Below is a chronology and explanation of the Chairperson’s involvement in the reappointment of the Queensland Police Commissioner:
25 February 2010 – The Police Minister spoke with CMC Chairperson Martin Moynihan AO QC advising him of the state government’s intention to reappoint the Queensland Police Commissioner and to announce the decision within the next hour.
At the time of receiving the call, Mr Moynihan was not in a position to discuss the matter without obtaining further information about the CMC’s role in the matter. He also wished to consult the four other CMC Commissioners.
Mr Moynihan was not aware of the legislative provisions at that time.
Mr Moynihan stated to the Police Minister that he could make no comment.
3 March 2010 – Mr Moynihan sent a standard letter congratulating the Police Commissioner on his reappointment. The letter was CMC protocol.
Some parties have taken this letter to indicate that Mr Moynihan had endorsed the state government’s decision to reappointment the Police Commissioner. At the time of sending the letter, the government’s announcement had already been made about the Police Commissioner’s appointment.
Mr Moynihan formed the view that it was now important to ensure that appropriate conditions were included in the terms of the reappointment of the Police Commissioner and future appointments. Specifically, Mr Moynihan sought conditions that set performance measures that held the Police Commissioner accountable for ensuring high standards of supervision and ethical behaviour in the Queensland Police Service.
24 March 2010 – Mr Moynihan wrote to the Police Minister drawing his attention to the requirements under the Police Service Administration Act 1990 which states that the CMC Chairperson must agree to the recommendation for the appointment.
The Chairperson must also agree to the conditions on which the appointment as Police Commissioner is held.
Mr Moynihan did not see any need to contact the Police Minister any earlier as the announcement about the Police Commissioner’s reappointment had already been made and the Commissioner’s contract was not due to expire until October.
30 March 2010 – Mr Moynihan met with the Police Minister to discuss the conditions of the Police Commissioner’s reappointment.
1 April 2010 – Mr Moynihan confirmed in writing to the Police Minister his views on the conditions of the Police Commissioner’s reappointment.
2 June 2010 – Mr Moynihan met with the Police Minister and the Director-General of Premier and Cabinet to further discuss the conditions for the reappointment of the Police Commissioner.
--ENDS--
