. ‘He needs
months, Odin attended the puppy
program and was tested to determine
whether he had a strong retrieval
drive, whether he was using his nose,
and whether he was going to bite.
Odin passed all his preliminary puppy
tests and started his dog course with
Snr Const Hayward in February 2008
when he was 16 months old.
“The testing is to
make sure we’re in
control of the dog,
and that they bite on
command, or to defend
themselves or us, not
just instinctively.”
owner with a troublesome dog in
‘A good time to start the course is
their backyard will donate a German
when they’re 16-18 months old,’ says
Shepherd to the program. They are
Snr Const Hayward. ‘They do a 14
only accepted if they exhibit the traits
week course, and that’s when they’re
that the QPS requires.
taught how to track.
Most police dogs nowadays come
‘They’re also taught bite work,
need to know how to bite and release
from the QPS puppy development
building searches, obedience, and
on command.
to be proficient, because dogs are a
use of force option. They can cause
serious injury when they bite people,
and it needs to be justified. They
43
have a lot of people going hiking and
getting lost.
‘We also search for young kids who
go wandering away from home, or
the elderly who have dementia and go
missing.
‘Of course, we also have to look for
people who go missing on purpose:
suicidal people who may wander off
with a piece of rope, or a knife. This
is my least favourite sort of job. It’s
creepy.’
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR STICKIEST
SITUATION?
Snr Const Hayward lists one such job
as one of his stickiest situations.
‘Last year, a girl came stumbling
At home with Odin.
out of the bush in the middle of the
“I remember when I was a general duties officer,
it was a good feeling when we were dealing with
an angry man and the dog squad turned up.”
night,’ Snr Const Hayward says. ‘She
collapsed on the side of the road and
some passersby found her. She had
cuts all over her and she kept saying
she was with another guy.
‘There are different exercises that
jobs as first response, as well as
we do: a leave (a bite and let go on
backing up general duties police,’ he
command), a handler assault (where
continues.
the ‘bad guy’ pushes the handler over
and the dog breaks and bites their
hand), and there’s a recall (where the
handler sends them in over a long
distance and calls them back halfway:
they have to stop and turn around
and come back to us).
‘She said he was up there and that
we had to find him because he had
hurt himself. For hours, we tried to
‘I remember when I was a general
find out exactly where she meant, and
duties officer, it was a good feeling
who this guy was.
when we were dealing with an angry
man and the dog squad turned up.
That usually calmed them down a bit,
when there was a big angry German
‘The CIB were there, and the Water
Police, and we had to search a big area
of forestry because he could have been
Shepherd in the back of the truck.
out in the bush bleeding to death.
sure we’re in control of the dog, and
‘We are also used a lot on weekends
‘I was searching with Mark Muddiman
that they bite on command, or to
for street disturbances, and parties,
from the Water Police, and we were
defend themselves or us, not just
to stir up and get rid of a crowd,’ Snr
starting to wonder whether the guy
instinctively.’
Const Hayward says.
actually existed when Odin picked
WHAT DO YOU SEE AS YOUR ROLE?
‘We need an Inspector’s approval
we discovered that he had been self
‘Our basic role is to track offenders
to get the dog out at parties (ie. to
deploy a dog in a crowd situation),
harming, and that he was deceased.
on foot who have decamped from
offences,’ says Snr Const Hayward,
but again, generally just us rocking up
‘I’d much rather be chasing after a
‘that’s our bread and butter. It might be
with the dog carrying on in the back
guy with a knife,’ Snr Const Hayward
an armed robbery, or a break and enter
of the truck does a lot to disperse a
admits. ‘Then you’ve got the
of a house or commercial premises. An
crowd. We’d only get the dog out if
adrenalin. It’s just creepy doing those
offender may have violently or sexually
police are in danger.
sorts of searches.’
‘Another role is searching for missing
Tracking armed offenders, though, is
‘Obviously, there are not dog jobs
persons,’ he says. ‘Some are missing
another sort of sticky situation that
every minute of every day, so we
by mistake. We’ve got the Glasshouse
Snr Const Hayward sometimes finds
spend a lot of time attending routine
Mountains up here, and we seem to
himself in.
‘Basically, the testing is to make
assaulted someone.
44
up his scent. When we got there,
‘Everyone else is running away,’ he
says, ‘and we’re chasing after them.
Recently, a McDonalds was robbed at
gunpoint, and I got information from
a security guard and police on the
scene that a male offender had run in
a particular direction.
“I put vest on, put a
harness on the dog,
and that’s it: we’re off
into the dark.”
‘I put vest on, put a harness on the
dog, and that’s it: we’re off into the
dark. It’s a pretty risky situation,
but it’s one that every dog handler
statewide faces quite regularly.
‘Then, if you do locate them, and
they’re armed with whatever, then
Happy Odin
Not-so-happy Odin
if they get the opportunity … and he’s
Noosa triathlon, or a party that’s gone
off into the dark chasing after him.’
bad: we go. We’re not just stuck in
you’ve got a standoff in the middle
WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT YOUR
JOB?
of the dark,’ Snr Const Hayward
Snr Const Hayward has a list a mile
continues. ‘You need to try and get
long of aspects of his job that he
them to communicate with you.’
enjoys. He notes that he likes the
Snr Const Hayward found himself in
this sort of situation recently, with
Odin barking at the bottom of a tree,
and an offender 10 or 15 metres up it.
‘He wouldn’t come down until I
put the dog in the car,’ Snr Const
Hayward said. ‘He’d obviously been
bitten by a dog before.
one spot.
‘Because of this, we have a good
relationship with the other specialty
units up here: the Tactical Crime squad,
the CIB, the Water Police, and our DDOs.
adrenalin of crashing through the
bush ‘chasing that guy who just
‘We get great support from the
robbed McDonalds’, but he says the
training cell in Brisbane, too,’ Snr
best part of his job is getting to work
Const Hayward says. ‘Reg Worth,
with his best friend every day.
Steve Palmer, and Dean Hanson are
“There’s nothing more satisfying for me than
when it’s clear that if it wasn’t for my dog, an
offender would have got away.”
‘I found out 20 minutes later that
he has warnings for being armed,
‘I’m a big dog and animal lover, and
only a phone call away if we ever
and that he has been found in the
Odin doesn’t talk back,’ he says.
need help with the dogs.’
‘I also get to work with five mates in a
Snr Const Hayward is also appreciative
Snr Const Hayward points to the fear
small office,’ he continues. ‘We’re all
that he has to do less paperwork
of the unknown.
around the same age, and we all get
than his OIC and many other police
along really well, including my boss,
sections, that his roster is a consistent
Sergeant Craig Law. We have good
eight days on, six days off, and that he
bosses up here, and our boss Inspector
has great job satisfaction.
possession of a sawn-off shotgun.’
‘When you’re chasing someone, you
don’t know who you’re chasing,’ he
says. ‘It could be Mr Cleanskin, or it
could be this guy who was wanted on
Dave Drinnen is very supportive.
‘There’s nothing more satisfying
‘Also, we’re a District resource,
for me than when it’s clear that if it
meaning that we’re responsible
wasn’t for my dog (who’s my best
for Pomona to Beerburrum, and
mate and who I trained), an offender
everything in between,’ Snr Const
would have got away,’ Snr Const
Hayward says.
Hayward says.
Const Hayward says. ‘Someone’s just
‘Any policing event in the District,
‘When you find someone hiding
shot a cop, and they could do it again
whether it’s a bikie tattoo show, the
under a house, or up a tree, and they
three return to prison warrants.’
‘Wayne Algie, the dog handler down
the coast who chased after and
caught the guy who shot Damian
Leeding: now that’s true bravery,’ Snr
45
would have got away otherwise, then
Besides the inevitable mortality,
‘I like to go to the beach, and I like
that’s really good job satisfaction.’ the only other aspect of the job that
to surf. I also go to the gym. I like
Snr Const Hayward finds difficult to
to have a few beers with my mates,
handle is the need to get to incidents
watch the footy, that sort of stuff.
WHAT DON’T YOU LIKE ABOUT IT?
‘The idea of your dog having to retire,
or passing on, is pretty scary,’ Snr
as quickly as possible.
‘I exercise Odin on my days off,’ he
Const Hayward admits. ‘You just get
‘The faster we get somewhere, the
continues. ‘I take him walking, and
so attached to your dog, because
more chance there is of catching the
swimming, and we go to the beach.
without them, we’re pretty useless.
And, of course, I spend time with my
“I’ve got one of the
best jobs in the world.
Sunshine Coast dog
handler: doesn’t get
much better than
that.”
So when they’re sick and in pain, it’s
not much fun.
‘I used to take Odin running for
general fitness, but because he’s
getting a bit older, I am starting to
look after his joints a bit more,’ he
says. ‘It’s usually joint problems, or
arthritis, that makes them unable to
do their job. Once it’s unable to be
bad guy,’ Snr Const Hayward says.
managed, and they’re in pain, then we
‘So we try to go everywhere fast,
retire them. It’s usually when they’re
and because of that, I’m not a fan of
about eight or nine, depending on a
unmarked speed cameras!’ friends and family.
‘I’ve got one of the best jobs in the
world, I reckon,’ Snr Const Hayward
says. ‘Sunshine Coast dog handler:
doesn’t get much better than that.
Maybe a professional surfer … or a
Formula 1 driver … that’d be the only
job that I’d want to do more!’
lot of different factors.
‘Handlers usually keep their dogs,’
WHEN YOU’RE NOT AT WORK, WHAT
ARE YOU DOING?
says Snr Const Hayward, ‘and I’ll keep
‘I live on the Sunshine Coast, which
Odin until the day he dies.’
is paradise,’ Snr Const Hayward says.
