Winter Edition 2023
10 October 2023
The QPU brought concerns to the Police Commissioner about severe overcrowding at our Northern Watch Houses in particular Mt Isa and Townsville urging for urgent action to be initiated. The QPU concern is not only for our members but also those in our care. QPU President Ian Leavers delivered a blunt assessment “we do not want a police officer ending up in a Coroners Court due to a tragedy and having senior police including the Commissioner denying any knowledge of the overcrowding or the problems it produces.” As a result of our advocacy prisoners are being relocated to ease the demand at these areas that have unacceptable numbers of custodies under QPS supervision. The QPU thanks the QPU members involved for their assistance and selfless actions in assisting with this change. QPU President Ian Leavers has continued to defend the industrial entitlements, protections and Work Health & Safety practices of police ensuring the QPS operates under regulation and with the best of intentions for the safety of police and people in their care.
29 September 2023
Tonight, despite the wet weather a large crowd attended a candlelight vigil at the State Police Memorial in Brisbane on the eve of National Police Remembrance Day. This year the service was marked by the consecration of the touchstones for Constable Matthew Arnold and Constable Rachel McCrow who were murdered at Wieambilla last December. They will forever remain side by side and never forgotten. There are now 150 names on the memorial walls for Queensland officers who have died on duty protecting communities across the State. QPU President Ian Leavers laid a wreath on behalf of all serving and retired police. He thanked everyone who expressed their gratitude for the work police do and in particular the businesses and organisations that have supported police since the Wieambilla incident. Police Legacy President Shane Prior also laid a wreath on behalf of the families who are supported by the scheme funded by police and charity work they do. River city landmarks have been lit in blue in recognition of NPRD and at sunset in Canberra the images of Matthew Arnold and Rachel McCrow were projected onto the National Carillon in Canberra. Tomorrow, Friday September 29 police will gather to march together and attend memorial services to honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice. The QPU encourages the community to join with us in remembering those brave police and those currently working as first responders.
25 September 2023
QPUE: National Police Remembrance Day 2023 National Police Remembrance Day is Friday September 29. The Queensland community want to show their appreciation for the job police do, so the QPU is encouraging as many police as possible to participate in Remembrance Services. It’s important to show the relatives & friends of those we have lost that the ‘blue family’ is strong, resilient and will continue to honour their service forever and a day.
14 September 2023
This year the baton for the Wall 2 Wall Ride of Remembrance is heavy for Queensland as it carries the names of Constable Matthew Arnold and Constable Rachel McCrow who were murdered last December. Today around 300 motorcycle riders were farewelled after an emotional service at the State Police Memorial in Brisbane before they headed for Canberra to join colleagues from around the country at the National Police Memorial on Saturday on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin. Each rider pays to take part and the money is donated to QLD Police Legacy to assist police families. This initiative was started by the QPU and we continue to support this ride as it gathers more significance nationally. QPU President Ian Leavers thanked the current serving and retired police taking part for continuing to support the ongoing remembrance of those we have lost and wished them a safe journey across the rural roads they will take to the Nations Capital. The QPU will forever honour the service and sacrifice of Queensland Police who died protecting the communities where they live and work.
31 August 2023
Congratulations to the 51 new Constables who graduated today from the Townsville Police Academy. 16 of intake 48/2023 will be on shift tomorrow in the Townsville area the rest will join rosters over the new few days as far as Cairns, Rockhampton and the Western Downs. Many of the new Constables had previous experience with the ADF and they will continue selflessly serving the community in their new career. Welcome to the blue family and the camaraderie it inspires. Constable Sarah Annesley was the recipient of the QPU sponsored Dux Award presented by QPU President Ian Leavers.
3 May 2023
Sustained, effective and factual advocacy from the QPU has again achieved a significant win for our members. SDRP and it’s implementation was flawed and we have demonstrated that to the ELT and Police Commissioner. Lead by QPU President Ian Leavers,the QPU worked to deliver a result for members. Hopefully now those who felt the strain and stress during this failed experiment can recover and return to effective community policing.
3 May 2023
QPU President Ian Leavers spoke on behalf of frontline police frustrated with the deaths of three women at Maryborough, victims of an alleged teen car thief. Mr Leavers made it clear questions need to be asked of parents & care givers and why young criminals are not facing tougher penalties for committing adult crimes. #UnityIsStrength #QPU
28 April 2023
Today as part of International Workers Memorial Day (April 28) we honour and remember employees across every industry and profession who have lost their lives as a result of their employment. In particular we honour the loss of Constable Matthew Arnold and Constable Rachel McCrow murdered while working at Wieambilla in 2022. QPU President Ian Leavers and Senior Constable Gabby Tesch laid wreaths during a memorial service organised by the Queensland Council of Unions at the State Workers Memorial in Brisbane. Ian told the crowd that police may have a hazardous work environment at times but like everyone else they deserve to go home healthy at the end of their shift. The significant difference between employers and Unions is we are united and will always look after the families of our colleagues who die as a result of the work they do. #UnityIsStrength #QPU
22 April 2023
QPU response teams are providing support over 1,300 kilometres apart for members involved in critical incidents in Townsville & Beenleigh. QPU President Ian Leavers & Vice President Shane Prior have joined Northern Regional Rep Peter Thomas after an officer involved shooting while QPU Legal Manager Shayne Maxwell along with South East Regional Rep Andy Williams are in Beenleigh tonight attending another critical incident. Wherever police are in the State, the QPU will be there to provide assistance and support. We, as always, also utilise for members the expert assistance of Queensland’s best lawyers with Gnech & Associates and Gilshenan & Luton. Both incidents reinforce the unpredictably and complexity of the job we as police do. Remember Unity is Strength and the QPU is available whenever needed, all over Queensland 24hrs a day. #UnityIsStrength #QPU
30 March 2023
A memorial garden to commemorate the lives of murdered police Constable Matthew Arnold and Constable Rachel McCrow was officially consecrated at Miles today. The project was funded by the QPU and local businesses. It’s hoped the garden will be a place of peace and reflection for police and the community outside the Miles Police Station. Both officers had strong connections to Miles through their work and colleagues from Miles had significant roles in the events at Wieambilla. The Queensland Police Union will continue to support the families of those officers killed in the line of duty and ensure their names and memory are never forgotten.
9 March 2023
The QPU has again been forced to go to the courts because the QPS failed to follow protocols to maintain a fair & transparent discipline system. The conduct of the QPS was characterised as questionable and improper with legal costs awarded to the Union. There will be more to come on this issue once the Court of Appeal formally publishes their ruling. #UnityIsStrength #QPU
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