The Queensland Police Service (QPS) refused to pursue disciplinary action against an officer accused of multiple acts of serious domestic violence against his heavily pregnant partner and interfering with the course of justice to weaken the terms of her protection order. The circumstances of the case, revealed in a Queensland tribunal judgment this month, prompted a legal challenge by the state's Crime and Corruption Commission (CCC).
The tribunal found the QPS erred and ordered them to instigate a belated disciplinary investigation against the officer, who was stood down on full pay in 2022 due to the allegations. The officer, who also faces criminal charges, left the QPS in 2023 after being declared medically unfit.
Police decided last year there was 'no tangible benefit' to conducting disciplinary action against the officer and opted not to investigate. The Queensland Public Service Administration Act contains discretionary powers that allow police officers to be subject to internal disciplinary proceedings after leaving the QPS, but these powers are rarely used.
The tribunal found the QPS 'failed to give sufficient weight and consideration to the conduct' of the officer, which occurred 'over a protracted period'. The allegations included multiple acts of physical violence upon the former officer's heavily pregnant ex-partner, repeated violations of the law, and threats to kill and cause harm. The tribunal also found the former officer's alleged interference in the course of justice was premeditated and involved significant coercion.
The CCC argued that the decision-maker, Acting Detective Superintendent Christopher Hansel, failed to properly consider the seriousness of the grounds for disciplinary action. The tribunal agreed, stating that Hansel's conclusion that there was no tangible benefit was 'misconceived and not supported by the evidence'. The tribunal noted that regardless of the court process, a disciplinary investigation would allow the QPS to properly assess the conduct and maintain public confidence.
Last month, the QPS announced it would scrap its specialist domestic and family violence command, with senior officers arguing that the service had addressed cultural failings highlighted by a 2022 inquiry.
