Nearby workers locked themselves in their offices during a fatal police shooting in South Brisbane yesterday with the union defending the officers involved, saying they had "no other option" but to draw their weapons.
Queensland Police Union president Ian Leavers said two officers shot the 34-year-old man after being "in fear of their lives".
"This is just a tragic situation where police are just doing their job and the offender actually approached and engaged with them," Mr Leavers said.
"We try to resolve things peacefully but when things happen within two to three seconds, our options are limited.
"I just want employees to go home safe at the end of every shift."
Police allege the man opened the back door of the police van and attempted to get inside, before threatening police with a 30-centimetre metal rod, which had a handle attached.
He was shot three times and died at the scene.
Mr Leavers said the man had attempted to use the metal rod to stab the male officer.
"The police officer has gone to the ground and continued to try and force this person away who was repeatedly thrusting at him with this weapon," Mr Leavers said.
He said the female senior constable then attempted to grab the rod from his hand.
"She has come from the left-hand side while the struggle is taking place," Mr Leavers said.
"She has tried to grab this person's hand and take the weapon from his hand but was unable to do so.
"She tried to use the taser which was ineffective and at this point in time, this person was continuing in a frenzy trying to attack the police officers, I'm told, simultaneously."
Mr Leavers said he believed the use of force was an appropriate response to the threat the man posed.
"If that was to hit someone within an artery in an eye it would cause death or grievous bodily harm at a minimum."
The officers had been called to the scene over concerns the man was acting "irrationally".
Investigators believed the officers had previously used a taser, but it was ineffective in subduing him.
Mr Leavers said the female senior constable involved had more than 12 years of experience and her partner, a male constable, had more than three years of experience.
He said he understood the officers had given their account to investigators.
"I have colleagues who have been looking after the two police officers," he said.
"They've obviously partaken in some interviews with the Ethical Standards Command because there is an investigation on behalf of the coroner."
'Trained to shoot in chest'
Mr Leavers, a former firearm instructor, said officers were trained to shoot to "stop the threat".
"Now often that is around the chest area, but that is our training," he said.
"Unfortunately, some people they watch the movies and TV too much and they believe you can shoot for the left hand or the right foot and that will be effective. That is not how it works," Mr Leavers said.
It was the second fatal police shooting this month and the fifth police shooting this year.
Mr Leavers said he was concerned by that figure, but denied the responsibility lay with police.
"The issues I think we need to look at is substance abuse and mental health and other issues," Mr Leavers said.
'I called out for the staff to get down'
The Greek Club General manager Les Kostoglou said he heard the shots from inside the building at West End.
"We realised they were gunshots and basically I just called out for the staff to all get down and lock themselves in the offices," he said.
"I ran to the front doors to lock the doors and was just waiting to hear ... that [it] was clear before I made any other moves."
Mr Kostoglou said he heard no other noises in the lead-up to the shooting and the venue had not been open to the public at the time.
He said there were minimal staff inside the building when the shooting occurred.
Staff will return to the Greek Club today to continue preparations for the upcoming Paniyiri festival.
"I haven't yet seen my staff but we spoke yesterday and we've got a few things in process to make sure that they get through the day," he said.
