The Queensland Police Union (QPU) has raised fresh alarm over dangerous conditions inside several of the state’s watch houses, lodging a formal complaint with Workplace Health and Safety (WPHS) in March that cited severe overcrowding, unsafe staffing levels and deteriorating infrastructure.
The union confirmed that WPHS conducted site inspections at Ipswich, Cleveland, Southport and Beenleigh, with additional notices issued for the Brisbane watch house relating to chemical storage risks and building maintenance deficiencies.
QPU president Shane Prior said both Caloundra and Caboolture watch houses received five improvement notices each, including one in Caboolture for having no sexual harassment prevention plan in place.
These notices are not fines but formal directives requiring the Queensland Police Service (QPS) to fix identified workplace health and safety hazards.
In its complaint, the union reported extended detention periods adults held for up to 21 days and young people for up to 30 days inside aging, underfunded facilities.
It also highlighted hygiene failures, unreliable CCTV, poor ventilation, mould, and insufficient personal protective equipment.
The QPU told regulators that despite multiple reviews into Queensland watch houses over recent years, critical risks remain unresolved, leaving staff and detainees exposed to ongoing safety threats.
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