A major investigation has uncovered alarming allegations of systemic failures within Queensland's police and coronial systems in handling domestic violence cases, with whistleblowers breaking ranks to expose the truth.
Whistleblowers Speak Out
Former Queensland police sergeant Kate Pausina, a former senior detective, has come forward with serious claims about the force's approach to domestic violence cases. Pausina alleges she was explicitly instructed to protect the police organisation's reputation 'at all costs' while working on a separate case, raising concerns about institutional priorities.
Simultaneously, an anonymous whistleblower from within the Queensland coronial system has emerged, claiming she was warned she would be 'pulverised' if she ever spoke out about concerns within the system. These parallel revelations suggest a pattern of silencing within Queensland's justice institutions.
Broken Trust Investigation
The allegations form part of Guardian Australia's 'Broken Trust' investigation, a comprehensive two-year examination of police and coronial handling of domestic homicide cases across Australia. The investigation has revealed that potentially critical mistakes were made in the murders of Hannah Clarke and her three children, a case that shocked the nation.
Hannah Clarke and her children Aaliyah, 6, Laianah, 4, and Trey, 3, were killed in February 2020 when their car was set alight by Clarke's former partner. The investigation suggests there were multiple opportunities for intervention that might have prevented the tragedy.
National Domestic Violence Crisis
The revelations come amid growing concern about Australia's domestic violence crisis. The Broken Trust investigation examines multiple cases involving intimate partner violence where serious police failures are alleged to have occurred.
The Full Story podcast series, launched as part of the investigation, will delve deeper into the evidence and allegations. Episode one is available today, with episode two scheduled for release tomorrow, providing further insight into the systemic issues affecting domestic violence responses.
Meanwhile, the whistleblowers' decision to break ranks highlights the personal risks involved in speaking out against powerful institutions. Their courage in coming forward provides crucial insight into the operational challenges and cultural issues that may be hampering effective responses to domestic violence across Australia.