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46
The QPU Makes a Meal at
Ronald McDonald House
by Mick Barnes
The Queensland Police Union will this year be a part of the many
organisations, businesses, community groups, and individuals
who have entered into a partnership with Ronald McDonald House
at Herston.
a local level. It is the Union’s hope
that we can completely refurbish one
room to better serve the needs of our
community.
At the QPU Conference in May,
the Conference delegates, executive
members, and guests raised $3,000
to start our campaign to ‘Adopt a
Room’ at the Ronald McDonald
House, Herston. Many of the rooms at
Herston require major refurbishment,
and these funds need to be raised at
The room sizes vary and contain from
two to four beds, a TV, a phone, and an
ensuite. Families must provide their
own personal clothing, toiletries, and
grocery items, and meals are made
in one of two communal kitchens.
Lockable food pantries and fridge and
freezer space are allocated to each
family.
To demonstrate the QPU’s commitment
to Ronald McDonald House, we
“It is the Union’s hope that we can completely
refurbish one room to better serve the needs of
our community.”
participated in the ‘Make a Meal’
program. The program provides the
opportunity for corporate teams and
individuals to volunteer at the House.
One Wednesday in June, QPU staff
and elected officials provided a homecooked meal for Ronald McDonald
House occupants in Herston. With this
program, families can enjoy a meal
without financial or time constraints,
and can also interact with other
families and volunteers if they wish to.
There was certainly no fear in
interacting, and I know that I was happy
47
to have met the wonderful staff and
residents of Ronald McDonald House.
I have to tell you the day was not what
I expected. Yes, there was hard work in
the kitchen preparing meals and then
serving at dinner time, but there was so
much love, good cheer, and downright
friendliness and appreciation despite
the fact that many had spent the day
in hospital, returning to the House
exhausted.
One resident of the House stated that
it’s as if the House is magic, and that
when you enter it a magic wand is
passed over you, transforming you
into a happy, sharing, and appreciative
person. Despite the troubles you may
be facing, you know there are family
and new friends to support you at the
House.
48
Ronald McDonald House at the Royal
Brisbane and Women’s Hospital (and
close to the Royal Children’s Hospital)
offers a ‘home away from home’ for the
families of seriously ill children who are
being treated at local medical facilities.
It allows families to stay together in a
home-like environment at a fraction of
the cost of a motel room, for as long
as they need to. It works to preserve
family unity in the midst of physical,
emotional, and economic adversity. It
also offers parents the chance to draw
hope and comfort from other families
in similar situations.
There is no means test for families
to stay at Ronald McDonald House.
They open their doors to families who
live 50 or more kilometres from the
RBWH or RBCH whose child or baby is
undergoing medical treatment at the
nearby hospitals.
They also cater for pregnant mothers
and their families who have to travel to
Brisbane for medical treatment. There
“One resident of the House stated that it’s as if
the House is magic, and that when you enter it a
magic wand is passed over you, transforming you
into a happy, sharing, and appreciative person.”
have been police families who have
used these facilities.
The House can accommodate up to
50 families in comfortable, private
accommodation. Six rooms are fully
contained, making them ideal for
out-patients requiring semi-isolated
facilities.
There are playrooms with toys, games,
books, televisions, a video and DVD
player, and an outside play area
securely fenced for safety. There is ‘The
Shack’ beach hut, an adolescent activity
room for 10-17 years olds. There are
also lounge rooms and family rooms
for reading and meeting friends.
Although this night was to benefit the
residents of Ronald McDonald House,
it truly ended up as a benefit to those
who volunteered for the event.
This experience of cooking together
provided a medium of team
building and bonding, showing how
cooperation and teamwork make for a
more motivated, efficient, and highperforming team. Little did we know
that the night would be fun!
The interaction with the residents
and staff members made all of us
realise that the problems we may have
personally are nothing compared to
what is going on in this special House.
So what was on the menu when the
QPU made a meal?
Under chef Chris Featherstone’s
guidance, the QPU team delivered trays
of chicken, mushroom, and bacon bake
with smashed roast potatoes and minty
peas and carrots.
Shayne Maxwell (Metro North Regional
Rep and QPU Vice President) greeted
all of the residents promptly at 5:30pm
with a wonderful and slightly spicy Thai
pumpkin soup.
The team followed up the meal with
lovely tiramasu and vanilla ice cream
cups. It was easy to see that we came
“The interaction with
the residents and staff
members made all
of us realise that the
problems we may have
personally are nothing
compared to what is
going on in this
special House.”
“There are over 10,000 members of the
Queensland Police Union, and if each member
gave up purchasing just one cup of coffee, we
would have enough funds to complete the job.”
So now to the crux of the matter! We
need to raise funds to refurbish one
room. That means new flooring, new
painting, new bedding, new TVs, and
whatever else we can supply.
cup of coffee, we would have enough
funds to complete the job. This will not
only help the Queensland community,
but without a doubt it will help police
families in the future.
There are over 10,000 members of the
Queensland Police Union, and if each
member gave up purchasing just one
up with a winner in our menu, and that
all partaking truly enjoyed their dinner.
RMH staff stated that the QPU have
set the corporate bar high with their
fabulous meal, organisation, and
equipment brought in to assist the
night’s buffet.
49
The QPU ‘Make a Meal’ Team
(Back row, left to right: Rosemary Featherstone, Steve Mahoney, Wendy MacDonald, Carly Beutel, Ronald McDonald, Mick Barnes.
Front row, left to right: Chris Stephens, Shayne Maxwell.
Those not in photo: Chris Featherstone, Larissa Krasnoff, Aasha Venning, James Johnston, and Kaye Ellis.)
To make a donation to Ronald McDonald House, please direct debit:
50
Bank:
Westpac
BSB:
034-002
Acc No:
869645
Reference:
AUX No. 5000
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* Interest rate is variable. For the latest interest rates refer to our Interest Rate Schedule, available from QPCU. Bonus interest rate is capped at a maximum balance of $1,000,000. Limited to one
bonus saver account per member. QPCU’s General Information, Terms and Conditions booklet is available from QPCU and should be read before making a decision on whether to use this product.
Rate current as at 9 July 2012 and is subject to change at any time. Queensland Police Credit Union Limited (QPCU) AFSL No. 241413
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Police Recipes
Police Recipes
APRICOT AND COCONUT
BISCUITS
Makes 18
We’ve all been caught in the situation
where a phone call from out of the
blue announces a friend or relative
‘just popping in for a cup of tea’.
Rather than serve them stale crackers,
why not keep these simple ingredients
in your cupboard to enable you to
whip up a quick batch of biscuits
before they arrive?
This is a simple recipe that requires
only mixing, rolling, and then baking
for 8–10 minutes. All of this can be
achieved while you are madly dusting
and kicking things under the couch in
preparation for an imminent arrival!
All of this industrious activity will
certainly put you in the mood for
a cuppa, and a delicious biscuit to
accompany it.
What do I need?
What do I do?
TIP: To check if biscuits are ready, look
1)
Preheat oven to 190°C.
at the bottom rather than the top. If you
2)
Place almonds, flour, coconut,
sugar, and apricots into a bowl and
mix to combine.
wait until the top looks golden, you
• 1 cup flaked almonds
risk overcooking them. To check, lift a
biscuit so you can see underneath. The
• 1 cup self-raising flour
3)
Add butter and egg and mix again.
bottom should be deep golden. Cool on
• 1 cup desiccated coconut
4)
Shape two tablespoons of mixture
into flat rounds and place on
baking trays lined with non-stick
baking paper.
trays because the biscuits will continue
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¾ cup chopped dried apricots
• 125g butter, melted
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
5)
Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until
golden, and cool on trays.
to cook after you’ve removed them
from the oven.
Recipe source: www.donnahay.com.au
Do you have a favourite recipe that you’d like to share with members?
E-mail us at journal@qpu.asn.au
52
From the Archives
From the Archives
ON THE GOLD COAST, CIRCA 1954
A member of the Police Force takes notes from two young men amid the remnants of a pajama party on the Gold Coast,
circa 1954.
Source: John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland, Neg: 45714
Each month we will 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.
53
Book Review - The Sisters Brothers
Book Review
The Sisters Brothers
By Andrea Appleton
Even if you don’t know much about the American wild west, a few pages
of The Sisters Brothers will convince you that this is a Western with a
difference.
Sure, it has the hallmarks of a
classic Western tale: wild frontier
towns, prostitutes, brawls, casual
results in childish bickering between
the pair, and to Eli wondering whether
his heart is really in it.
violence, and encounters with
The story races along in short, sharp
innumerable strangers, most of
chapters, and Eli and Charlie run into
whom are down on their luck. Yet the
an array of characters who hold up
narrator of the tale, Eli Sisters, is no
their journey, including a weeping
ordinary Western character.
cowboy, a boss man with a penchant
Eli is the softer, bumbling half of
the notorious Sisters brothers, a
duo of hired guns employed by
the even-more-notorious mobster,
‘The Commodore’, to dispose of a
mysterious gold prospector by the
name of Hermann Kermit Warm.
for red bear pelt, and a prostitute
accountant. When they finally arrive
in San Francisco, Hermann Kermit
Warm has long since departed, yet
they discover enough about him
to form a grudging respect, and a
disquieting doubt in The Commodore.
Eli’s voice provides The Sisters
Their discovery leads Eli to further
Brothers with its quirkiness by
question his profession, and as
introducing contemporary insight
the brothers ride out to the gold
into an otherwise well-worn tale of
claims, they’re in dispute as to how
shady dealings and pistols at dawn.
to proceed. They agree on one thing
He revels in his discovery of the
only: that their adventure is not yet
toothbrush, maintains a tortured
over. And sure enough, when they
abstinence from a piece of cherry pie,
find their man at his claim, high jinx
and displays a remarkably un-manly
ensue. You never know who is going
concern for the welfare of his maimed
to pop out of the bushes next, or if
horse.
anyone at all is going to survive the
The Sisters Brothers is set on the
ordeal.
