Tackle police corruption the Australian way

Thirty years ago the Australian state of Queensland was commonly called “the Police State” by the rest of Australia, the joke being that Queensland police were “the best that money could buy”.

In 1987, an independent inquiry into illegal police activities was given unprecedented powers to pursue investigations. Led by Tony Fitzgerald QC, the inquiry was and established as the result of long-running media exposure of corruption, including police involvement in prostitution and gambling and taking kick-backs from the liquor industry. Does any of this sound familiar? 

The inquiry resulted in the erstwhile premier of Queensland, Joh Belke-Petersen, being forced to stand down. It also resulted in the end of the 32-year-old government of the National Party. Two of his ministers, including the police minister, were jailed, and the police commissioner stripped of his knighthood.  Again, does this sound familiar?

The most significant recommendation of the Fitzgerald Inquiry was the establishment of a Criminal Justice Commission with independent power to investigate any complaints or allegations of future police misconduct, and the Commission was handed strong disciplinary powers.

Of particular significance to the current state of affairs in Thailand, the Fitzgerald Inquiry noted the need for Freedom of Information legislation and a review of the laws relating to public assembly and guidelines for the disclosure of pecuniary interests of parliamentarians. Again, does this sound familiar?

Fitzgerald was also damming of the police culture in the state, including loyalty to fellow corrupt officers, police not enforcing laws against other police, and criticism of other police being impermissible. 

All of the Fitzgerald Inquiry recommendations were implemented.

The result is that today, 30 years on, Queensland’s police force is regarded as almost incorruptible and one of the most efficient state police forces in Australia.

David Brown