| Queensland Retired Police Association Incorporated |
QRPA History
| HISTORY OF THE QUEENSLAND RETIRED POLICE ASSOCIATION By Greg Early, State President – September 2022 Monday 5 September 1932, when permanent officers and Committee were appointed, has been taken as the formation date of the Queensland Retired Police Association, although there is some evidence that puts the date of commencement of the Association in July 1932. The genus for the creation of initially a ‘Retired Police Officers Active Association’ was the enactment by the Moore Government of the Financial Emergency Act 1932 which had the potential of reducing the pensions of retired police officers and police widows by up to 15%. While the Act was not assented to until 3 October 1932, it must have been introduced into Parliament before then as Arthur Edward Moore ceased to be Premier on 17 June 1932 when he was replaced by William Forgan Smith. Whether pensions were reduced is unknown but obviously the possibility of that occurring gave cause for a deputation to the then Home Secretary, Ned Hanlon, ‘for the purpose of placing before the Minister the injustice inflicted upon the retired police through the repudiation of the Superannuation Act by the Moore Government’. Ned Hanlon was a great Labour man and was credited with bringing in free hospitalisation in Queensland. He also established the first Police Youth Club at Paddington which was in his electorate. (Many of us did PT there). He stipulated a hyphen between Police and Citizens, i.e. the Queensland Police-Citizens Youth Welfare Association in a stated attempt to get the police closer to the citizens. In 1932 the great depression hit Australia with devastating economic hardships; also hundreds of thousands of Australians were out of work, suicide rates increased dramatically, financial income declined by a third and more than 60,000 men, women and children were dependent on the ‘suso’, a state-based sustenance payment. What else happened in 1932? RM Williams Boots emerged, Johnny Cash was born, the Sydney Harbour Bridge opened, the ABC was established, the statue of The Dog on the Tuckerbox was unveiled at Gundagai, Phar Lap died in San Francisco, the Grey Street Bridge in Brisbane was opened and the Battle of Parramatta Park happened in Cairns. (This battle involved the re-taking of the Park, which is the show ground, from swaggies who had made it their home). .………………………………………………………………………………… UNFORTUNATELY THE MINUTES OF MEETINGS HELD BEFORE 14 MAY 1990 CANNOT BE FOUND. The President at that time was Bill Galligan (9 years) who was replaced by Jim Crooks, then Vern MacDonald, then Des French, then Mick O’Brien and then myself. Doug Nothdurft was Treasurer for 14 years, replaced by Len Bracken, then myself as Acting State Treasurer for 2013-4, then Laurie Taylor and since then Jillian Steinkamp. The Secretary was Keith Gray, John Cummins was Acting Secretary and then Secretary until he was replaced by Mick O’Brien, then myself, then Jillian Steinkamp and then Patricia Holden. The Assistant Secretary was Maureen Cummins, then Jeanette Warwick and now Pat Philp. In the early days of the QRPA, it is believed meetings were held in the Welfare Club which was on the top floor of Roma Street Police Station. Later meetings were held at Police Headquarters until they moved to the Police Club in 1991 ‘due to the uncertainty of getting a meeting place at Police Headquarters’. For many years now, meetings have been held in the large conference room on the ground floor of Police Headquarters. Social gatherings after some meetings at the Police Club were financed from raffles run by the Social Committee and when the Police Club closed these were held at the Transcontinental Hotel in George Street, Brisbane. It was not uncommon to have 65 at a meeting, especially when refreshments were made available after the meeting. FORMATION OF BRANCHES: It was a long time from 1932 to 1978 (46 years) before the first Branches were formed at Toowoomba (Darling Downs) and on the Gold Coast. Rockhampton and Townsville followed in 1982, Near North Coast, Sunshine Coast and Bundaberg in 1983, Gympie in 1985 and Far North Queensland in 1992. That means nine Branches were formed from 1978 to 1992. Ipswich Branch was reformed on 7 July 2006. (Ken Morris and Ken Martin were the champions behind this). It was established earlier but no record could be found of that occurrence. Hervey Bay Branch was formed on 17 July 2007 (Grahame and Lyle Gronow), Redlands on 22 January 2008 (Terry Walker), Gladstone on 6 January 2009 (Mal Nichols), Mackay-Whitsunday on 17 October 2009 (Les ‘Kojac’ Campbell), Van Diemen’s Land on 24 October 2009 (Andy Beasant), Logan-Beenleigh on 11 February 2010 (Max Moloney and Darryl Murtha) and Southern Downs and Granite Belt on 18 July 2014 (Monica O’Mara). The above accounts for the seventeen Branches of the QRPA, sixteen in Queensland and one in Tasmania. In recent times, the group to which over two hundred members – most of whom live in the greater Brisbane area - are attached has become known as the State Branch; also, the term ‘state’ is sometimes given to the meeting which follows the State Management Committee meeting held at Police Headquarters on the first Monday of the month, except January, and when the first Monday is a public holiday the meeting is held on the following Monday. FORMATION OF THE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE: The first meeting of the Management Committee was held on 13 August 1991. It comprised the President, Senior Vice President, the Northside and Southside Vice Presidents, the Treasurer and Secretary. Meetings of this Committee were held before the monthly meetings. At the Management Committee meeting on 24 September 1991 the Social Secretary (Tom Costello) became part of the Management Committee. It was resolved that the Management Committee meetings deal solely with state matters rather than the business of the Branches and that is when the Rules were amended by inserting the word ‘state’ in front of President etc. It is believed this change took place soon after Mick O’Brien became Secretary in 2000. Rule 6(1) under - FUNCTIONS OF THE STATE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE - states the SMC ‘shall have the general control and management of the administration of the affairs, property and funds of the Association’. I believe the SMC has done that in the past and continues to do that today – almost thirty one years after the SMC was created on 13 August 1991. MEMBERS OF THE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE FROM 1989 ONWARDS (SOME DETAILS UNAVAILABLE DUE TO THE ABSENCE OF MINUTES) 1989 – Bill Galligan, President 1990 - Jim Crooks, President. Senior Vice President Matt Moran, Vice President Northside Bob Freeman, Vice President Southside Joe Keen, Secretary Keith Gray and Treasurer Doug Nothdurft. John Cummins became Acting Secretary at the 5 November 1990 meeting vice Keith Gray who had been in poor health for some time. 1991 - Jim Crooks President, Senior Vice President Matt Moran, Vice President Northside Bob Freeman, Vice President Southside Joe Keen, Secretary John Cummins, Treasurer Doug Nothdurft and Social Secretary Tom Costello. 1992 - Jim Crooks, President, Senior Vice President Matt Moran, Northside Vice President Bob Freeman, Southside Vice President Joe Keen, Treasurer Doug Nothdurft, Secretary John Cummins and Social Secretary Tom Costello 1993 – Jim Crooks, President, Senior Vice President Matt Moran, Northside Vice President Bob Freeman, Southside Vice President Joe Keen, Treasurer Doug Nothdurft, Secretary John Cummins and Social Secretary Tom Costello. 1994 - Jim Crooks stood down as President. Vern MacDonald became President, Senior Vice President Gerry Cremin, Vice President Northside Terry Channells, Vice President Southside Janet Brady, John Cummins Secretary and Doug Nothdurft Treasurer. 