Head of Queensland police union says no widespread cultural problem in domestic violence response

Head of Queensland police union Ian Leavers says ‘unsatisfactory behaviour and attitudes’ involve only ‘very small minority’ of officers. Photograph: Darren England/AAP

The head of Queensland’s police union has said there is no “widespread cultural problem” in how officers respond to domestic violence incidents, in a submission made to the state’s commission of inquiry examining the issue.

Ian Leavers, president of the Queensland Police Union since 2009, said “instances of individual failings and shortcomings” were “more likely due to workload pressures or inadequate training” than cultural issues.