Police officers serving in remote Cape York communities have had their on-call allowances abruptly removed by Queensland Police in a controversial decision that has drawn sharp criticism from the police union.
Allowance cuts hit remote stations
The Queensland Police Service has stripped on-call allowances from officers at eight Cape York stations, affecting police serving in some of the state's most isolated communities. The decision, which took effect immediately, impacts stations at Bamaga, Coen, Aurukun, Weipa, Kowanyama, Pormpuraaw, Lockhart River, and Thursday Island.
These allowances provided additional compensation for officers who remained on-call outside their regular shifts in remote locations where police resources are already stretched thin. The removal affects approximately 40 officers across the region who routinely work beyond standard hours to maintain community safety.
Union condemns decision
The Queensland Police Union has strongly condemned the move, with President Ian Leavers describing it as "a kick in the guts for our most isolated officers." Leavers expressed particular concern about the timing, noting the decision came just days before Christmas and without proper consultation.
"These officers work in some of the most challenging environments in Queensland," Leavers stated. "They're already dealing with isolation, limited resources, and difficult working conditions. Taking away this allowance shows complete disregard for their dedication and sacrifices."
The union has raised alarms about the potential impact on police retention in remote areas, where attracting and keeping experienced officers has long been a challenge for the Queensland Police Service.
Police service defends decision
In response to the controversy, a Queensland Police Service spokesperson confirmed the allowance changes but defended them as part of broader reforms. The service indicated that the on-call allowances were removed because they were no longer considered appropriate under current working arrangements.
The police service has offered affected officers a one-off payment of $1,000 as compensation for the lost allowances. However, the union has rejected this as inadequate, noting that some officers stood to lose thousands of dollars annually from the change.
Community leaders in Cape York have expressed concern about how the decision might affect policing levels in their towns. Many remote communities rely heavily on their local police not just for law enforcement, but as key community figures who provide stability and support.
The controversy comes amid ongoing challenges in staffing remote police stations across Queensland. The union has warned that decisions reducing compensation for isolated service could further exacerbate recruitment and retention problems in regions already struggling to maintain adequate police presence.