1995 - President Vern MacDonald, Senior Vice President Gerry Cremin, Northside Vice President Terry Channells, Southside Vice President Janet Brady, Doug Nothdurft Treasurer and Secretary John Cummins. 1996 - President Vern MacDonald, Senior Vice President Gerry Cremin, Northside Vice President Terry Channells, Southside Vice President Janet Brady, Doug Nothdurft Treasurer, Secretary John Cummins and Assistant Secretary Maureen Cummins. (Commissioner Jim O’Sullivan was appointed Patron. Probably first time the Commissioner was appointed to that position and it has been followed ever since). 1997 - President Des French, Secretary John Cummins, Treasurer Doug Nothdurft and Assistant Secretary Maureen Cummins. 1998 - President Des French, Secretary Mick O’Brien and Treasurer Doug Nothdurft 1999 - President Des French, Secretary Mick O’Brien and Treasurer Doug Nothdurft 2000 - State President Des French, State Secretary Mick O’Brien and State Treasurer Doug Nothdurft 2001 - State President Des French, State Secretary Mick O’Brien and Doug Nothdurft State Treasurer 2002 - State President Des French, State Secretary Mick O’Brien and Doug Nothdurft State Treasurer 2003 - State President Des French, Len Bracken State Treasurer, Mick O’Brien State Secretary, Senior State Vice President Arthur Volz, Northside State Vice President Terry Channels, Southside State Vice President Janet Brady, Assistant State Secretary Jeanette Warwick and Social Secretary Arthur Volz. (Doug Nothdurft stood down as Treasurer after 14 years in that position). 2004 - State President Des French, State Secretary Mick O’Brien and State Treasurer Len Bracken. 2005 - Mick O’Brien State President, State Secretary Greg Early, State Treasurer Len Bracken, Senior State Vice President Arthur Volz, State Vice Presidents Janet Brady, Gary Ryan and Graham Chamberlain. 2006 - Mick O’Brien State President, State Secretary Greg Early, State Treasurer Len Bracken, Senior State Vice President Arthur Volz, State Vice Presidents Janet Brady, Bob Pease and Gary Ryan, Assistant State Secretary Jeanette Warwick and State Welfare Officer Des French. 2007 - Mick O’Brien State President, State Secretary Greg Early and State Treasurer Len Bracken 2008 - Mick O’Brien State President, State Secretary Greg Early and State Treasurer Len Bracken 2009 - Mick O’Brien State President, State Secretary Greg Early and State Treasurer Len Bracken 2010 - State President Mick O’Brien, State Secretary Jillian Steinkamp, State Treasurer Len Bracken, Senior State Vice President Arthur Volz, State Vice Presidents Myles Burns, Greg Early and Bob Pease, State Assistant Secretary Jeanette Warwick and State Immediate Past President Des French. 2011 - State President Mick O’Brien, State Secretary Jillian Steinkamp, State Treasurer Len Bracken, Senior State Vice President Arthur Volz, State Vice Presidents Myles Burns, Greg Early and Bob Pease, Assistant State Secretary Jeanette Warwick and State Immediate Past State President Des French. 2012 - State President Mick O’Brien, State Secretary Jillian Steinkamp, State Treasurer Len Bracken, Senior State Vice President Arthur Volz, State Vice Presidents Myles Burns, Greg Early and Bob Pease and Assistant State Secretary Jeanette Warwick. 2013 - State President Greg Early, State Secretary Jillian Steinkamp, Senior State Vice President Arthur Volz, State Vice Presidents Myles Burns, Alex Granlund and Bob Pease, with no appointment as State Treasurer. (Mick O’Brien and Len Bracken stood down as State President and State Treasurer respectively. Greg Early acted as State Treasurer until the 2014 AGM) 2014 - State President Greg Early, State Secretary Jillian Steinkamp, Senior State Vice President Bob Pease, State Vice Presidents Myles Burns, Alex Granlund and Peter Wise and no nomination was received previously for the position of State Treasurer and Laurie Taylor was elected State Treasurer from the floor. (Bob Pease replaced Arthur Volz as State Vice President after Arthur had held that position for many years). 2015 - State President Greg Early, State Secretary Jillian Steinkamp, State Treasurer Laurie Taylor, Senior State Vice President Bob Pease, State Vice Presidents Myles Burns Alex Granlund and Peter Wise, 2016 - State President Greg Early, State Secretary Jillian Stinkamp, State Treasurer Laurie Taylor, Senior State Vice President Bob Pease, State Vice Presidents Myles Burns, Alex Granlund and Peter Wise, State Assistant Secretary Jeanette Warwick and Welfare Officers Emmanuel Anthony and Ted Bones. 2017 - State President Greg Early, State Secretary Jillian Steinkamp, State Treasurer Laurie Taylor, Senior State Vice President Bob Pease, State Vice Presidents Myles Burns, Alex Granlund and Peter Wise, Assistant State Secretary – no nomination and Pat Philp was elected from the floor and Welfare Officers Emmanuel Anthony, Bob Atkinson and Ted Bones. 2018 - State President Greg Early, State Treasurer Jillian Steinkamp, Assistant State Secretary Pat Philp, Senior State Vice President Bob Pease, State Vice Presidents Bob Atkinson, Myles Burns and Alex Granlund, and Welfare Officers Emmanuel Anthony, Bob Atkinson and Ted Bones. No nomination for the position of State Secretary had been received and Patricia Holden was nominated and accepted from the floor. (Laurie Taylor and Peter Wise stood down as State Treasurer and State Vice President respectively). 2019 - State President Greg Early, State Treasurer Jillian Steinkamp, State Secretary Patricia Holden, State Senior Vice President Bob Pease, State Vice Presidents Bob Atkinson, Ted Bones and Alex Granlund, Assistant State Secretary Pat Philp and Welfare Officers Emmanuel Anthony, Ted Bones, Bob Atkinson and Greg Early. 2020 - State President Greg Early, , State Treasurer Jillian Steinkamp, State Secretary Patricia Holden, Assistant State Secretary Pat Philp, Senior State Vice President Bob Pease, State Vice Presidents Bob Atkinson, Ted Bones and Alex Granlund and Welfare Officers Emmanuel Anthony, Ted Bones, Bob Atkinson and Greg Early 2021 - State President Greg Early, State Treasurer Jillian Steinkamp, State Secretary Patricia Holden, Assistant State Secretary Pat Philp, Senior State Vice President Bob Pease, State Vice Presidents Bob Atkinson, Ted Bones and Alex Granlund and Welfare Officers Emmanuel Anthony, Ted Bones, Bob Atkinson and Greg Early 2022 – State President Greg Early, State Treasurer Jillian Steinkamp, State Secretary Patricia Holden, Assistant State Secretary Pat Philp, Senior State Vice President Bob Pease, State Vice Presidents Bob Atkinson, Ted Bones and Alex Granlund and Welfare Officers Emmanuel Anthony, Ted Bones, Bob Atkinson and Greg Early EXECUTIVES OF THE SEVENTEEN BRANCHES 1.GOLD COAST: FORMED 1978: The annual general meeting was held on 2 August 2022. Result of election: President – Russell Robertson, Vice President – Colin Sullivan, Secretary – David Manfield, Treasurer – Doug Lawlor, Social Secretary – Denise Sullivan, Protocol Officer – Des Sorensen and Welfare Officers – Russell Robertson, Colin Sullivan and Murray Underwood 2.DARLING DOWNS: FORMED 1978: The annual general meeting was held on 14 July 2022. Result of election: President – John MacKay, Senior Vice President – Alan Lane, Junior Vice President – Viv Nolan, Secretary – Mike Jordan and Treasurer – David Lynch. 3.ROCKHAMPTON: FORMED 1982: The annual general meeting was held on 6 July 2022. Result of election: President – Barry Self, Vice President – Bob Moore, Secretary – Treasurer - Dennis Smith, Welfare Officers – Rockhampton area – Barry Self and Terry Connolly and Yeppoon area – Tom and June Young 4.TOWNSVILLE: FORMED 1982: The annual general meeting was held on 6 July 2022. Result of election: President – Merv Johnston, Vice President – Brendan White, Secretary – John Urquhart, Treasurer – John Cran, Welfare Officers Townsville – Gordon Thomas and Ian Palin, Welfare Officer Ingham – Roger Bow and Raffle Co-ordinator – Wendy Thomas 5.BUNDABERG: FORMED 1983: The annual general meeting was held on 29 July 2022. Result of the election: President – Grannie Pearce, Vice President – Steve Allen, Treasurer – Julie Sharpe, Secretary – Rowan Bond, Assistant Secretary – Mary Waugh, Newsletter Editor – John Lewis, Welfare Officers – Mary Waugh and Grannie Pearce and Bowls Co-ordinator – Alan Edgerton. 