Queensland Corruption Chief Critiques Delay in Police Integrity Unit Establishment
Corruption boss questions absence of police integrity unit: ‘Continuing reduction in quality’
The Sydney Morning HeraldImage: The Sydney Morning Herald
Bruce Barbour, chair of Queensland's Crime and Corruption Commission, has expressed concerns over the lack of a police integrity unit, which was recommended four years ago following a domestic violence inquiry. The absence of this unit has led to a decline in the handling of police complaints, with over 2,100 complaints reported recently.
- 01Bruce Barbour highlighted a troubling trend in police handling of complaints, citing a decline in quality.
- 02Over 2,100 complaints against Queensland police officers were reported to the Crime and Corruption Commission between July 2025 and March 2026.
- 03Judge Deborah Richards recommended the establishment of an integrity unit to replace the current complaints system 42 months ago.
- 04Both the police service and the union agree on the need for the integrity unit, placing responsibility on the government for its implementation.
- 05Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie stated that the current government is committed to establishing the integrity unit as soon as possible.
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Bruce Barbour, the chair of Queensland's Crime and Corruption Commission, has raised significant concerns regarding the absence of a police integrity unit, which was recommended by Judge Deborah Richards four years ago after a comprehensive inquiry into domestic violence responses. Barbour informed a parliamentary committee that there has been a noticeable decline in the quality of police handling of complaints, with over 2,100 complaints logged against officers between July 1, 2025, and the end of March 2026. Despite the recommendation for the integrity unit to be established within 18 months, it has now been 42 months without action. Barbour emphasized that both the police service and the union recognize the necessity of this change, urging the government to take action. In response, Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie noted that his government has only been in power for a year and a half and assured that efforts are underway to facilitate the establishment of the integrity unit.
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The ongoing absence of an integrity unit may lead to further erosion of public trust in the Queensland police force.
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