QUEENSLAND POLICE SERVICE COMMISSIONER'S OFFICE 200 ROMA STREST BRISBANE GLD <000 AUSTRALIA ‘B20 BOX 1440 BRISBANE OLD 4001 AUSTRALIA mak comissone@poscef.govs at 31 August 2018 Committee Secretary Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee PO Box 6100 Parliament House Canberra ACT 2600 By email: legcon.sen@aph.gov.au Dear Committee Secretary CONFIDENTIAL SUBMISSION Inguiry into allegations concerning the inappropriate exercise of ministerial powers, with respect to the visa status of au pairs, and related matters: As the Committee would be aware, in June 2015 an international student arrived at Brisbane International Airport intending to stay with two serving Queensland Police officers and their young children. Upon her arrival, the student was detained by immigration authorities for visa-related issues. Consequently, one officer with whom the student was to reside attempted to make contact with the then-Minister for Immigration. I understand that someone from the Minister's office subsequently contacted the officer and the student was later granted a visa and allowed into the country. Due to the recent media commentary surrounding the decision to grant visas to foreign au pairs, the police officer involved in this incident made a disclosure to his supervisor about his involvement in the matter. The officer subsequently took part in a disciplinary record of interview in which he was directed to answer questions, The matter was referred to the Ethical Standards Command for assessment by a senior commissioned officer who concluded that there was no evidence of misconduct by the officer with respect to the granting of the visa to the student. This outcome has been reported to the Crime and Corruption Commission as the relevant corruption oversight body in Queensland.Tam not aware of the terms of reference with respect to the inquiry, however in the interests of transparency and accountability I have determined it is appropriate to advise the Committee of the investigation by the Queensland Police Service related to this matter. The matter arose as a result of the officer self-reporting and participating in an interview on the expectation that its use would be confined to the investigation and any subsequent disciplinary action. Further, no misconduct relevant to the granting of the visa has been substantiated. Accordingly, this information would not ordinarily be disclosed by the Queensland Police Service. Given these circumstances, and the prospect that the officer it relates to may be identified as a result of information already in the public domain, I request that this letter be treated confidentially rather than as a public submission. Should the Committee wish to seek further information relevant to its inquiry, or to seek clarification regarding the request for confidentiality regarding this correspondence, I would be grateful if those inquiries could be directed in the first instance to Ms Carolyn Harrison, A/Executive Director, Legal Division. Ms Harrison is contactable on ~ or by email