6.SUNSHINE COAST: Formed 1983: The annual general meeting was held on 26 July 2022. Result of election: President and Welfare Officer – Dick Turpin, Vice President – John Walker, Secretary – David Betts and Treasurer – Steve Maney. 7.NEAR NORTH COAST: FORMED 1983: The annual general meeting was held on 20 June 2022: Result of election: President - John Warner, Vice President – Allan Hawkins, Junior Vice President - Keith Schultz, Treasurer – Paddy Higgins, Secretary – Merv Melling and Welfare Officers – Ray Hoelscher and Allan Hawkins. 8.GYMPIE: Formed 1985: The annual general meeting was held on 27 July 2022. Result of election: President – Keith Bunkum, Vice President – Ron Cooper, Secretary – Veronica Kane, Treasurer – George Moczynski, Social Secretary – Helene Milner, Welfare Officers – Norm Breen and Tony Barton (Gympie) and John Gordon (Tin Can Bay). 9.FAR NORTH QUEENSLAND: FORMED 1992: Result of election held at the annual general meeting on 22 July 2022: President – Mal McKaskill, Secretary/Welfare Officer – Brigitte McKaskill and Treasurer – Allan Dredge. 10.IPSWICH: REFORMED 7 JULY 2006: Executive when reformed: President – Ken Morris, Secretary – Ken Martin and Treasurer – Mick Rooney. The annual general meeting was held on 11 August 2022: Result of election: President – Ken Morris, Vice President – Dan Murdoch, Secretary-Treasurer – Ken Martin, Welfare Officers – Bruce Raymond and John Hawkins. 11. HERVEY BAY: EXECUTIVE WHEN FORMED ON 17 JULY 2007: President - Grahame Gronow; Vice President - Norm Sprenger; Secretary - Geoff Flood; Treasurer - Trevor Trost; Welfare Officer - Bevan Bradshaw and Social Secretary - Lyle Gronow The annual general meeting was held on 19 July 2022: Result of election: President – Ian Anderson, Vice President – Derek Mayne, Secretary – Gerry Walton, Treasurer - Roz Jamieson, Welfare Officers – Ian and Sandra West-McInnes and Social Secretaries – Ian and Sandra West-McInnes. 12.REDLANDS: EXECUTIVE WHEN FORMED ON 22 JANUARY 2008: President – Terry Walker, Secretary – Vince Mawn and Treasurer – Adrian Hall. The annual general meeting was held on 26 July 2022. Result of election: President – Marty Fitzpatrick, Vice President Mark Stewart, Treasurer – Bernie Coleman and Secretary Mark Stiles. 13.GLADSTONE: EXECUTIVE WHEN FORMED ON 6 JANUARY 2009: President -Mal Nichols, Senior Vice President - John Caterson, Junior Vice President - Darryl Saw, Treasurer - Gordon Jones and Secretary - Sharon Noy. The annual general meeting was held on 6 July 2022: The result of the election: President – Glenn Churchill, Senior Vice President – Denis Connolly, Junior Vice President Neil Coleborn, Secretary – Darryl Saw, Treasurer – David Thomas and Acting Welfare Officer - Keith McCann. 14.MACKAY-WHITSUNDAY: EXECUTIVE WHEN FORMED ON 17 OCTOBER 2009: President – Les Campbell (deceased), Vice President – Graham Pike, Secretary – John Frater, Treasurer – Margie Kussrow, Welfare Officer – Col Duncan (deceased) and Social Organiser – Mark Trevitt. The annual general meeting was held on 16 July 2022. Result of election: President – Robert Maher, Vice President – Doug Sologinkin, Secretary – Dennis Hansen, Treasurer and Newsletter Editor – Bev Houley, Welfare Officer – Barry Downs and Raffle Co-ordinator Lorraine Hansen 15.VAN DIEMEN’S LAND: EXECUTIVE WHEN FORMED ON 24 OCTOBER 2009: President/Secretary – Andy Beasant, Vice President - Ian Johnston and Treasurer – Jim Byrne. The annual general meeting was held on 25 June 2022: Result of election: President/Secretary - Andy Beasant, Vice President - Ian Johnston, Treasurer - Jim Byrne and Committee: Phil Sharpe, Jenny Johnston (also Newsletter Editor), Colleen Sharpe and Craig Robertson 16.LOGAN-BEENLEIGH: EXECUTIVE WHEN FORMED ON 11 FEBRUARY 2010: President – Max Moloney, Vice President – Terry Ahearn, Secretary – Darryl Murtha, Treasurer – John Enright and Welfare Officer – Bob Sawford. The annual general meeting was held on 21 July 2022. Result of election: President – Colin Thorne, Vice President – Gerry Stevens, Assistant Secretary/Treasurer – Lance Stephenson and Welfare Officer – Eileen Riley. (Secretary and Treasurer positions left vacant at the AGM) 17.SOUTHERN DOWNS AND GRANITE BELT: EXECUTIVE WHEN FORMED ON 18 JULY 2014. President - Tim Battle, Vice President - Peter Gray, Secretary – Monica O’Mara and Treasurer – Vic Steer. The annual general meeting was held on 15 July 2022. Result of election: President – Laurie Bell, Vice President – Brett Barney, Secretary – Brian Cannon, Assistant Secretary – Monica O’Mara, Treasurer – Kristine Grayson, Assistant Treasurer – Susan Burgess, Welfare Officers – Warwick – Monica O’Mara, Stanthorpe – Tim Battle, Tenterfield – Laurie Bell and Newsletter Editor – John Maher. INTERACTION WITH THE QUEENSLAND POLICE SERVICE: I believe this has always been good and involves:
THE QUEENSLAND RETIRED POLICE ASSOCIATION DURING THE PANDEMIC: While some of our general meetings and luncheons were cancelled, the Office of Fair Trading allowed some of the existing executives to continue as such until their postponed annual general meeting could be held. During lockdowns, a couple of executive members of Branches could not attend meetings but that did not stop the activities of the Branches to continue unabated. The State Management Committee is of the belief that all Branches and their members acted responsibly during the Pandemic and abided by all requirements. INCORPORATION: It was resolved at the 4 June 1990 meeting that the Association become incorporated. A draft constitution was considered by the Executive prior to the 5 November 1990 meeting and $100 was allowed so that it could be reviewed professionally before coming back to a meeting for approval. It was resolved at the 1991 AGM to apply for Incorporation under the Associations Incorporation Act 1981; also to repeal the then Constitution and Rules, to adopt the Constitution and Rules presented to the AGM and that John Cummins be the representative of the QRPA for the purpose of incorporation. (Much credit for this work was given to Secretary John Cummins and his wife Maureen. Maureen did most if not all of the clerical work associated with the minutes and any other paperwork of the Association). The QRPA was incorporated on 30 January 1992. MEMBERSHIP: At the 3 February 1992 meeting it was revealed the Association had 245 financial members, 140 life members = 385 and there were 280 registered members one or many more years overdue with fees. It was revealed at the 1992 AGM that there were 700 members – 92 down on the previous year – and 130 unfinancial members. These days there are very few unfinancial members. Branches are required to record in the minutes of their meetings the number of members in arrears. If a member’s annual subscription is in arrears for twelve months or more from 1 July their membership is suspended automatically and will not be reinstated until all arrears are paid. The following five sections will appear in the State President’s report to the 2022 AGM: MEMBERSHIP: As at 30 June 2022 we had 1269 members consisting of Life Members, Veteran Members, Senior Members, Members, Veteran Associate Members, Senior Associate Members, Associate Members and Honorary Members. Last year we had 14 more members and this has to be attributed to resignations and the suspension of members for not paying their dues. The continuation of or emergence of other groups – especially on OBITUARIES