Signed off by Carroll and the group’s nine members last March after the 2022 inquiry recommended police “elevate” its role, the co-designed terms called for a “self-assessment” of the group after a year.
Carroll’s successor in the top job, Steve Gollschewski, faced – and denied – accusations of “racialised language” from the group.
What they said
“The actions of the QPS to have total disregard for the approved [terms of reference] and the inability to sit with the discomfort of accountability are a direct manifestation of the culture of racism that the Commission of Inquiry exposed in 2022,” the group said.
It laid out a timeline including contracts sent to the group for signing in mid-January containing confidentiality clauses, and unexplained lump-sum payments to some members despite no previous payments being given.
The group said it then tried to seek meetings and explanations with little response and culminating in an email advising it had been terminated on February 29, after which it made additional unanswered attempts to raise concerns with police and Premier Steven Miles.
Another point of view
In a statement responding to the group’s concerns, police suggested the internal review found “gaps” with the group’s operation and said it was seeking to address these in the new recruitment round to “build on, modernise and reshape” the group.
“The QPS intends to maintain its current commitment to meeting the original concept for standing up the FNAG,” police said. Miles has been contacted for comment.
What else you need to know
The 2022 inquiry criticised “inaccurate statements” made by police about the group not being representative or having a proper selection process. “This was not correct,” its report said.
A now-expired online application for the group’s new prospective members said they would be paid daily sitting fees under government regulations, required to sign a police advisory group contract agreement and “abide by the code of conduct for the Queensland Police Service”.
Source Agencies