American west coast in 1851, smack
The body count is high, the humour is
bang in the middle of the Californian
dark, and the enjoyment is complete.
gold rush. What better time and place
The Sisters Brothers is a book for fans
to earn a living as a contract killer, as
and haters of Westerns alike, and Eli’s
Eli and his brother Charlie discover
lingering sentiments will leave you
plenty of enemies to dispose of,
wondering whether outlaws in the
fortunes to squander, and brandy to
wild, wild west were actually wild,
drink. Yet as the brothers travel from
wild men at all.
Oregon to San Francisco for the latest
job, Charlie’s promotion to lead man
54
Patrick DeWitt
Granta Books
London, 2011
RRP: $29.95
Police Living
Police Living
TACTICAL WATERPROOF BLUE LENS BINOCULARS
Ever found yourself inexplicably drawn to the end of a line waiting patiently behind a mounted, coinoperated pair of binoculars at a tourist attraction? Imagine if you could skip the queue and check out
the scenery with your own personal binoculars. These waterproof, blue lens binoculars are ideal for
making other tourists jealous, as well as seeing your horse round the final straight, keeping track of
your mates while out boating, and, of course, bird watching.
Features
Dimensions
11 x 10.5 x 4.5cm
• Nylon carry case with shoulder strap
Weight
400 g
• Large centre focus dial
Shell/lens
material
PVC/ optical glass
Magnification
8X
Objective lens
25 mm
• Coated lense
• Pop up eye cups for use with glasses
Primary activities Travel, marine,and sports
Warranty
12 months
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
journal@qpu.asn.au, and you might see yourself in the next Journal.
55
Out and About
Out and About
MORETON ISLAND
NOOSA FOOD AND WINE
FESTIvAL Senior Constable Gary McNeil from Noosa Heads Police Beat
Shopfront, Constable Jason Fogg from Noosa Heads Police Station,
Sergeant Paddy O’Hearn and Constable Ben Beadley from Redcliffe station spend two weeks on and OIC Noosa Heads Police Beat Shopfront Senior Constable Nic
Moreton Island over the school holidays.
Van Der Maat.
AT THE REDS, SUNCORP STADIUM
Senior Constable Brian Lovegrove from City police station.
56
Senior Constable George Price and Senior Constable Phil Bell from TCS City.
fee free
bonus
banking
^
At QPCU monthly account fees and transaction fees can be a thing of
the past – now that’s a bonus.
To find out more give us a call, go to our website or visit a branch.
^Applies to personal members who maintain an average monthly balance of at least $50,000 in loans/secured overdrafts or $20,000 in savings for each month. Fee free banking refers to standard
transaction fees and the Visa administration fee, other fees and charges may apply. For more information please refer to the Schedule of Fees and Charges brochure, available from QPCU. QPCU’s
General Information, Terms and Conditions booklet is available from QPCU and should be read before making a decision on whether to use this product. Queensland Police Credit Union Limited
ABN 79 087 651 036 AFSL No. 241413.
New Wage Rates
New Wage Rates
Members would be aware that all wage rates will increase by 3.5%
on 1 July this year, in accordance with the Queensland Industrial
Relations Commission (QIRC) Full Bench Wage Case decision.
This increase is the third and final increase pursuant to
this decision, with the parties due to commence Enterprise
WAGE RATES DETERMINED BY QIRC FULL BENCH
DETERMINATION CONTINUED
Bargaining negotiations for EB7 early next year.
Thankfully, the increases awarded to police and non-sworn
members by the QIRC are significantly better than the
current round of public sector wage offers, which are 2.2%
per annum, with a freeze on pay point progression.
The current government wages policy does indicate that
the next round of EB negotiations will be an uphill battle,
and we promise to provide all members with detailed
information prior to and throughout these negotiations.
The new wage rates applicable from 1 July are as follows:
WAGE RATES DETERMINED BY QIRC FULL BENCH
DETERMINATION
Queensland Police Service Determination – 2010
CONSTABLES AND NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS
Per Fortnight
Per Annum
1
2,981.10
77,775
2
3,073.60
80,188
3
3,135.10
81,793
SERGEANT
4
3,197.90
83,431
5
3,244.90
84,657
6
3,330.30
86,885
SENIOR SERGEANT
1
3,475.40
90,671
2
3,529.00
92,069
3
3,582.40
93,462
4
3,627.30
94,634
5
3,690.50
96,283
POLICE LIAISON OFFICERS, BANDPERSONS, ASSISTANT
WATCHHOUSE OFFICERS AND QATSIP MEMBERS
Per Fortnight
1/07/2012
3.5% Increase
OPERATIONAL STREAM
Per Fortnight
Per Annum
1
1,981.10
51,685
2
2,070.00
54,005
3
2,158.90
56,324
4
2,247.50
5
6
Level 3
CONSTABLE
PP1
1,786.50
46,609
PP2
1,827.50
47,678
PP3
1,869.60
48,777
PP4
1,913.00
49,909
PP1
1,995.70
52,066
58,636
PP2
2,060.10
53,747
2,336.30
60,952
PP3
2,125.50
55,453
2,405.40
62,755
PP4
2,190.50
57,149
PP1
2,248.00
58,649
1
2,473.90
64,542
PP2
2,323.00
60,605
2
2,530.70
66,024
PP3
2,398.40
62,573
3
2,588.90
67,543
PP4
2,473.50
64,532
4
2,648.70
69,103
PP1
2,582.40
67,373
5
2,709.30
70,684
PP2
2,651.20
69,168
6
2,771.60
72,309
PP3
2,720.00
70,963
7
2,835.50
73,976
8
2,900.70
75,677
9
2,967.30
77,415
SENIOR CONSTABLE
58
Per Annum
Level 4
Level 5
Level 6
Increase To Allowances
Increase To Allowances
various allowances will increase on 1 July for a range of reasons.
The new allowance rates are as follows:
OFFICER IN CHARGE ALLOWANCES
The Officer In Charge (OIC) Allowances
are directly linked to the wage rate
basis, the new on call rates are as
follows:
• On call on a day other than a rest
increases, so these allowances will
Day or PDO is $2.50 per hour (with
also increase by 3.5%. The new OIC
a minimum of four hours)
Allowances as from 1 July 2012 are as
follows:
• Category A is $117.80 per fortnight
or $3073.90 per annum
• Category B is $235.60 per fortnight
• Category C is $353.40 per fortnight
Members may recall that in the Full
Bench Wage Case, in addition to our
wages claim, the Union also argued
for an increase to the underlying
percentages that determine On Call
Allowances.
The rate for being on call on a day
‘other than a rest day or PDO’ was
4% of the Senior Constable 2.5 wage
rate, whereas the rate for being on
$4.28 per hour (with minimum of
four hours)
DETECTIVE, PLAIN CLOTHES, DOG
HANDLERS, SERT ALLOWANCES
The abovementioned allowances are
also linked to paypoint 2.5, so they
will also increase in line with the
1 July are as follows:
• Detective Allowance is $67.73 per
that the applicable percentage for
being on call on a rest Day or PDO
will increase to 12% of paypoint 2.5
as from 1 July this year. On that
TRAVELLING ENTITLEMENTS, COST
OF CONVEYANCE, PRISIONER’S
RATIONS, AND OVERTIME MEAL
ALLOWANCE
All of the abovementioned allowances
are based on Public Sector Directives
which are generally republished on
1 September each year, so there is no
change to these rates at this time.
• Dog Handlers Allowance is $325.12
per fortnight
• SERT allowance is $349.50 per
fortnight
CLOTHING, STOCKING, AND BUSH
PATROL ALLOWANCES
have a nexus with the ‘All Groups’
The Full Bench further determined
rate.
per fortnight
The abovementioned allowances
respectively as from 1 July last year.
increase in line with your own wage
• Plain Clothes Allowance is $54.19
paypoint 2.5.
percentages to 7% and 10%
are based on each individual officer’s
fortnight
call on a rest Day or PDO was 7% of
The Full Bench increased these
All of the abovementioned allowances
base rate of pay, so each of these will
• On call on a rest Day or PDO is
wage increase. The new rates as from
ON CALL ALLOWANCES
OSA, NOSA, SHIFT ALLOWANCES,
COVERT, SARCIS, ONE AND TWO
OFFICER STATIONS, PCYC, AND FTO
Brisbane CPI figure, so they increase
in line with that statistic. The new
rates as from 1 July are as follows:
• Clothing Allowance is $69.42 per
fortnight
• Stocking Allowance is $13.89 per
fortnight
• Bush Patrol (Swag) Allowance is
$13.63 per night
59
Australian Police
Golf Championships
By Sergeant Kim Nisbet, President of the Queensland Police Golf Club
RECOGNITION OF SERvICE
At the 2012 Australian Police Golf Championships held in Perth, a
special honour was awarded to Sergeant Peter Bylett from the Logan
District Traffic Branch.
Peter was awarded the
Australian Police Golf Championship
medallion. The medal is awarded
to a select group of members of
state police golf clubs who have
contributed time and energy to
“The club is open to
all former and serving
police, staff members,
and friends of police
and staff.”
the running and coordination
of the Australian Police Golf
Sergeant Bylett receives his medal.
Championships.
Peter joins Inspector Mark Jones
from Redcliffe District as the only
Queensland recipients of the award.
“The Queensland Police Golf Club plays the
Thursday after pay day at Nudgee, Carbrook,
Keperra, Redcliffe, and Oxley Golf Clubs.”
Peter is a life member of the
Queensland Police Golf Club. He was
the Vice Captain for five years (1987-
The Queensland Police Golf Club
If you would like further details,
1991) and has been club Captain since
plays the Thursday after pay day at
contact President Kim Nisbet on
1992.