AND FUNERALS: It is sad to have to record that since last WELFARE: The welfare of our members, particularly by Welfare Officers attached to the Branches, is praiseworthy. The Branches continue to make special efforts to keep in touch with their members. With our members living longer, there is no doubt that welfare has and will continue to play a prominent part in the activities of each Branch in the future. The Queensland Police Service continues to do much in regard to the wellbeing of current Queensland police employees. Effective liaison exists between the Executive Director, Safety and Recruiting and the Director of Safety and Wellbeing, and this has resulted in the continuance of the availability to retired police officers of external confidential psychological support/advice 24/7 on 1800277478. This availability is advertised in our newsletters and in the Association’s contribution to the Journal of the Queensland Police Union of Employees. Due to the confidential nature of this service, it is not known how many former Queensland Police Officers have accessed the external confidential psychological support/advice. Also retired Police Officers – like all people in the Australian community – have an entitlement via the Federal Government to free mental health care through their general practitioner for six free visits with psychologists and psychiatrists, although there may be a small gap payment which is dependent on the specialist. POLICE CHAPLAINS: Again this year we have received assistance from full-time and part-time Chaplains state-wide. Usually this is at the time of the death of one of our members or at their funeral service. This activity, which we know has the full support of our Patron, Commissioner Katarina Carroll, is greatly appreciated. At the 11 May 1992 meeting it is recorded that 762 copies of a newsletter were distributed – 50% by letter drops and 50% by postage. The Police Club contributed $305.80 by using its photocopier and the other $374 apparently was expended on postage. (Matt Moran offered the Police Club free advertising in the newsletter to offset the $305.80 but there is no record of a result) It appears that in November 1993 approval was given by the Queensland Police Credit Union to print and post a quarterly newsletter to all members of the QRPA and that the first newsletter went out from the QPCU in January 1994. This approval was later extended to include Police Widows. (In 2022 the quarterly newsletter funded by QBank is posted to 241 members and widows, all of whom do not have an email address). Printing and distribution of the quarterly newsletter by the QPCU continued until March 2015 when sponsorship of $10,000 was received from QPCU to allow the QRPA to take over responsibility for producing and circulating the newsletter itself. That arrangement continues in 2022 and there appears to be no reason for it abating. (The overall sponsorship from QPCU was reduced from $20,500 in 2014 to the $10,000 to cover the quarterly newsletter). QRPA IN THE POLICE UNION JOURNAL: It appears that the QRPA has had information inserted in the Journal since late 1992 and this occurred after it is recorded in the minutes of the 7 September 1992 meeting that Sergeant Adrian Hall, then a member of the Union Executive and Editor of the Journal, advised ‘If you get material to him it will go into the Journal and bulk copies will be sent to Branches and headquarters free of charge’. Matt Moran advised the 5 October 1992 meeting ‘that the first edition has been prepared and will be printed in the QP Union Journal’. Since then copies of each Journal have been posted to each of the Branches with a number being sent to Police Headquarters for collection by members attending the monthly meetings held in the large Conference Room on the ground floor. Over time some limits have been put on the amount of words which can be put into the monthly issue but it has always been possible to get information out to members fortunate enough to get hold of a Journal. For a long time and before we got the new website up and running, what went to the Journal Editor was sent out to members who were on email. Currently advice goes out to all on email each week on what has been put on the website and this enables those who can access the website - and wish to do so – to keep up to date. In late 2021 the Journal went from monthly to bimonthly. The QRPA contribution to the Winter 2022 Journal runs for ten pages. AMENDMENTS TO THE RULES: Over the years amendments have been made to the Rules at annual general meetings of the Association. The history of the Rules and amendments thereto follow: LIFE MEMBERSHIP TO ALL OVER 75 YEARS: When a new constitution was being considered at the 3 June 1991 meeting it was resolved that an ordinary member who reached 75 years and whose membership fees had been current for the past 5 years or any member of any age who in the opinion of a general meeting has performed outstanding service to the Association could be made a life member. Following that amendment, Honorary Life Membership Certificates were issued. (This practice continued until 2003 when Life Member was defined as an ordinary or senior member who has given long, distinguished and meritorious service to the Association; also it was resolved in 2003 that any nomination for Life Membership shall be considered by the Management Committee and submitted with an appropriate recommendation to an AGM for determination. The latter requirement still exists in 2022. Comments had been made that if the former system continued many more would become life members and as such would pay no fees). Greg Early, at the invitation of the then President Des French, had pulled together some suggested amendments to the Rules made by members of the Management Committee and some Branches. He was a visitor to the 4 August 2003 Management Committee meeting and spoke to the amendments he had suggested. A final draft was prepared, presented to the Management Committee and emailed to the Branches for consideration prior to the final proposal being put to the AGM on 1 September 2003. Some of the more important amendments follow:
On 4 September 1995 it was resolved to amend the Rules to provide for an Assistant Secretary, a position which Maureen Cummins had held unofficially for some time. She occupied that position and was later made a Life Member. Greg Early advised the 2012 AGM that a Committee comprising State Secretary Jillian Steinkamp, Welfare Officer Emmanuel Anthony and he as State Vice President had made a complete review of the Rules which had been forwarded to the Branches with no comment forthcoming. This was the first major review since the Association was incorporated in 1990. It was later resolved that the Rules as amended be replaced by the new set of Rules presented to this AGM. (This was in accordance with the policy of the Office of Fair Trading). When this was done, section 24 ‘FUNERAL OF DECEASED MEMBER’ was inserted. This section deals with, inter alia, placement of the QPS flag and the QRPA flag on the coffin, placement of a relevant cap and any medals, a Piper to play before, during or after the service, reading of the member’s service history by a serving Police Officer, reading of the Ode to a Police Officer and a guard of honour after the service for a burial. The Rules were also amended to include the use of the QRPA flag at a funeral service, provision for a retired QPS Public Servant who has been a member of the Association, an Honorary Member or Associate Member to have the QRPA flag placed on their coffin, reading of their own Ode and a guard of honour and the word ‘Senior’ was inserted before State Vice President At the 2014 AGM Rule 23(10) was inserted as follows: Associate or Honorary Members who are not executive members of a Branch shall be entitled to vote on any matter directly affecting