Queensland is launching a global recruitment drive for hundreds of police officers over the next five years, as the state’s police minister acknowledges difficulties attracting new recruits.
Key points:
- The officers will not have to be Australian citizens or permanent residents
- The state opposition says the government is well behind on recruitment promises
- The government says hundreds of local recruits are currently in training
Under an agreement struck between the state and federal governments, the Queensland Police Service (QPS) has approval for 500 international recruits to join the service each year for five years.
The officers and police personnel can join the force without the requirement to be an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
Commissioner Katarina Carroll said those wanting to be recruited will be required to pass testing and vetting in Queensland.
“The new labour agreement goes beyond what has been offered by any other police organisation in Australia,” she said.
“Allowing experienced officers from any country the chance to work for the Queensland Police Service and bring their own unique experiences, knowledge and skills to our organisation.”
The offer will apply to current experienced serving foreign police officers who will be trained either through the Police Abridged Competency Education (PACE) program or the mainstream program to ensure they meet QPS standards.
Police minister defends recruitment efforts
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and Police Minister Mark Ryan faced questions in parliament from the opposition over Labor’s election commitment to recruit 1,450 additional officers by 2025.
Opposition Leader David Crisafulli told parliament leaked information from the service in media reports showed only 92 officers had been added to the force from the 2020 election to the end of last year.
Ms Palaszczuk said under her government “the total police approved” had increased by 1,018.
“Let me say very clearly we absolutely support the police service in this state,” she told parliament.
Mr Ryan acknowledged there were difficulties attracting new recruits to the force.
“The pandemic has thrown challenges at the police and all sectors for that matter and their recruitment activities,” he said.
“Unemployment is at its lowest level in decade, labour markets but the police have responded by stepping up their recruitment activities.”
He said the service was on track to meet the recruitment goal.
“The Queensland Police Service advises that the first two years of recruitment has hit their target,” he said.
“Only two weeks ago another 89 recruits graduated from our police academy.
“More are on the way, I am advised that there are currently 345 recruits undergoing training at our Townsville and Brisbane police academies.
“In addition, 144 recruits are due to start in only a few months in May, and a further 50 are due to start in June.”
He said nearly 600 police recruit candidates had registered to undertake testing this month for admission at the academy and nearly 500 more candidates were registered to undertake entry testing next month.