Nudgee, Carbrook, Keperra, Redcliffe,
3246 8462 or Captain Peter Bylett
and Oxley Golf Clubs. Tee off is
on 3809 5251, or see the QPGC
usually around 11am.
website, http:/www.qpgc.org.au,
As part of his role, he is responsible
for the day-to-day running of the
or the Bulletin Board, http://
Championship, checking of scores,
A fixtures list is available on the
intranet.qldpol/qps/corpnet/
and presentations of prizes, a huge
websites below. The club is open to
clubs_assoc/clubs/golf/
job for over 280 golfers for four days.
all former and serving police, staff
members, and friends of police and
Queensland will be hosting the
staff. Cost is only $25 a game, plus
$30 annual membership. Golfers of
in 2015, with plans already underway.
all standards are welcome.
60
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61
Conflicts Of Interest
by Glen Cranny, Partner, Gilshenan and Luton Legal Practice, lawyers to the QPU and its members
Conflicts of interest have always been, and will continue to be, a
difficult topic for operational police. They most commonly arise in
relation to official police matters which involve a family member,
friend, or acquaintance of a police officer.
Such issues are frequently
encountered in small communities
where an officer is likely to be on
friendly terms with most of the
population.
charged with disciplinary offences for
conflicts of interest that may confront
acting in situations where there was
members.
an alleged conflict of interest.
The QPS Standard of Practice, section
17.1.4 HRM Manual, sets out the
Computer Checks
A special mention for computer
checks: we commonly see conflict of
interest situations arise in connection
“The first thing to remember when conducting
any computer check is that they are
100% traceable and 100% transparent.”
with them.
The first thing to remember when
conducting any computer check
is that they are 100% traceable
and 100% transparent. It is
Consider these examples:
• The officer at a one-officer station
receives an assault complaint
from a school student about his
neighbour, who is a teacher at the
local school.
• A police officer, whilst off duty,
receives a call from an old school
mate that has kept in touch on and
off for the last few years. He has at
times run foul of the law and ‘may
have a few overdue speeding fines
or something’. He wants to know
if he has any outstanding warrants
obligation on police to avoid such
conflicts, whether actual or apparent.
Unfortunately, the Standard provides
limited assistance for police in
handling such situations. It does say
this much:
Members are to avoid either actual
or apparent conflicts of interest in all
straightforward to ‘rebuild’ the
history of a string of computer
inquiries, and therefore rather easy to
ascertain what the particular modus
operandi for the check was.
Members should be fully aware
of section 17.1.16 of the Standard
of Practice – Improper Access or
“Always err on the side of caution and refuse to get
involved should there arise any hint of a conflict.”
challenges for the officers involved.
matters relating to their employment
with the Service. …[W]here a conflict
of interest does arise between the
private interests of the member and
the official duties or responsibilities
of that member, the member is to
disclose details of the conflict to their
supervising Executive Officer.
We are coming across an increasing
Reference should also be had with
Practical Assistance
number of situations where police
section 17.2 of the HRM Manual,
Dealing with a conflict of interest is
officers are being investigated, and
which outlines a range of potential
sometimes onerous. First, one has
and asks the officer to check for
him.
What would you do? Situations
like these have occurred in recent
times and have thrown up various
62
Use of QPS information, which
provides that the use of the QPS
information database should only
ever be for ‘official purposes’. The
section is strongly worded and, in our
experience, breaches are heavily dealt
with.
to be detected, and then properly
Pass the matter on to another officer
dealt with. Applying a common sense
to take appropriate action, indicating
approach will usually avoid any
it would be safer (and smarter) for
negative outcomes should there be
you not to become involved.
an investigation into your conduct.
You should always make notes of
There are a few simply rules which
such actions so that you are able to
can make life much easier for you. Our
refer to them at a later stage should
advice is to consider the following.
you ever be questioned about what
“Applying a common sense approach will
usually avoid any negative outcomes should
there be an investigation into your conduct.”
Always err on the side of caution and
you did to resolve the perceived
refuse to get involved should there
conflict.
arise any hint of a conflict. If in any
doubt, stop to consider the following
Finally, if in doubt, contact your Union
options.
on 3259 1900 or Gilshenan & Luton on
3361 0222, and we will endeavour to
You can report the possible conflict,
assist you with your problem.
and seek guidance from a superior
officer as to what to do.
63
Are You Proud to be an WHS Committee Member?
Are You Proud to be a
WHS Committee Member?
By QPU Workplace Health & Safety Committee
Health and Safety Committee meetings help to meet an obligation
under the model Work Health and Safety (WHS) Act to bring
together workers and management to assist in the development
and review of health and safety policies and procedures for the
workplace. Should be a good thing, right? Right!
Yet time and time again, the Union
observes token gestures of the QPS to
meet their legal requirement to consult
and to have proactive participation
by the duly elected Health and Safety
Representatives (HSRs) within the
A safe workplace is more easily
achieved when everyone involved in
the workplace communicates with each
other to identify hazards and risks, talks
about any health and safety concerns,
and works together to find solutions.
parameters of a work Health and Safety
The Act ensures genuine worker
Committee.
representation and clearly defines
The functions of the Health and Safety
Committee are to facilitate cooperation
between the person conducting the
business and workers in instigating,
the constitution of a Health and
Safety Committee. At least half of all
Committee members must be workers
who are not nominated by the QPS.
developing, and carrying out measures
If there is an HSR in the workplace, they
meetings that are nothing more
designed to ensure the workers’ health
may choose to be a member of the
than a management meeting with
and safety at work.
Committee. The boss does not choose
attendance by HR Managers, Finance
Managers, SASOs, District Officers,
“A safe workplace is more easily achieved
when everyone involved in the workplace
communicates with each other to identify
hazards and risks, talks about any health and
safety concerns, and works together to find
solutions.”
and Trained Safety Advisors (TSAs).
(TSAs are appointed to the position by
management with little or no input from
the employees through their HSRs.)
To avoid conflict of interest, any
person(s) employed in a managerial
position (supervisors, managers, etc)
should not be regarded as employees
This Committee should assist in
whether the HSR can or cannot be a
in relation to determining the
developing standards, rules, and
member of the Committee.
membership of Committees, unless a
procedures relating to health and
safety that are to be followed or
complied with at the workplace.
According to a legislative Fact
Sheet from Safework Australia, the
remaining membership is to be agreed
The Committee can also take on
between the QPS and the workers
other functions as prescribed under a
in the workplace. So why isn’t that
majority of non-managerial employees
decide that it is reasonable to treat a
particular manager or supervisor as an
employee.
It is important to acknowledge that
happening?
there are some regional QPS Health
a legal requirement and is an essential
As the Union has observed, there are
their responsibility, and you can see
part of managing health and safety risks.
regional Health and Safety Committee
that these Committees demonstrate
regulation or agreed between the QPS
and the Committee. This consultation is
64
and Safety Committees that do meet
Are You Proud to be an WHS Committee Member?
effective health and safety consultation
that provides greater awareness,
commitment, and positive working
relationships that strive for a healthy
and safe work environment.
“It is very sad that
some active and
committed WHS
Committees are having
their membership
reduced without
consultation.”
It is very sad that some active and
committed WHS Committees are
having their membership reduced
without consultation.
It is also sad that HSRs’ entitlement
to spend reasonable paid work time
attending meetings and carrying
“The Union observes token gestures of the
QPS to meet their legal requirement to consult
and to have proactive participation by the duly
elected Health and Safety Representatives.”
the issues within a workplace, of the
Long term meeting date setting
hows and whys particular decisions
can be organised and forwarded
are made considering the ‘reasonably
to roster clerks to ensure HSRs are
practicable’ rule, and it truly identifies
rostered to attend (either in person,
Actions like this do not facilitate
the control measures required or
teleconference, or videoconference).
cooperation between the QPS and our
actions to be taken.
out Committee functions has been
eliminated, thus diminishing the role of
the health and safety Committees.
members to maintain a safe working
The QPU will continue to actively
It is not difficult to have full participation
support full participation in WHS
in a WHS Committee. Strategies can be
Committees and continue to represent
The WHS Committee is a vital link
taken to promote active participations,
the interests of our members in work,
in establishing a workplace that
such as the use of teleconferencing or
health, and safety issues.
is healthy and safe. It allows for a
videoconferencing, which has proven
comprehensive understanding of
successful in some Regions.
environment.
Ph 3259 1900 (24 hours)
65
Firearms Training
& Breastfeeding Officers
By the QPU Women’s Advisory Committee and QPU Work Health & Safety Committee
As most female police officers know, Section 12.3.7 of the HRMM
once stated that ‘Pregnant or breastfeeding employees are not to
participate in firearms training’.
Despite using lead free
ammunition, the QPS did not want to
place officers who were either pregnant
or breastfeeding at risk of lead
from undertaking firearms training.
Lead is a metal obtained from mining
As a result of an agreement reached
lead ore, which is used in a number
following the QCAT action, the QPS
of forms including pure metal, alloys
was to review its firearm policy.
(mixtures of metals), and as lead
compounds. Lead is commonly found
exposure, and since the QPS relied on
In May 2012, the QPS advised Senior
private shooting ranges for firearms
Management that the provision
training, they were therefore unable to
preventing breastfeeding officers
control those environments.
from participating in firearms training
In 2011, a breastfeeding mother of
a two-year-old won an unlawful
discrimination battle in the Queensland
Civil Administration Tribunal when
had been removed from the Human
Resources Management Manual,
and that a new draft policy would be
finalised shortly.
she was told she would have to stop
It was noted that the decision to
breastfeeding if she wanted to return
participate in firearms training is to
to work.
be made solely by the breastfeeding
at firearm ranges due to the use of lead
“Breastfeeding officers
wishing to participate
in firearms training are
encouraged to seek
advice from their health
professional.”
in ammunition, either contained in the
“The decision to participate in firearms training is
to be made solely by the breastfeeding employee.”
projectile or in the propellant.