only their Branch of the Association. (I recall this amendment rose from Associate Members of the Logan-Beenleigh Branch offering some words about what would happen if they could not have a say in the happenings of their Branch). In 2015 the Rules were amended to include the words ‘members in arrears’ in a Branch Treasurer’s financial statement presented to a general meeting so that the result of discussion will be recorded in the minutes; also that the AGM of each Branch shall be held within two months of the end of the financial year instead of one month; also that all Branches are required to maintain their banking arrangements with the QPCU (now QBank) and to maintain proper books of account showing correctly the financial affairs of the Association. (QBank provides fee free banking for the SMC and all Branches under a sponsorship agreement). A new Rule 15(1) was approved at the 2017 AGM: The annual subscription for Veteran Members under 90 years, Senior Members, Members and Associate members and the capitation fee to be paid by Branches of the Association shall be set by the SMC of the Association. (This Rule gives the SMC power to change annual subscriptions so that the change can take effect before the commencement of a new financial year whereas previously when such a decision was made at an AGM in September it did not take effect until July in the ensuing year). Also at the 2017 AGM Rule 15(3) was amended to read: Life members, Veteran members 90 years and over and honorary members shall not be required to pay the annual subscription or any levy struck by the State Management Committee; Also at the 2017 AGM Rule 26(8) was inserted: For the purposes of inspection and audit, the State Treasurer shall have unrestricted access to the financial records of all Branches of the Association. At the AGM in 2019 Rule 9 was amended to include a Veteran Associate Member and a Senior Associate Member and since then certificates have been issued to Associate Members in compliance with this Rule. This brought Associate Members in line with ordinary members. To be regarded as a Veteran Associate Member one must be 75 years of age and have 10 years continuous financial membership whereas a Senior Associate Member must be 65 years of age and also have 10 years continuous financial membership. The suggestion for this amendment came from Mackay-Whitsunday Branch. ANNUAL FEES: At the 4 February 1991 meeting it was resolved to make the annual fees $10 per annum. It is known that the fees were increased from $5 per annum. There was opposition to this increase from a couple of the Branches but when it went to the AGM there was only one dissenter. At the AGM in 2014 the following resolutions were made: · Veteran members 90 years and over – no fees · Veteran members (under 90 years) – $10.00 per annum; · Members (including Senior Members) – $20.00 per annum, pro rata subscription for new members January/March $15.00; pro rata subscription April/June $10.00. · Associate Member $10.00 per annum; pro rata subscription January/March $4.00, pro rata subscription April/June $3.00. Fees struck at the 2016 AGM: Life members – no fees; Veteran Members over 90 years – no fees, Veteran members under 90 years $15, Senior Members - $25, Ordinary Members $25 and Associate members $10. These fees remain current in 2022. At the 2017 AGM Rule 15(3) was amended to read: Life members, Veteran members 90 years and over and honorary members shall not be required to pay the annual subscription or any levy struck by the State Management Committee. FUNERALS ETC. ATTENDANCE OF A SERVING POLICE OFFICER AT THE FUNERAL OF A RETIRED MEMBER: Assistant Commissioner Bill Aldrich addressed the 2 March 1992 general meeting regarding no serving representative attending the funeral service of former Deputy Commissioner Jim Donovan. As a result of his visit, he advised if the Principal Human Services Officer were advised of the passing of a former Qld Police Officer , the Commissioner would be advised as well as the Assistant Commissioner in charge of the region; also a VDU message would be sent to all stations recognising the passing of a former QPS Officer. (While this system lasted for some time, it is long out of vogue and whenever the passing of a member is notified to the State Secretary or Assistant State Secretary an email is sent out to all members on email. It is ironical that Deputy Commissioner Jim O’Sullivan attended the 6 July 1992 meeting and gave the same assurance as Assistant Commissioner Bill Aldrich. I can recall, when I was Acting Director of Personnel when Jim O’Sullivan was Commissioner, former Deputy Commissioner Vern MacDonald sought an audience with the Commissioner about non-attendance of a senior serving officer at the funerals of deceased members of the Association, I sat in on that interview where Jim indicated full support for this practice to be invoked without fail. Since then many funerals have been attended by serving senior Officers who have read out the service histories of the deceased members which have been arranged through contact with the QPS. Usually the service history is read by a senior officer who later presents the framed history to the next of kin. This is something which is contained in the latter section on the Funeral Planning Request Form. FUNERAL PROCEDURES: The following appeared at the front of the Funeral Procedures which were forwarded by me when I was State Secretary to all Presidents, Secretaries and Treasurers: 1. INTRODUCTION: In 2005 the State Management Committee received from the Queensland Police Service a copy of section 26.4 of the Human Resource Management Manual which is entitled ‘POLICE SERVICE FUNERALS ADMINISTRATIVE PROTOCOL’. Using that protocol, the following appeared in the December 2008 QRPA newsletter, which is distributed to all members of the Association by post or email: FUNERALS OF RETIRED POLICE OFFICERS: From experience, it is apparent that former members of the Queensland Police Force/Service and their close relatives are unaware of the protocols which can be extended to former Queensland Police Officers at their funerals. The following is extracted from the QPS Funerals Administrative Protocol which is contained in the Human Resource Management Manual under the heading - RETIRED POLICE OFFICER FUNERAL: At the discretion of the Assistant Commissioner in whose region the funeral service is held a retired police officer’s funeral may include the following: 1. Service flag placed on the coffin; 2. Deceased member’s head-dress and medals placed on the coffin; 3. Guard of honour; 4. A piper from the Queensland Police Pipes and Drums; 5. A service history to be read by a senior uniformed officer if possible; 6. A police chaplain may take the service; 7. Reading of The Ode to a Police Officer ; and 8. Email message to all employees advising of the death and funeral arrangements. All Police Regions and District have access to a Service flag and a relevant head-dress if the deceased member’s head-dress is not available. Also all Branches of the Retired Police Association have or have access to a Service flag and relevant head-dress. Please note that on 6 September 2010 the Association’s Rules will be amended so that in regard to 1 above the QRPA flag may be placed on the coffin of a former QRPA member as well as the QPS flag. Since the newsletter was distributed, the Queensland Police Union of Employees has purchased a QRPA flag for each Branch and the Commissioner of Police provided a QPS flag to those Branches which did not have one. (Both flags are mentioned in the funeral request form which is covered in section 9 of these procedures). In the past few years a system has developed throughout the State whereby the funerals of retired Police Officers are accorded the dignity they deserve and in accordance with the above guidelines. However, the system now covers several subjects and these are set out in these procedures so that a Branch Secretary in particular will have a ready reference if a member of their Branch passes away and the next of kin wish to take advantage of some or all of the protocols available to a retired member of the Queensland Police Service. While the QPS protocols deal with a retired Police Officer, the information set out in these procedures will relate to members of this Association. ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. The initial Funeral Procedures dealt with the following:
