Queensland Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll to step down from top job, months before contract was due to end

Katarina Carroll will meet with the state government to discuss her future.  (ABC News: Chris Gillette)

Queensland’s Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll has denied being a “scapegoat” as she announces she will step down from the top job next week.

Commissioner Carroll’s last day will be next Friday, months out from when her contract was due to finish.

She was appointed to the role in 2019, becoming the first woman in the position after serving as commissioner of the Queensland Fire and Emergency Service.

“Since the start of the year, I’ve had candid conversations with my husband, with my children, who have been unbelievably supportive, every step of the way,” she said.

“I made this decision and was going to have the discussion about not renewing my contract with the minister in about two weeks’ time, but because of the heightened speculation and commentary, I brought these discussions forward.”

Commissioner Carroll said it was her decision to step down and that it was time for “new leadership” to let the focus turn to the work of her officers.

She said she wanted the “air to be clear”, and refused to speculate on who would replace her.

“The world has changed since COVID. To have in one year a 25 per cent increase in domestic violence is just unheard of, and that’s in one year,” she said.

Youth crime a ‘vexed and complex issue’

The commissioner and state government have been under increasing pressure over young offenders.

Last week, Commissioner Carroll spoke to cabinet about youth crime, asking the government for more warrantless “wand” search powers, and an extension of GPS ankle monitors on young offenders.

Speaking today, she said the police response to youth crime had been “outstanding”.

“It is one of the most vexed and complex issues that we are dealing with,” she said.

“It’s dangerous, it’s escalating and it certainly is one of the biggest focuses of the QPS.”

‘Heart-wrenching moments’

Commissioner Carroll also spoke about the 2022 Wieambilla murders.

Three shooters killed Constable Rachel McCrow, 29, Constable Matthew Arnold, 26, and neighbour Alan Dare in the Western Downs on December 12.

Those murders, and the on-duty death of Senior Constable Dave Masters in June 2021, were her darkest days, she said.

“They were heart-wrenching moments which rocked our blue family, and I know this organisation will never forget the contributions of those fine officers,” she said.

‘She kept her oath’

Police Minister Mark Ryan said Commissioner Carroll had “kept her oath” to serve Queensland.

“You don’t just end up commissioner of police by chance. You get there through hard work, through distinction, through selfless service.”

Premier Steven Miles thanked her for her service.

“She has led both our fire service and our police service with distinction,” he said.

“She has delivered important reforms to both organisations.”

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