While the QPS uses lead-free
ammunition, all firearms ranges used
by the QPS across the state cater
The officer felt that the only issue
employee and that the employee could
to other organisations and private
of substance that inhibited her from
not be directed to participate.
individuals who use a variety of
returning to her substantive position
ammunition. Some of this ammunition
on a part time basis was the need to
In the interim, RETCs were advised to
complete a half-day weapons training
provide the breastfeeding officer with
course to re-qualify in carrying a gun.
‘Appendix A’, a document providing
Because the QPS has no control over
may contain lead.
information on lead, breastfeeding,
the types of ammunition used in these
Experts including the Australian
and lead at firearms ranges, along with
ranges or the ranges’ decontamination
Breastfeeding Director Robyn Hamilton
QPS-implemented control measures
processes, they understand that there
called on the QPS to produce evidence
to reduce the risk of lead exposure
is a risk of potential lead exposure for
supporting their policy of preventing
to as minimal a risk as reasonable
breastfeeding officers who participate
pregnant or breastfeeding officers
practicable.
in firearms training.
66
The potential of exposure to lead
When participating in firearms training
officer should change clothes before
is through contaminated dust and
on the range, the breastfeeding officer
going home, because there may be
dirt at the range, or gasses from
should follow the instructions of the
some contamination of clothing, and
other ammunition being used at the
OST Instructor. Where practicable,
this clothing should be bagged and
range while the breastfeeding officer
the OST Instructor will have the
washed as usual. The overglasses will
is present. Breast milk is a most
breastfeeding officer shoot on the
be provided by the OST instructor and
important food source for infants,
yet it can also be a pathway for the
excretion of toxic elements by the
breastfeeding mother. Lead levels
in breast milk are related to the lead
levels in the breastfeeding mother’s
“The QPS has implemented control measures
to reduce the risk of lead exposure to as low as
reasonably practicable.”
blood.
The rapid neurological development
firing line alone, so that they are
the gloves should only be warm when
of a child in their early years and
not exposed to the lead-containing
cleaning the firearm.
the ease with which they absorb
gasses expelled when other non-
and retain lead makes them more
QPS shooters are beside them.
vulnerable to lead exposure.
Additionally, the breastfeeding officer
A bag will be provided in the
will shoot on the firing line before
While nearly all research agrees that
anyone else has used the range
higher lead exposure is associated
that day, so there are less airborne
with poorer developmental
contaminants, and other lead in the
performance and behaviour, there is
ground or soil will have had its best
uncertainty as to the effects of low
chance to settle overnight.
appropriate disposal of the used PPE.
At the completion of the training
session, when the officer has vacated
the range, the PPE should be removed
and placed in the disposal bag. The bag
should then be disposed appropriately.
A second bag will be provided for
level exposure on a child’s abilities
and behaviour.
participation pack to ensure the
As the QPS cannot eliminate the risk,
clothing worn on the range.
they are providing the use of Personal
To prevent any possible ingestion or
Breastfeeding officers wishing to
Protective Equipment (PPE) to assist
absorption of lead dust, breastfeeding
participate in firearms training are
in reducing that risk of exposure. The
officers are expected to follow good
encouraged to seek advice from their
PPE is available from the Manager,
hygiene practices by thoroughly
health professional.
Health, Safety and Injury Management
washing their hands prior to leaving
the range and before eating and
“Breastfeeding officers are expected to follow
good hygiene practices by thoroughly washing
their hands prior to leaving the range and before
eating and drinking.”
drinking.
The QPU looks forward to reviewing
this new policy and consulting with
the QPS on its implementation. To our
members contemplating pregnancy,
or who are currently pregnant or
For those breastfeeding officers
Section. Prior to participating in the
about to return to work after maternity
choosing to participate in firearms
firearms training, the officer must
leave, we ask that you review the
training, the QPS has implemented
contact the Manager to obtain the
material provided by the QPS with your
control measures to reduce the
participation pack which includes the
personal health professional and make
risk of lead exposure to as low
PPE.
an informed choice based on your own
as reasonably practicable, and
needs and requirements.
officers should discuss these control
The PPE provided includes a P2 mask,
measures with health professionals
disposable overalls, overglasses, and
Contact members of WAC on:
when making the decision about
gloves. Where it is not practicable
wac@qpu.asu.au
whether to participate.
to provide disposable overalls, the
67
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: journal@qpu.asn.au
Dear Editor
It’s my sad duty to resign from the
QPU as of Friday 13 July, due to my
retirement from the QPS on that date.
I’ve been a proud member of both of
these organisations since early 1977,
when I was a wee whipper-snapper. I
must say that over the decades, it has
become a way of life: more than just
a job.
that you don’t like your efforts.
And the violence of the night is a
There’s only one thing to do about
policeman’s dreams of yesterday.
that: lift your game.
Verse 2
It saddens me to hear this sort of
rubbish, especially when I remember
our recent win in the Industrial Court
against a Labor Party who were the
only ones who knew the dire financial
status of our Queensland at that time.
If anyone out there thinks I’m
Fortunately, I’ve not needed the
services of our Union’s legal defence
for anything meaningful over the
years, but you may rest assured
that I wouldn’t have been without
membership for a second. It’s the
most valuable insurance I pay.
But we all know that’s not the real
point of our Union, don’t we?
‘Union’ – a number of persons, or
states, etc, joined or associated
together, for some common purpose.
I often think of this definition when I
hear my colleagues grumbling about
the Union, or asking (rhetorically)
what the Union has done for them.
Both of these statements point
towards an attitude of the Union
being a separate entity to themselves.
exaggerating, just have a look at
Another nightshift is in the bag as he
trudges to the station
Gives two dollars to a homeless man
and is grateful for his situation.
‘negotiations’ this time, and what’s
He ponders the policeman’s lot, a
potentially in store for us during our
lifetime filled with dangers
next round. I must say, I think you’ve
Thankless, yet rewarding, and he
got your work cut out for yourselves,
and I certainly don’t envy you.
ignores the glares of strangers
His sleep is often tortured and haunted
But, alas, the fight’s gone out of me. I
by the dead
think I’ve got too old for it all, and it’s
He tries a drink to clear their faces,
time to go.
‘cause he can’t face going to bed.
All I can say at this point is good
luck to all of you. Stay as safe as you
can, and as they say in the classics:
goodbye, farewell, and amen!
Verse 4
He remembers when he joined the job
and it seems an age ago
Young and strong, swearing an oath to
a Queen he didn’t know
Gary Phillips
Senior Const 3621
His Mother shed a tear as her son put
Cleveland Station
his life on track
(for the next fortnight)
An older man with pips on shoulders
shook his and slapped his back.
The Job
Verse 5
He’s seen carnage and abuse and dealt
Verse 1
daily with deceit
A lonely street sweeper trundles down
And he tries not to be suspicious of
the city street
everyone he meets
As it sweeps away the echoes of a
His loving wife tries hard to help him
thousand revellers’ feet
find that inner peace
A mournful siren wails as the night
But the only ones who understand are
fades away
the other police.
industrial environment. If we are not
rabble.
would like us to be: just a bunch of
Union, then in essence you’re saying
68
full of hatred and profanity
Verse 3
in our endeavours for a proper
pushovers. So if you don’t like the
And children younger than his own so
service comrades in their round of
we are the Union, ie. we are unified
I’m sure that’s what our management
he wonders about humanity
what’s on the table for our public
They (we all?) need to recognise that
unified, then we are just a group of
With heavy feet and a heavier heart,
Verse 6
Who’s seen things you’ll never see and
He thinks about his weekend off and
done things you’ll never do
his friend’s birthday celebration
Remember the horror of 9/11 and
He knows that once again he’ll lie
thousands running away
about his occupation
Remember the police running towards
The dreaded condescension from
it on what would be their final day.
some unknowing fool
Who hasn’t lived the life he’s led, or
By Tim Beard.
seen an angry man since school.
Verse 7
He’s given a lot to the job, a job he’d
never give away
Working Christmases, around the
clock, missing kids’ birthdays
They know him by name at McDonalds
and he rarely misses Dr Phil
He’s awake while you’re asleep,
hunting those who take and kill.
Verse 8
Next time you stare at one of us, see
the person behind the blue
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.
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69
Police Health
Police Health
by Peter Shanahan, Police Health Chairman
WHAT IS GOUT?
Gout is a painful condition
that affects the joints
(often occurring in the
joint of the big toe, ankle,
heel, knee, wrist, finger, and elbow).
Small, jagged, needle-like crystals of
uric acid form in and around the joint
causing inflammation, intermittent
swelling, redness, heat, pain, and
stiffness.
Gout attacks usually occur suddenly,
developing as quickly as overnight.
The website MyDr estimates that gout
is roughly nine times more common
in men than women and is most
common in middle age.
WHAT IS URIC ACID?
Uric acid is one of the body’s normal
waste products, and it generally
results from the breakdown of
purines (a normal part of human
tissue).
Purines are also found in many foods.
Normally, uric acid is dissolved in the
blood and passed through the kidneys
into the urine, where it is eliminated.
An increase in the production of uric
acid or the kidneys failing to eliminate
enough uric acid from the body
causes levels of uric acid to build up
and crystals to form.
Chalky deposits of uric acid, also
known as tophi, can appear as lumps
under the skin that surrounds the
joints and covers the rim of the ear.
Uric acid crystals can also collect in
the kidneys and cause kidney stones.
A person may have elevated levels
of uric acid in the blood, but no other
symptoms, until an acute attack of
gout occurs.