Initially all existing Branches were issued by Commissioner Bob Atkinson with the QPS flag, two caps (Commissioned Officer and rank and file); the Queensland Police Union of Employees supplied each Branch with a QRPA flag and the State Management Committee provided a cushion (on which to place medals) to each Branch. This arrangement was continued with Branches as soon as they were formed. The Funeral Procedures are updated when required. It is important to note that the Procedures are a guide only and it is always emphasised that the wishes of the next of kin must be respected at all times. HISTORY OF THE ODE TO A POLICE OFFICER: In 2006 Superintendent Pat Ryan, then District Officer, Redcliffe, mentioned to the then State Secretary, Greg Early, that the QRPA could do more for its members at funerals. He made this suggestion after attending the funeral of a returned serviceman. The SMC resolved to devise some reading which was fitting for the funeral of a deceased former Police Officer. Senior Police Chaplain Rod Wood was contacted and asked if he could put together some words for consideration by the State Management Committee. He advised that he had just what was required and produced the Ode just as it is read today. It was originally written by West Australian, now retired, Police Sergeant and Army Reservist of 36 years, Des Noonan and re-written by the then West Australian Police Chaplain, Reverend Barry May, retired. This Ode has been adopted by both Federal and most state police forces/services and was used at the dedication of the National Police Memorial in Canberra in 2006. Guidelines have been developed for the reading of the Ode. The Ode used by the QRPA appears below. Usually the member’s name is inserted at the top and bottom of the Ode and handed to the next of kin after it has been read at the funeral service.
ODE JOHN CITIZEN
As the sun surely sets Dawn will see it arise, For Service above self Demands its own prize, You have fought the good fight, Life’s race has been run, And peace your reward, For eternity begun, And we that are left, Shall never forget, Rest in Peace, friend and colleague, For the sun has now set. We will remember John Citizen WE WILL REMEMBER HIM Hasten the Dawn ODE TO AN ASSOCIATE/HONORARY MEMBER OR A FORMER QPS PUBLIC SERVANT: This Ode was approved by the SMC on 6 April 2009 after initial work by the late Arthur Volz and Welfare Officer Emmanuel Anthony. It was used for the second time on 15 June 2017 at the funeral service for Life Member and Assistant State Secretary Jeanette Warwick BEM. (First time was the funeral service of Clare Bench). It was contained in the Funeral Procedures. However, the State Management Committee decided on 10 November 2020 to dispense with this Ode, to remove the words ‘to a Police Officer’ from the heading of the current Ode and to use this Ode for the funeral of a former member of the QPS or any other recognised Police Service or a former QPS Public Servant who has retired or resigned from such Service with honour and has continued to be of good character and repute. Like for a former member of the QPS, the Ode should only be used with the consent of the immediate family and the officiating Priest/Minister/Celebrant. The QPS and the QRPA flags can also be used subject to the above consent being obtained. (It would not be appropriate for the QPS flag to be used for the service of a member who belonged to another police service), FUNERAL PLANNING REQUEST FORM: This form was introduced when I was State Secretary and forms part of the Funeral Procedures. I have mentioned previously that I obtained a copy of the form used by the National Servicemen’s Association and modified it to suit the purposes of the QRPA. I have also mentioned previously that my actions followed Renne Channells, widow of the late Terry Channells, advising me of Terry’s passing and advising me, when I asked if he had ever discussed his funeral service, that all he had told her was when he passed to ring Greg Early. (Renne is still alive and still receives the quarterly newsletter). It is ironical that in the first Funeral Procedures I used Terry’s name in a sample funeral notice for placement in the Courier Mail. Soon after the form was introduced, the Queensland Police Credit Union, which was formatting, printing and posting the quarterly newsletter to many members state-wide, devised a formset of an original and a copy which was forwarded to all members receiving the newsletter. Members were encouraged to complete the formset, keep the copy in their records and send the original to the Secretary of their Branch or to the State Secretary who maintains a data base. Some small amendments have been made to the form and the main one in recent times has been the inclusion of provision for next of kin. Whenever a Welfare Officer is speaking to a next of kin where no form has been completed, they are encouraged to use a form as a guide about the protocols which can be availed of if they so desire. Despite the existence of the Funeral Planning Request Form for many years now and repeated reminders to members to complete one, instances still occur where a deceased member has not completed a form or made their next of kin conversant with what they would like done at their funeral service. WEARING OF MEDALS AT FUNERAL SERVICES: From the September 2017 quarterly newsletter: In recent times members of the SMC have worn their medals at funeral services of our members. While this is still optional, the Committee has resolved to indicate to our seventeen Branches and members generally that this be done at the services of our members. Our funeral procedures have been amended to reflect this resolution and also to contain the words ‘wearing of medals is encouraged’ in funeral notices. FUNERALS OF FORMER QUEENSLAND POLICE OFFICERS: The following is as current as it was when it appeared in the December 2015 quarterly newsletter: We have formalised procedures for the funerals of our financial members. These procedures provide for a funeral notice referring to the family notice, the display of the QPS flag and the QRPA flag, display of a cap in keeping with the rank of the deceased member (their cap or one supplied by the Commissioner), reading of the Ode to a Police Officer, reading of the person’s service history by a senior serving officer, a Queensland Police Piper playing at suitable times (in the greater Brisbane area) and if appropriate a guard of honour. The word financial has been used by me because the State Management Committee has resolved that generally these protocols will not be made available at the funerals of members of the QRPA who are not financial. However, if a member has become unfinancial through circumstances beyond their control, the State Management Committee will consider reversing the resolution. From time to time requests for assistance are made to the Association by relatives of former members who have never joined the QRPA. With the knowledge that the QPS has protocols in place for former members, which can be involved at the discretion of a senior officer, these inquiries are politely told that we cannot assist them. ANNUAL LUNCHEONS: Mention was made at the 8 April 1991 meeting that the annual luncheon would be held at the Hendra Bowls Club where many subsequent luncheons were