The Independent Financial Review examining the Queensland Police Service (QPS) financial practices has been released today, setting a clear pathway to strengthen the organisation's financial management and governance.
The review outlines 21 recommendations to improve workforce and resourcing, financial management and budgeting, governance and assurance, procurement capability and organisational accountability.
Acting Commissioner Brett Pointing said he is committed to leading the QPS through this next phase of reform.
"While this is a challenging moment for the QPS, it is an important step in strengthening our organisation," Acting Commissioner Pointing said.
"Our focus is firmly on embedding lasting improvements in financial management, workforce planning, and governance while continuing to deliver for the community.
"These reforms will not impact frontline policing. Supporting our officers and responding to operational demands remains our priority."
Over the past 12 months, the QPS has sustained a focus on improving financial management, governance and transparency, recognising these as critical to delivering effective policing and maintaining community trust. This work includes:
• Strengthening our governance, transparency and decision-making through implementing a revised and more effective QPS Corporate Governance Framework.
• Resetting the fiscal discipline and controls around our financial decision-making.
• Establishing the Budget and Governance Review Committee to identify opportunities to reduce costs, ensure the responsible use of public funds, re-direct resources where possible to the frontline and improve effectiveness without compromising service delivery.
• Delivering targeted finance and governance training for executive members.
• Implementing cross-functional working groups across the QPS to improve collaboration, decision-making and accountability.
• Conducting a comprehensive external review of our procurement policies, processes and practices to identify inefficiencies, reduce risks and drive continuous improvement.
• Bolstering leadership to provide strong oversight, enhance transparency, mitigate risk and ensure compliance with governance and legislative requirements.
Acting Commissioner Brett Pointing acknowledged the work underway is designed to ensure resources are used more effectively and directed to supporting frontline officers and the capabilities that enable them.
Due to some of the matters raised in the review, it has been referred to the Crime and Corruption Commission.
A dedicated Taskforce has been established to work through the recommendations, supported by Queensland Treasury Corporation's oversight and technical expertise.
The QPS will continue to deliver the strong, frontline policing presence that Queensland expects and deserves.