70
An acute attack commonly occurs
at night and can be triggered by
stressful events, alcohol, medication,
or the presence of another illness.
Attacks usually last around one to
two weeks, and the next attack may
not occur for months or even years.
Over time, however, attacks can last
longer and occur more frequently.
If gout is not managed, the disease
may cause permanent damage to the
affected joints and sometimes to the
kidneys.
RISK FACTORS FOR GOUT
There are a number of risk factors
associated with gout. They include:
Genetics - Many people with gout
have a family history of the disease.
Gender - Men, particularly those
between the ages of 40 and 50, are
more likely to develop gout than
women, who rarely develop the
disorder before menopause.
Weight - Being overweight, and
generally overeating, can increase the
uric acid levels in your blood.
Alcohol consumption - Drinking
too much alcohol interferes with
the removal of uric acid from the
body. You can still manage gout and
consume alcohol: you just need to
limit your consumption.
Diet - Eating too many foods that are
rich in purines can aggravate gout in
some people.
Crash Diets - Avoid losing weight
too quickly, as this can increase your
uric acid levels. Additionally, the
National Institute of Arthritis and
Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
cautions on low carbohydrate diets
that are designed for quick weight
loss. When carbohydrate intake
is insufficient, your body can’t
completely burn its own fat. As a
consequence, substances called
ketones form and are released into
the bloodstream, resulting in a
condition called ketosis. After a short
time, ketosis can increase the level of
uric acid in your blood.
Dehydration - Not drinking enough
water can lead to your kidneys not
functioning correctly, and thus a build
up of uric acid.
Other health problems - Including
renal insufficiency (the kidney’s
inability to eliminate waste
products), high blood pressure, and
hypothyroidism (an underactive
thyroid gland).
Medications - A number of
medications may put people at risk of
developing gout, including (but not
limited to) diuretics, aspirin, and the
vitamin Niacin.
HOW IS GOUT DIAGNOSED?
Gout may be difficult to diagnose
because the symptoms often mimic
other conditions, so it’s important to
get a diagnosis from a doctor.
To confirm a diagnosis of gout, a
doctor may look for uric acid crystals
in fluid taken from a joint. The doctor
may do a urine or blood test.
HOW IS GOUT TREATED?
With proper treatment, most people
who have gout are able to control
their symptoms.
Successful treatment can reduce
discomfort caused by the symptoms
of gout, as well as preventing and
minimising long-term damage to the
affected joints.
For an acute attack of gout, the most
common treatments are:
Police Health
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory
drugs (NSAIDs)
• Corticosteroid tablets or injections
• Cholchicine
The doctor may recommend
taking medication that lowers uric
acid levels in the blood, and also
recommend losing weight (for those
who are overweight), limiting alcohol
consumption, and avoiding or limiting foods high in purine.
WHAT CAN PEOPLE WITH GOUT DO
TO STAY HEALTHY?
Gout is very manageable. People with
gout can decrease the severity of
attacks and reduce their risk of future
attacks by taking their medications as
prescribed.
Acute gout is best controlled if
medications are taken at the first sign
of pain or inflammation.
Other steps you can take to stay
healthy:
• Tell your doctor about all the
medication and vitamins you take,
as some may be triggering the
gout attacks.
• Plan follow up visits with your
doctor to evaluate your progress.
• Drink plenty of non-alcoholic
fluids, especially water. Nonalcoholic fluids help remove uric
acid from the body. Alcohol, on
the other hand, can raise the levels
of uric acid in your blood.
• Exercise regularly and maintain a
healthy body weight. Lose weight
if you are overweight, but avoid
low-carbohydrate diets that are
designed for quick weight loss.
• Limit foods that are high in
purines, or that seem to trigger the
condition.
HIGH-PURINE FOODS
Arthritis Australia recommends you
get individualised advice from your
doctor or dietician before starting
a special diet for gout, but lists the
following as high purine foods:
• Meat - particularly red meat and
offal such as liver, kidneys, and
heart.
• Seafood – particularly shellfish,
scallops, mussels, herring,
mackerel, sardines, and anchovies.
• Foods containing yeast - such as
vegemite, beer, and most breads.
• Arthritis Australia also forewarns
that fructose (a type of sugar) can
increase uric acid levels.
WHERE TO GET HELP
• Your doctor
• Accredited registered dietician
Police Health pays benefits towards
health services provided by
recognised dieticians under Platinum
Health, Platinum Plus, and SureCover
Extras policies.
This article provides a general
summary only. Professional advice
should be sought about specific cases.
Police Health is not responsible for any
error or omission in this article. The
information provided reflects the view
of the organisations from which the
information has been sourced and does
not represent any recommendations or
views of Police Health.
Police Health | Ph: 1800 603 603 www.
policehealth.com.au
Information Sourced from: Virtual
Medical Centre, Arthritis Australia,
MyDr, Medline Plus, Better Health,
National Institute of Arthritis and
Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.
Ph 3259 1900 (24 hours)
71
QRPA
QRPA NEWS – JULY 2012
State Secretary: Jillian Steinkamp
When people ask former police, ‘Would you still like to be in
steinkamp.jillian@gmail.com
the job?’, invariably the response is ‘no’. This is not because
0411 401 596
of the actual job, but because of the apparent incessant
QRPA website: www.qrpa.asn.au
paperwork that is now required to be completed, keeping
Email: queenslandretiredpolice@gmail.com
MESSAGE FROM MICK O’BRIEN, STATE PRESIDENT,
QRPA INC
the police from their role outside the police stations. I also
note in the print media recently that there is a lot of criticism
from the legal fraternity regarding the unnecessary timeconsuming work forced upon them, the police, and the
By the time this newsletter reaches you, our state branches’
AGMs will have in the main been finalised for 2012-2013. I
know there will be some new blood in the ranks of branch
Executives. We are confident they will carry on the great
work of those retiring from their roles.
courts by the previous government’s ‘lock, stock, and barrel’
One branch in particular, the very successful Townsville
branch, will have a new President with Life Member Brian
Bensley deciding to stand down this year after 10 long and
dedicated years in the role. Brian, and his wife Carol, have
held the reins of Mr and Mrs President in Townsville during
a period that has seen the branch continue to grow.
Member Laurie Taylor and I met the Police Minister Mr
In Tasmania, Van Diemens Land branch held their AGM
under the auspices of their busy President/Secretary Andy
Beasant, who once again leads his team. I understand
Andy had a health scare recently which may tend to slow
him down a bit, if that is ever possible. His scare finished
up being caused by high blood pressure, which again is
not something you would think unusual for him. Closer to
home, our Near North Coast branch have also held their
AGM. I was pleased to attend and chair the AGM at Bribie
Island and can report that we again have a very good team
heading into 2013 under President Peter Berger and their
busy Secretary Sue Burgess. We look forward to receiving
the details of all the results of our branch AGMs.
I heard him address the new recruits at the Oxley induction
The opportunity for our members in the state’s south
east to assist at the Oxley Police Academy in role playing
for the new recruits is moving along nicely. Assistant
Commissioner Tony Wright advised that those participating
will be given training and become an integral part in the
development of the extra police recruits promised by the
current government. This will be a great opportunity for
former police to use the skills they have honed over their
years of service to be of benefit to future police officers.
For many years, retired officers worked in the ‘fish bowl’
at the Academy, passing on invaluable advice and ideas to
the recruits. Unfortunately, that role was passed on to the
government security people who naturally are of no use
whatsoever to the recruits who are studying the areas of law
and police duties.
present enjoyed his humour, including QPCU Vice Chairman
72
acceptance of the recommendations made in the Matthews
Report. So it will be interesting to see what happens when
that issue is further examined by the new Police Minister
and Cabinet.
Jack Dempsey at the Bowls Day at Bargara. He is a member
of the Bundaberg branch of the QRPA who left the job to
enter politics when stationed as a Sergeant at the PCYC in
Bundaberg. We are confident that the new Minister will do
well in his most important role.
ceremony in early June. He made a great speech to the
newly sworn police officers, reminding them that 25 years
ago he had also stood on the ‘scared acre’ to be sworn in to
the Queensland Police Service. It was his first appearance at
that ceremony as Police Minister.
I will now put my hat on as Chairman of the Board of
QPCU. When the Minister was addressing the recruits, he
mentioned that QPCU was a sponsor of the ‘Achievement
Award’ for recruits. He told the recruits they should all sign
up as members of the Queensland Police Credit Union. He
then turned to where I was seated, and to my surprise, he
said, ‘That’s what I was supposed to say, wasn’t it Mick?’ All
Laurie Taylor, CEO Grant Devine, and Executive Manager
Steve Waters. QPCU still maintains that it provides a better
lifestyle for members. Remember also that QPCU is the
major sponsor of QRPA.
One valuable addition to the QPS induction ceremonies is
the involvement of the Queensland Police Pipes and Drums.
Their playing remains ingrained in our memories, and what
would the ceremony be without them? As State President, I
often thank them for their consistent availability to perform
at police and retired police funerals. They have shortbread
biscuits in a suitably adorned tin for sale wherever they are
performing as a group. Please support them and buy a few
tins, as they use the funds for the operations of their band.
QRPA
The State Management Committee makes a donation to the
WHO CAN BE A QRPA MEMBER?
pipers each year on your behalf.
Some former police officers misunderstand the rules for
Our State Secretary Jill has précised the branch news in this
eligibility to join the Queensland Retired Police Association.
copy and it is with my sincere thanks that I acknowledge her
There is a mistaken belief that because a former officer did
great work. Hers can be a very busy job, especially when you
not ‘retire’ from the Queensland Police Service (or other
have other roles, as does Jill: she is a director of QPCU and
recognised police service), they cannot join the QRPA.