held. The annual luncheon was later moved to Easts Leagues Club, then Broncos Leagues Club and in recent years to the Geebung RSL Club. WIDOWS SUPERANNUATION ENTITLEMENTS: A special meeting was held on 6 April 1992 and this was attended by members from out of Brisbane Branches. Three Branches which were very involved were Sunshine Coast, Near North Coast and Gold Coast. Then State Treasurer Leo Hielscher attended this or a subsequent meeting where it was decided to take no action to seek any amendment to the Police Superannuation Act prior to 1984 as regards Widows Entitlements. There are 23 pages of minutes recorded for this meeting. At the 4 July 1994 meeting there was much agitation over the entitlements of widows. Q Super had come in and widows were entitled to a lump sum or they could elect to take a pension. However, representations made to the Government resulted in Treasurer Keith DeLacy advising the QRPA on 13 December 1994 that the Government would not change the situation in regard to widows. THE DARLING DOWNS RETIRED POLICE MEMORIAL WALL: Former Executive member of the Darling Downs Branch, the late Graham Hohenhaus, contributed to a large article on this Wall in the June 2015 quarterly newsletter: It is pride of place in the Toowoomba and Drayton Lawn Cemetery. Graham was working in the local Council at the time and had built up a great relationship with many of the local staff including those at the local cemetery. The Council set about fixing up the wall with a concrete forecourt and raised brick garden beds. Bronze plaques were placed on the wall which measures some 1.5 m by 1 m. Graham obtained a large stainless steel name plate to commemorate the official opening which was performed by the then Mayor, Paul Antonio, on 28 August 2010. The plate is inscribed: THIS MEMORIAL STANDS AS A TRIBUTE TO THOSE MEMBERS OF THE QUEENSLAND POLICE SERVICE AND QUEENSLAND RETIRED POLICE ASSOCIATION WHO HAVE GIVEN SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY. MAY WE BUILD UPON THE FOUNDATION OF THEIR DEDICATION, INTEGRITY AND COMMITMENT TO JUSTICE. Each year a re-dedication ceremony is held at the Wall. One of the first plaques to be affixed to the wall is for William Weise, the late father of the then Branch President, Kev Weise. Apart from the Wall now in the Brisbane Botanic Gardens, the one in Kings Park in Canberra and probably in other capital cities, it is thought it is the only Wall of its kind in Australia. A large poster featuring all aspects of the Wall was on display at the 150 year QPS Expo. PARTICIPATION IN THE QPS 150 YEAR EXPO: The Association was honoured to be invited by the QPS to participate in the Expo which was held at the Brisbane Function and Convention Centre on 22 and 23 August 2014. We had fifteen large posters which outlined our history and all aspects of the Association. There was also a large map of Queensland which showed where our 16 Queensland Branches are located. (Naturally Van Diemen’s Land missed out). PARTICIPATION IN MARCHES: The following participated in the 1994 Labour Day Parade in Brisbane. Jim Crooks, Merv Callaghan, Col Chant and Bill Hannigan. The following marched with serving police officers in the 1994 National Police Remembrance Day march: Gerry Cremin, Jim Crooks and Nev Bully. For a few NPRD marches in the 2010 era up to twelve members of the QRPA marched behind serving police officers. A large QRPA banner was carried by two Recruits ahead of the QRPA members. Age caught up with the marchers, particularly on account of the distance marched. Over the years, members of Branches have participated in QPS marches and services on National Police Remembrance Day which is held on 29 September each year. If the 29 September falls on a weekend the day is usually taken back to the previous Friday. SPONSORSHIP FROM QPCU/QBANK: In 2013 the sponsorship from QPCU amounted to $20,500. $11,600 was given to the then 16 Branches and the State Social Club to assist in staging their annual luncheons/dinner and to purchase raffle prizes; also fee free banking was provided to each Branch. (Southern Downs and Granite Belt Branch was not formed until 18 July 2014). In 2014 the sponsorship was reduced from $20,500 to $10,000 to cover the production of the quarterly newsletter by the QRPA. Fee free banking for each Branch continued. The then CEO, Grant Devine, advised the reduction was brought about by a survey of QRPA members which revealed very few of them did banking or business with the QPCU. In 2017 the SMC was advised by the new CEO of QBank, Mike Currie, that the sponsorship to the QRPA had been increased to the 2013 amount namely $20,500. The agreement entered into also included fee free banking for the Branches and the SMC. QBank also provided a new banner for each Branch. The $10,500 previously allocated to the 18 Branches (including the State Branch) to assist with luncheons/dinner and prizes was continued but it was allocated by the SMC on the number of financial members each Branch had as at 30 June each year. The sponsorship and allocation of it on the above basis has continued ever since. PUBLIC LIABILITY INSURANCE: The 2 March 1992 Management Committee meeting was advised Public Liability Insurance cover had been obtained at a cost of $224. It was decided ‘there was no need to arrange a director cover’. The following is a standard requirement at every AGM of the Association: The Association’s insurance cover was reviewed and the meeting is advised that the SMC has concluded that the following insurances held are appropriate for the Association: Business Insurance which includes Public Liability Insurance to a limit of $10,000,000, Management Liability Insurance and Voluntary Workers Insurance. THE QUEENSLAND POLICE MEDAL: This Medal was introduced in January 1999 during the Jim O’Sullivan regime. It was issued to those members in the service at that time for ten years diligent and ethical service. State President Mick O’Brien and myself as State Secretary badgered Commissioner Bob Atkinson whenever we could and also we addressed a Senior Executive Conference in an effort to allow members who retired prior to January 1999 to receive the Medal. In the end, Bob gave up to our badgering and many former members then received the Medal. It was not issued posthumously. On reflection, I don’t think we ever asked for that to occur. THE NATIONAL POLICE SERVICE MEDAL: This Medal was established on 9 November 2010 and it was decreed that any Australian Police Officer who had completed 15 years diligent and ethical service on or after 30 October 2008 could receive it. A few relevant points follow:
WELLBEING SUPPORT FOR RETIRED QUEENSLAND POLICE OFFICERS: As a result of three Branches requesting the State Management Committee to endeavour to have health privileges enjoyed by former members of the armed services extended to retired Queensland Police Officers, the SMC inquired about this possibility with negative results. However, with the knowledge that the QPS had done a lot in recent times in regard to the well being of current Queensland police employees, deliberations with the Executive Director, Safety and Recruiting, and the Director of Safety and Wellbeing resulted in external confidential psychological support advice being made available from 6 March 2017 to retired Queensland Police Officers. This support is available 24/7 on 1800277478. Also retired Police Officers – like all people in the Australian community – have an entitlement via the Federal Government to free mental health care through their General Practitioner for six free visits with psychologists and psychiatrists, although there may be a small gap payment which is dependent on the specialist. (From the March 2017 quarterly newsletter). A notice about this confidential psychological support service appears in every quarterly newsletter as well as the QRPA contribution to each