Ian Stewart Named Queensland's New Police Chief

News was publish in 3 September, 2012 by PerthNow.

DEPUTY Commissioner Ian Stewart has been appointed as the new head of Queensland's Police Service (QPS).

Mr Stewart will replace Commissioner Bob Atkinson, who retires at the end of October after 12 years in the job and 44 years in the force.

Mr Stewart, who has served more than 37 years in the QPS, was honoured this year for his role co-ordinating Queensland's disaster operations during the 2010/11 flood and cyclone emergencies.

He was one of 13 people nominated for the job, and among only five shortlisted. Other contenders included Deputy Commissioner Ross Barnett, assistant commissioners Brett Pointing and Graham Rynders and Canberra's Australian Federal Police chief Roman Quaedvlieg.

Premier Campbell Newman paid tribute to Mr Atkinson, who he said had kept the police service running effectively through "triumphant and difficult" times such as the 2001 Goodwill Games in Brisbane and the disappearance of Daniel Morcombe, as well as many natural disasters.

Mr Atkinson, who was due to finish his stint as commissioner in 2013, was widely respected but his career hit a low point after an outcry over his oversight of police discipline.

Debate raged in 2010 over the way he handled six officers involved in two investigations following the death in custody of Palm Island man Cameron "Mulrunji" Doomadgee.

Mr Doomadgee's death in the Palm Island watchhouse in November 2004 triggered riots.

The police service ultimately refused to discipline the six officers, leading then chairman of the Crime and Misconduct Commission, Martin Moynihan QC, to accuse Mr Atkinson of presiding over a corrosive culture of self-protection.

However Mr Stewart said the police service had a "very good" relationship with the CMC.

"Certainly one of the things I'll be doing over the next couple of months during the transition period is talking to (current CMC chairman) Ross Martin and making sure our relationship is as strong as ever.

"We don't always agree with the CMC, but I think that is a very healthy way for it to be," he said.

"The other major issue for me will be the fact that G20 is on our doorstep. It's only a couple of years away."

Queensland Police Union president Ian Leavers said he was committed to working with Mr Stewart.

"All we want as a police union is a commissioner that stands up for their troops," he said.

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