Executive Officer of the Queensland Police Commissioned
Officer’s Union. State Vice President Greg Early and I had
Eligibility for membership extends to former police officers
five years in the role and can vouch for it as being a busy but
who ‘resigned’, and of course, to former QPS public servants.
rewarding episode in our lives.
The financial report of the Association is being completed by
So when speaking with former colleagues, don’t forget
State Treasurer Len Bracken and will be made available to
to invite them to become members of the Association to
all members at the AGM of QRPA on 3 September. Please try
enjoy the camaraderie and fellowship the Association
to be present at the conference room at police headquarters
offers. Application forms can be obtained from your branch
on that day to hear the reports and vote on the nominations
secretary, the State Secretary, or the QRPA website at www.
for Life Membership of the Association.
qpra.asn.au.
You will read today of our members who have passed away,
and of those who have been having battles, large and small,
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
with ill health since my last report. Please keep them in your
Tuesday 10 July
thoughts and prayers, and please check with branch officials
11.30 for 12.15pm, Twin Towns Services
and take the opportunity to make contact with those who
Club, Tweed Heads
may be in need of the hand of friendship.
Enquiries to Neil Raward 5539 8392 or
I trust that our energetic welfare officers remain strong
neilraward@bigpond.com
and fit enough to continue their great work next year. They
do a wonderful job keeping in touch with people in their
QRPA Gold Coast Branch Annual Luncheon
Friday 20 July
Crime Stoppers Ipswich Race Day
branches, visiting members in hospital, and in some cases
12pm
taking the spouse of the ill member shopping. We may be
Bundamba
in that situation ourselves in due course, and I am sure we
$60 per head
would welcome a friendly face popping in to say g’day, or a
should make sure our part of that family are not forgotten
Saturday 21 July QRPA
Turf
Club,
Gladstone
Branch
Annual
Luncheon
11am, Golden Dragon Restaurant, 40
For all who have sent their best wishes and prayers for my
Tank Street, Gladstone
dear wife Therese, I can assure you she has recovered fully
Enquiries to Sharon Noy 07 4978 2664 or
from breast cancer and though she is still receiving radium,
snoy8990@bigpond.net.au
she is as positive and beautiful as ever.
Mick
Ipswich
1300 309 355
when they are in need our assistance.
God Bless and good health to all.
5pm,
Enquiries to Michelle or Jonathon on
friendly voice on the phone.
We are all a part of the worldwide police family and we
to
Friday 27 July
Reunion of past and serving members of
ES/TRG/SWOS/SERT
Brisbane city venue TBA
Enquiries to Dennis Peters on 07 3364
4062 or 0427 037 860
ANOTHER QPSM PRESENTED
Queensland Police Service Medals continue to be presented
to QRPA members. At a recent ceremony at the QRPA
General Meeting held on 4 June at Police Headquarters,
Life member and former Inspector Kevin William (Kev)
Mick O’Brien
O’Halloran proudly received his QPSM from Assistant
State President QRPA Inc.
Commissioner Paul Doyle.
73
QRPA
Senior—(over 65yrs and 10yrs financial membership)
Benjamin William Munford (Logan-Beenleigh)
BIRTHDAYS—90 and over
Vernon MacDonald, 91 years on 16.06.12
Royston Jones, 93 years on 24.06.12
Roy Hielscher, 93 years on 27.06.12
HAVE YOU CHANGED YOUR RESIDENTIAL OR EMAIL
ADDRESS?
To ensure you receive all QRPA communications, please
advise your branch secretary or the State Secretary on
0411 401 596 or queenslandretiredpolice@gmail.com of
your current contact details.
Assistant Commissioner Paul Doyle & Life member Kev O’Halloran
RECENT OBITUARIES—May They Rest In Peace
QRPA MEMBERSHIP FEES 2012/2013
Non-members—Former Senior Constable Jason Patrick
Members and senior members $20; veteran members $10;
associates $5
Harrington, May 2012, 43 years; former Detective Senior
Due to be paid by 1 July 2012
Inspector Neville Menelaws, 31.05.12, 68 years.
Pay (in the first instance) your branch treasurer, or
Family—Marie Roberts, wife of E W (Ted) Roberts, 26.5.12;
By EFT to BSB 704 052, A/C 1013730, reference your
name (NB: if using your QPCU A/C, simply transfer to A/C
1013730S1, reference your name), or
Romona Preston, wife of John Preston, service 31.5.12.
By cheque payable to ‘QRPA Inc’, posted to The State
Treasurer, QRPA, 48 Betheden Terrace, Ashgrove QLD 4060
Enquiries to your branch treasurer or State Treasurer Len
Bracken on 0438 661 392
Sergeant Peter Craig Wright, 14.05.12, 64 years; former
BRANCH NEWS
BUNDABERG
The Police Legacy Bowls Day turned out to be a great event
with perfect weather and bowlers supporting the day well. It
was great to see many serving police such as Superintendent
Rowan Bond and Det S/Sgt Joe Hildred attend. Mick O’Brien
POLICE HEALTH
and Laurie Taylor also made it up from Brisbane. President
Advice has been received from Police Health confirming that
eligibility for Police Health membership changed in 2007/08.
Those who are or were employed by the Queensland Police
Service or the police Unions at any time after 1 January 2001
are eligible, as are their partners, ex-partners, and children.
Bob Hayes thanked ticket sellers and other helpers on the
Police Health promote themselves as ‘looking after the health
insurance needs of the police community and their families’,
and offers very competitive rates. This may be of interest to
members who fall within their membership criteria.
to attend the wedding of their youngest daughter Debbie in
Enquiries to 1800 603 603 or visit www.policehealth.com.au
spots at Baffle Creek recently, although Roy says there is no
NEW MEMBERS & ASSOCIATES
Welcomed into the Association in June were:
Members—Monica Annette O’Mara (Brisbane), retired as
Senior Sergeant at Community Safety & Crime Prevention
Branch in 2011; George Anthony Nolan (Brisbane), retired as
Assistant Commissioner at Operations Support Command
in 2007; Carmel Marie Harris (Brisbane), retired as Sergeant
at Missing Persons Unit in 2010; Terence Tyler (Brisbane),
retired as Inspector at Office of the Commissioner in 2003;
Thomas James Andrews (Mackay/Whitsunday), retired as
Senior Detective from NSW Police, Task Force Group, in
1993.
day who made it go off without a hitch. The ‘Sandwich
Brigade’ got into the job early and had everything under
control in no time at all.
Bob and Cheryl Hayes set off soon after the charity bowls day
Brisbane. Bob looked like a chief executive decked out in all
his finery. Congratulations from all the Bundaberg branch.
Roy and Annette Moore have been checking out fishing
risk of the area being fished out by him. Neta and Grannie
Pearce attended the send-off for Det S/Sgt Terry Hanley in
Rockhampton. It was a great night, with serving and retired
stock squad officers attending from all around the state and
interstate. Russell and Mary Crook headed to Melbourne
to attend the first game of the 2012 State of Origin series.
Crooksie said this was a good enough reason to miss the
May meeting.
Welfare news sees Elwyn Jones recovering at home after
open heart surgery. Ron Rooke suffered a small dizzy turn
at Life member and retired Senior Sergeant Cec Bartlett’s
funeral. Retired police were well represented at the funeral:
QRPA MEMBERSHIP CERTIFICATES
Mary Waugh read the Ode, Bob and Grannie placed the flags
Veteran—(over 75yrs and10yrs financial membership)
Dudley Vernon Laird (Brisbane)
Kevin John Cocks (Rockhampton)
and cap, while serving officer Sergeant Geoff Fahey from
74
Childers read the Statement of Service. Cec was Officer in
Charge of Bundaberg when he retired.
QRPA
DARLING DOWNS
The West Toowoomba Bowls Club was again the venue for
the meeting on 10 May, with sixteen members attending.
The visit to the Oakey Army Aviation Museum went well.
A total of 20 people took part, including nine members and
wives. After the visit there was a very enjoyable lunch at the
RSL. A successful outing all round.
Members discussed the situation that former police officers
are barred from serving on juries in Queensland. It was noted
that the Sunshine Coast newsletter mentioned that some
members of the Association had in fact done so. [SS’s note:
The Queensland Law Reform Commission issued a Discussion
Paper on the Jury Act 1995 in 2010. QRPA made a submission
that the period of ineligibility for former police officers should
be limited to three years after separating from their Police
Service/Force. The Act has not yet been amended.]
GLADSTONE
In the absence of President Mike Fox who was away on
business, the June meeting held at the Royal Hotel, Mt
Larcom, was chaired by Senior Vice President Darryl Saw.
He welcomed visitors Danny McCann (son of members Keith
and Gail) and Stan Janus. Mal Nichols was acting secretary;
after performing the role of secretary from the branch’s
inception, Sharon has travel plans. Unfortunately, there are
no nominations or volunteers for the role at this time.
Welfare news noted Mike Ball will receive test results shortly
and members wished him well. Glen Josefski is well. Darryl
recently saw Alf Walker who is well. Gordon Jones advised
Heather is travelling okay.
An application for associate membership for Stanislaw
(Stan) Janus was proposed and supported. Stan worked for
Queensland Transport as a Senior Vehicle Inspection Officer.
Planning is underway for a Gladstone Coffee Cruise (10.30am
to 1 pm) aboard the Curtis Endeavour. This will replace a
monthly meeting. A tentative booking has been made for 5
September.
Warren Dinte (Sunshine Coast branch) is visiting Gladstone
on Tuesday 10 July. A lunch booking has been made at the
Dragon Garden Restaurant (40 Tank St) at midday. All are
welcome. The Dragon Garden Restaurant is also the venue
for the Branch’s Fourth Annual Luncheon (Xmas in July) on
Saturday 21 July, where frivolity and feasting will be the
order of the day. Make your bookings early.