Police Union Journal. All Branch newsletters bear a similar notice). QRPA-QPLS ANNUAL BOWLS DAY: These days, in aid of the Queensland Police Legacy Scheme, have been running since 2007 when the first day was held at Chermside Bowls Club. The second day was held at the same Club and the thirteen days to follow have been held at the Northern Suburbs Bowls Club (formerly Wavell Heights Bowls Club), at Wavell Heights. With $12,425 raised at the day held on 2 July 2021, this made $98,319 which has been handed over to Police Legacy. The day held on 1 July 2022 resulted in $13,433.51 being handed over which makes the total given to the Scheme $111,753.51. The money is raised from sponsorships, donations and raffles. Much goodwill has been and continues to be generated by these days. Prior to the 1 July 2022 day, the Scheme was supporting 49 police families and the education expenses of 87 dependent children from child care to university. EXCLUSION FROM JURY SERVICE ON THE BASIS OF A FORMER OCCUPATION. While a State Vice President, I responded on behalf of the QRPA to a request by the Queensland Law Reform Commission for submissions on any amendment considered desirable to the Jury Act 1995. The reason for the QRPA response was that section 4(3) of the Jury Act permanently excluded former police officers from jury service. Former QRPA Secretary, the late John Cummins, had a particular interest in this prohibition and urged me to respond to the request by the Law Reform Commission. (John was quite proud of the fact that after retiring as an Inspector he had undertaken jury service). In the final report by the Commission, it was noted that the QRPA expressed the view that former police officers should become eligible for jury service after three years of ceasing to hold such office; also that the Commission recommended that an additional period of exclusion for three years is appropriate and should apply to a person who has been a police officer. The Commission’s recommendations were made to the then Honourable Paul Lucas, Deputy Premier and Attorney-General. A recent check with the Acting Director of the Law Reform Commission revealed that the relevant amendment recommended to the Jury Act has never been implemented. ………………………………………………………………………………… The following information will appear in the State President’s report to the 2022 AGM held at Police Headquarters in Brisbane on 1 September 2022: CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL REPORT: Income and expenditure for QRPA WEBSITE – www.qrpa.asn.au: Until the 2018/2019 year, the Queensland Police Union maintained the QRPA website for several years. In December 2018, Assistant Secretary Pat Philp advised of issues with sending bulk emails via both Gmail and MailChimp. The State Management Committee agreed to look into the possibility of overhauling/modernising the website. In February 2019 a submission was put forward to redo the QRPA website and this was approved by the State Management Committee. (From 2019 AGM State President’s report) On 4 July 2019, the new QRPA website (public view) was launched and on 27 June 2019 the QRPA (Restricted Members Area) was launched. The new website contains information on QRPA history; who can join etc.; individual branch pages; funerals notices; upcoming events; stories; and a members’ forum. The new website assists to reduce the number of emails being sent out, reduces complaints from members re their privacy and reduces the opportunity for hackers to obtain access to members’ computers. After one month, approximately one third of members with email addresses have accessed the Restricted Members Area. (From State President’s report to the 2019 AGM). WEBSITE – www.qrpa.asn.au : The QRPA website launched on 27 June 2019 and member usage continues to grow. Currently, 1010 email accounts are registered on the website. As some couples share an email address, we provide contact to many more members. Our administrators continue to ensure each email forwarded to members/associate members has a link to the website to provide easy access particularly for our weekly website updates. All new members to the Association are provided with a generic initial password to assist with easy access to the information on the website. Three members of the State Management Committee hold full Administrator Access to the website and share access to the email system. Also, Branch Secretaries are provided with Restricted Administration access. This access enables Branch Secretaries to modify their specific Branch page - upload their minutes/newsletters, place notices and upload photos of members and activities. We continue to encourage members to add their stories under the Community>Member Forum to keep the website current I record appreciation to State Secretary Patricia Holden and State Assistant Secretary Pat Philp for their efforts to keep members informed by virtue of the website and also for spending time to assist members to access it. (From State President’s report to the 2022 AGM). WELFARE: The welfare of our members, particularly by Welfare Officers attached to the Branches, is praiseworthy. The Branches have made special efforts to keep in touch with their members, particularly since March 2020 when COVID 19 restrictions were put in place, by personal contact and/or by means of the Branch newsletter. With our members living longer, there is no doubt that welfare will play a more prominent part in the activities of each Branch in the future. The Queensland Police Service continues to do much in regard to the wellbeing of current Queensland police employees. Effective liaison exists between the Executive Director, Safety and Recruiting and the Director of Safety and Wellbeing, and this has resulted in the continuance of the availability to retired police officers of external confidential psychological support/advice 24/7 on 1800277478. This availability is advertised in our newsletters and in the Association’s contribution to the Journal of the Queensland Police Union of Employees. Due to the confidential nature of this service, it is not known how many former Queensland Police Officers have accessed the external confidential psychological support/advice. Also retired Police Officers – like all people in the Australian community – have an entitlement via the Federal Government to free mental health care through their general practitioner for six free visits with psychologists and psychiatrists, although there may be a small gap payment which is dependent on the specialist. POLICE CHAPLAINS: Again this year we have received assistance from full-time and part-time Chaplains state-wide. Usually this is at the time of the death of one of our members or at their funeral service. This activity, which we know has the full support of our Patron, Commissioner Katarina Carroll, is greatly appreciated. CO-OPERATION OF THE QPS: This has been ongoing from the Commissioner down through the ranks. Our members continue to be invited to prayer vigils/services associated with National Police Remembrance Day and medals parades. At least two Branches hold an annual meeting at their local police station which is followed by refreshments put on by the social club. We also continue to use members of the QPS as guest speakers at our meetings. SUPPORT FROM THE POLICE UNION: This has been ongoing for many years. We are allowed several pages in the now bimonthly Journal. Each Branch receives a number of Journals in the post and these are distributed at meetings. In addition, as has been done for many years now, the Union hosted attendees at the May 2022 state meeting to a sausage sizzle and later an address by Industrial Officer Luke Hodge. We are grateful for the ongoing support of the Queensland Police Union of Employees. Greg Early AM, APM, BA, FAIM State President September 2022
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