Queensland Police Union Of Employees

After more than 37 years of dedicated service to the people of Queensland, this week Detective Sergeant Darrin Padget concluded one remarkable chapter of his policing career.

Sworn into the QPS in 1989, Darrin served across metropolitan Brisbane before taking his skills and experience to Far North Queensland.

In 2005, he became the inaugural Sergeant of the Cassowary Coast Child Protection and Investigation Unit, a role he has held with distinction ever since. For more than two decades, he has been a tireless investigator protecting vulnerable children and families and along the way earning the respect of colleagues and the community alike.

On his final day as OIC, Darrin was afforded a traditional piping out and guard of honour from fellow officers in a fitting tribute to a career built on professionalism, compassion and commitment.

Darrin’s contribution extends well beyond operational policing.

He was instrumental in re-establishing the Innisfail Branch of the QPU and has spent many years supporting and advocating for fellow members, always willing to lend his experience, guidance and support when it was needed most.

While he has reached age retirement from full-time service, this is far from a farewell.

Darrin will continue serving the Queensland community as a Special Constable, returning to the frontline as a General Duties Officer three days a week.

Few people can claim a career that has left such a positive mark on both policing and their local community.

Congratulations Darrin and thank you for your outstanding service.

The uniform may look a little different in coming weeks but your dedication to the job remains exactly the same.

On behalf of all QPU members, thank you.

The QPU critical incident response team are assisting members after an incident at Narangba early this morning.
No police officers have been physically injured but a person has died after officers used their fi****ms.
QPU members involved are receiving support and care.

Retention. Mandatory sentencing. Judicial accountability.

Three issues. One conversation. Zero excuses from those in power.

This is what policing in Queensland actually looks like right now and why it has to change.

▶️ Watch here on The Karl Stefanovic Show

‘Victoria Is Becoming Unliveable’: Opposition Leader Jess Wilson on Crime Crisis This week on The Karl Stefanovic Show.Victoria’s youth crime cris...

The QPU is providing legal and support services to members involved in an operational incident in Cairns this morning.
No police were physically injured but their wellbeing is a priority for our team.
The QPU will respond no matter the time of day or location to support our members.

The QPU has legal representatives and support staff heading to Hervey Bay following an incident early this morning where an officer used their firearm during an arrest.
All QPU members are safe and unharmed. The alleged offender is in custody.
The QPU will respond no matter the location or time of day with whatever resources are required to assist members.

This Mother’s Day, the QPU recognises the incredible mothers within the policing family.

The Mums finishing nightshift and heading quietly to bed while the rest of the household sleeps.

The Mums missing breakfast in bed because they’re already in uniform for an early shift.

The Mums kissing their children goodbye before heading off to an afternoon shift, missing bedtime stories and goodnight hugs.

Policing doesn’t stop for special occasions, but every day police Mothers continue to show up with strength, sacrifice and unconditional love for both their families and their communities.

We also recognise that Mother’s Day can bring mixed emotions. For some, today is difficult and carries grief, loss or longing. Those members and families are in our thoughts today as well.

To every Mum and Mother figure in the policing family thank you!

The Queensland Police Union has been rolling out the ASAP (Acute Stress Adaptive Protocol) as a pilot program across Queensland.

When surveyed, Members made it clear they want the QPU to be more active in the wellbeing space. Members wanted early, practical support that better addresses operational stress and trauma. There is clearly a lack of confidence in existing QPS wellbeing pathways.

This is the first time the ASAP program has been delivered to Australian police. Developed by Sonny Provetto, and supported through the QPU’s Wellbeing Advisor Dr Jacqueline Drew, QPU Members are the first officers in Australia to be provided access to this police specific and independently delivered early-intervention wellbeing initiative.

The ASAP program resets the mind & body, addressing cumulative stress and trauma. Designed specifically for police, it is an evidence-based program that consistently achieves significant reductions in psychological distress.

Positive feedback has been received from Members who have attended the ASAP program:

“I want to sincerely thank you for driving this… IT WILL SAVE LIVES.”

“It is an opportunity to deal with long held trauma… I have held on to it my whole career… it is a start.”

“Thank you for caring about our wellbeing. I think the QPS doesn’t at the moment… it is nice to know someone is in our corner.”

Reflecting on the data so far, Members attending the ASAP program are reporting (on average) a 56.9% decrease in self-reported levels of distress.

The QPU is lobbying Government for a dedicated allocation of the announced $14 million police mental health funding, to ensure that frontline members are given the best wellbeing programs that are available. If the ASAP program is proven successful, we want to continue to deliver it across the state.

ASAP sessions next week:

Tuesday – Cairns
Wednesday – Townsville
Thursday – Rockhampton
Friday – QPU HQ
There may be availability at some courses email [email protected]

This initiative is about responding directly to what members said they need and delivering wellbeing support that reflects operational reality, not just policy intent.

Today, on International Workers’ Memorial Day, we remember those who have lost their lives, and those who continue to suffer injury, illness, and disease because of their work.

For police, the risks are not just physical, they are cumulative, psychological, and often hidden. Shift work, exposure to trauma, fatigue, and relentless operational demands all take their toll. Every one of these hazards is foreseeable, and every one of them is preventable.

The Queensland Police Union’s expanded Workplace Health and Safety team is focused where it matters most: scrutinising conditions in watch houses, exposing risks in fleet, and driving action on the growing impact of psychosocial hazards across the Service.

But safety doesn’t start in a policy, it starts with members. Identifying and reporting hazards through the hazard management system is critical. If risks aren’t reported, they can’t be addressed. Every report matters, and every member plays a role in making the workplace safer.

Safety at work is not optional. It is a legal obligation of the employer.

Today is not just about remembrance, it is about accountability. We will continue to identify risks, report failures, and hold the employer to account. It starts with members speaking up and using the systems in place.

On this Anzac Day, we pause to remember and honour the 30 members of the Queensland Police Service who made the ultimate sacrifice during World War One. Their service and courage remain part of our enduring legacy.

We also acknowledge the deep and enduring connection between the Australian Defence Force and the Queensland Police Service. Many who have served in the military go on to continue their service in policing, carrying forward the same values of duty, courage, mateship, and sacrifice in protecting their communities.

We pay tribute, too, through the purple poppy, to the horses and dogs who have served alongside them both in war and on the front line of policing. Their loyalty, bravery, and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

On this solemn day of reflection, we thank all who have served and continue to serve. We also recognise the police officers working today to keep our community safe while we stand together in remembrance.

Lest we forget.

The Queensland Police Union is proud to support Queensland Police Legacy. As a founding partner, the QPU’s objective was clear, to ensure the children of our fallen members are never forgotten.

For decades, Legacy has stood beside police families, providing ongoing care, support and opportunity to the children of officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice. It’s a commitment that reflects the very best of our policing family.

We’re excited to share that Queensland Police Legacy has launched a brand new website and online store, making it easier than ever to show your support.

https://policelegacyqld.org.au/

You can now purchase the iconic Legacy Daisy badge a symbol of remembrance and support as well as the limited edition Legacy challenge coins. These items not only honour those we’ve lost, but directly contribute to supporting their children into the future.

Every purchase makes a difference.

Visit the new site, wear your Daisy with pride, and stand with the families who need us most.

Because those in our care isn’t just a saying, it’s a promise.