GYMPIE
Between their April and June meetings, Gympie branch
members were ‘out and about’. President Laurie Pointing
reports travelling with some old bush mates to McKinlay,
north-west of Winton, where the township celebrated 150
years since the late explorer, John McKinlay, passed through
and opened up some valuable sheep and cattle country. A
statue of John McKinlay was unveiled, increasing the town’s
population from fifteen to sixteen.
Glen Durre travelled to Rangiora in New Zealand as part
of a 21 member team to compete in the 32nd Police &
Emergency Services Trap & Skeet Championships. NZ
turned on some wet and windy weather, which introduced
an added degree of difficulty to the competition. While in
NZ, Glen took the opportunity to take a 25km jet boat ride,
stop off at some NZ watering holes, and visit the largest
gun shop in the southern hemisphere: Gun City. Glen came
home with a silver medal while his travelling companion,
Viv Nolan (retired Toowoomba officer), received a sash and
a gold medal.
Welfare reports note that Laurie Pointing was hospitalised in
May with a severe chest infection but is back on deck feeling
much better. Secretary Norm Breen had a hip replacement
and after a wobbly start is on the mend.
HERVEY BAY
Twenty-six members of the branch gathered at the Hervey
Bay RSL on Tuesday 15 May for a meeting. President
Grahame Gronow welcomed members and visitors to the
meeting, including guest speaker David Mills, the President
of the local Community Radio 107.5.
Grahame thanked those attending the April barbecue at
Hervey Bay Gardens, and chef Teg Roberts for a great job,
Bevan Bradshaw for his usual high quality damper, and
June Close and Cynthia Guteridge for providing sweets.
Branch travellers: Merle Dickens has visited relatives in
Cairns. Gordon and June Close are in Seaforth, NQ. Trevor
and Gwen Trost travelled on the Ghan Railway (Adelaide to
Darwin). Bob and Dot Summers are on a tour boat between
Darwin and Broome. Bevan and Margaret Bradshaw are
travelling through NSW.
Welfare news noted Roger Barlow is out of hospital and
back in Hervey Bay. Trevor Trost received a clean bill of
health from his heart specialist. Col Bauer spent time in
the Brisbane RBH with heart problems. Merle Dickens is
experiencing back problems.
A contingent from Hervey Bay attended the Policy Legacy
Bowls Day at Bargara on 7 May. Thanks were expressed to
Graham Newman for putting together a team of bowlers to
compete in this event. All enjoyed the day.
IPSWICH
The normal May meeting of the Ipswich branch was
replaced by a BBQ at the cattle property of Matt and Elaine
Dale, which borders the western outskirts of Rosewood. The
homestead has been in the Dale family since the late 1880s
and has been beautifully restored to its former grace. We
were blessed with wonderful weather and Matt and Elaine
excelled themselves in putting on a spread that added
several kilos to each and every one of us.
Twenty-nine members and wives attended, and we
welcomed a prospective new member in former Inspector
John McRae, who has retired to a property at Mt. Walker
(close to Rosewood). Ken Morris, who travels from the Gold
75
QRPA
Coast to attend our meetings, found himself lost: again. It
appears nothing has changed from his policing days.
News was received at the meeting that Cliff Dieckmann had
spent time in the Ipswich General Hospital Isolation Unit
suffering from a virus. He has now returned home and is
slowly recovering. Arthur Zillman was an apology due to ill
health, while Arthur Edwards has received further treatment
in the Ipswich General.
We have a special event in July when we host a Ladies
Luncheon at Brothers Leagues Club, Ipswich, on Wednesday
the 11th. The cost is $25 per head, including drinks, and
the guest speaker is Lisa Jones, the Curator of the Police
Museum. She will present on the History of the Queensland
Police Service.
Seen at the BBQ—
The branch AGM will be held prior to the general meeting on
19 July.
MACKAY/WHITSUNDAY
What a height of activity our 21 April meeting at the Mackay
Buffalo Club was! We had record numbers attend, plus our
guest speaker Matt MacFarlane from QFRS bought along
his ‘team’, which consisted of five members. An official
welcome was afforded to new members Graeme Bensley
and Lionel Wesener; we look forward to their continuing
presence at our meetings and functions.
The pinnacle of the meeting was helping our old mate
Tom Butcher celebrate his 89th birthday. It was a complete
surprise to him when our treasurer presented him with a
huge plate of patty cakes and candles. The smile was still
there as he was leaving the venue after lunch, followed with
the usual cheeky banter: ‘That is Tom. What a trooper!’
Our members who attended the Anzac Day parade did
the branch proud. Under the guidance of our official
Commandant Ray Johns, improvement is the only way
forward: at one stage, more than half of us were actually
marching in time!
Trevor Albury, John McCrae, Len Yarrow.
Commandant: Ray Johns
Banner charges: D Hansen (L) & B Downes (R)
Support team: D Doring, S Sheehan, T Wynne, C Duncan, K Wall, M Goodman,
B Housley and M Kussrow (in the car).
Photographer: M Sheehan
Maxine Albury, Margaret Martin, Beverley Latter.
LOGAN/BEENLEIGH
The monthly meeting saw plenty of members attending for
a lively gathering. President Max gave members feedback
from the State Management Committee meeting that he and
Secretary Terry attended by invitation.
Assistant Commissioner Tony Wright, Education & Training
Command, addressed members about using the experience of
former police officers to assist with role plays for recruitment
and other training. Members of Townsville branch have been
assisting the Townsville Academy in this way for a number of
years.
76
Our old mate Tom Butcher – still enough puff to do the task after 89 years! What
a trooper!
QRPA
Mackay/Whitsunday meetings are held every 3rd Saturday
of the month at Mackay Buffalo Club, corner Carlyle and
Victoria Sts, Mackay. All travelling QRPA members are
welcome to attend.
NEAR NORTH COAST BRANCH
The April meeting of the branch was held at the Bribie Island
RSL. Weather conditions at the time meant a late change of
venue. Unfortunately, a number of members had waited at
Sylvan Beach for the planned BBQ and so did not attend the
meeting.
On the welfare front, Wal Taylor had a couple of blood
transfusions as his blood wasn’t compatible. His cousin,
Len Taylor, says Wal is back to his usual bright self. Allan
Hawkins has spoken with Warren Smithers who is good at
present, and who may be able to make meetings held closer
to Caboolture.
Meal prices have increased at Bramble Bay Bowls Club.
Enquiries with North Leagues Club shows their prices have
increased and they require an immediate $500 deposit.
Further enquiries are to be made regarding this year’s
Luncheon venue.
Mike Huddlestone has bought a motel at Redcliffe and says
he will attend NNC branch meetings in future.
ROCKHAMPTON BRANCH
Branch President Barry Self welcomed members and
associates to the meeting held on Wednesday 6 June. Cavill
Heywood confirmed there will be a BBQ held at the beach
on 23 September: numbers will be taken closer to the event.
The Annual Dinner will be held at the Cambridge Hotel on
Monday 19 November. A committee consisting of Barry
Self, Ernie Benson, Noel Boardman, Cavill Heywood, and
Dennis Smith was formed to organise this event.
Ten members from Rockhampton are intending to attend
the Gladstone Branch Annual Luncheon on 21 July.
Welfare news noted Noel Boardman will be in Brisbane on 20
June for another operation. Norm Tomlin is on medication
for a virus he picked up in Sydney.
always supplied morning tea to all the travellers. Since the
passing of Keith, Barbara has continued the tradition, and
everyone has really appreciated this gesture. The scones
alone are worth the trip! On behalf of the Townsville branch
of the QRPA, the Acting President John Urquhart presented
a Certificate of Appreciation to Barbara.
Our oldest member, Roy Hielscher, will celebrate his 93rd
birthday on 27 June. He was presented with a special
birthday card to mark the occasion. Roy, as usual, had made
the birthday cake, and he was given the honour of cutting it.
Welfare officer Ian Palin reported that Lyal Kassulke
was having home dialysis for his kidney problems and is
progressing quite well. John Fillingham has been in hospital
with his ongoing problems. Ossie Cislowski was admitted to
Townsville Hospital on 1 June suffering from a stroke; he
also suffers from Alzheimer’s. John Urquhart visited Ossie
a few days later; Ossie recognised him and they had a good
talk.
Our visitor for the day was Alan Lane, a member of Darling
Downs branch. Alan had previously served in this Region
(over 30 years ago), as well as in the Far Northern Region.
Our guest speaker for the day was our member and
recently elected Mayor of Ingham, Roger Bow, who gave
an interesting talk on his life before, during, and after his
police service.
VAN DIEMENS LAND
A small gathering turned up for the planned boat trip on 6
May, but members soon discovered the trip was cancelled
due to the boat losing a propeller the previous day. Although
the Lady Nelson is a sailing ship, it (she!) needs the prop to
get in and out of the harbour. The best laid plans of mice
and men! So instead, our resourceful VDL members took
themselves for lunch and a walk around the docks.
Tassie members are holding their 3rd AGM in June. Members
meet on Saturday afternoon for a trip to the Beaconsfield
Gold Museum before returning to the Riverside Hotel for
the AGM.
The next meeting is planned for Sunday 26 August at Ross.
SUNSHINE COAST BRANCH
Welfare officer Greg Rainbow advised he had been in touch
with several members. Reg Pain and his wife are both
unwell. Tom Bishop had another fall and is in hospital.
Everyone welcomed Barry Shaw back to the meeting.
Discussion took place regarding ‘get well’ and bereavement
cards and it was agreed to approach the State Management
Committee regarding cards being provided to the branches.
TOWNSVILLE
Twenty-four guests and visitors attended our June meeting
and annual trip to Ingham. Keith and Barbara Zupp have
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