The Crime and Corruption Commission (CCC) was notified of allegations by the Queensland Police Service (QPS) in November 2019 and commenced a corruption investigation in January 2020.
As the CCC’s investigation evolved, the alleged conduct fell into two main categories:
- The QPS’s use of discriminatory recruitment practices to achieve the 50% gender equity target; and
- The deceptive reporting practices used mainly by staff in the QPS Recruiting Section.
The Arista report details how what started as a nobly intended strategy was poorly communicated to front line staff who were tasked with its implementation and discriminatory practices were implemented to achieve its goal. Those practices were hidden by misleading information and spin and senior executives blindly accepted the spin and did not enquire further.
Investigation Arista outcomes
The CCC commenced ‘corrupt conduct’ proceedings against one individual arising from Investigation Arista. The CCC discontinued those proceedings before the matter proceeded to hearing. As such, there was no finding of corrupt conduct against that person.
Other persons were referred to the QPS for consideration of disciplinary action. Ultimately, no disciplinary findings were made against any person.
