The majority of Queensland police officers do not engage in sexist behaviour and are "doing the right thing each and every day", the head of the police union has told an inquiry.
Ian Leavers, who represents more than 12,200 Queensland police officers, 30 per cent of which are women, is taking the stand for the first time at the Independent Commission of Inquiry into the Queensland Police Service (QPS) response to domestic and family violence.
Counsel assisting Ruth O'Gorman asked Mr Leavers if he was "concerned" about instances of alleged sexist and misogynistic behaviour by serving officers heard during hearings this week.
"I believe across the board it's small pockets [of sexism and misogyny]," Mr Leavers told the inquiry.
"I do believe the vast majority of police are doing the right thing.
"For every one incident that takes place, there are hundreds of positive stories which are out there.
"Ninety-eight per cent of the people that I represent are doing the right thing each and every day.
"Sadly, there are a very small percentage who are doing the wrong thing who tarnish the rest of us.
"By saying that, I don't say it's right, I think there's certainly room for improvement."
Mr Leavers became tearful as he spoke about an officer "very close" to him who was subjected to abusive behaviour by a colleague.
"I make no illusions there is some abhorrent behaviour that takes place," Mr Leavers said.
"One personal to me, you've heard it this week, someone who is very close to me was subjected to some of this behaviour.
"I wanted to throttle that [the abusive] person.
"I'm a law-abiding person, I haven't done that, but it deeply affected me and others so I'm acutely aware of what takes place."
'I believe we are failing victims'
The inquiry was told following the release of Margaret McMurdo's Hear her Voice report earlier this year, Mr Leavers claimed it was: "Another woke, out of touch report by a retired judge that overreaches where it pertains to police."
"Do you accept those comments made about … McMurdo ... were dismissive and belittling?" Ms O'Gorman asked.
"No, I don't," Mr Leavers replied.
"I'd been campaigning for well over a decade for change and reform when it comes to domestic violence.
"The only recommendation I've seen come out of that is this inquiry … it has been perceived by the membership that I talk to regularly that it has been an attack on the good men and women of the Queensland Police Service.
"Here we have another inquiry, which may cost up to $5 million … that money could have gone towards helping victims.
"That was out of complete frustration over a decade of wanted change over a system that is absolutely broken."
He has since changed his view, the inquiry was told.
"I have reset," Mr Leavers said.
"I never meant to belittle.
"I am hopeful … that we actually get some meaningful recommendations which will mean changes in legislation, procedures and funding … so we can actually fix this problem.
"I believe we are failing victims each and every day.
"Police are working in a broken system, [they] are set up and fail … they're doing the best they can."
Mr Leavers told the inquiry he wanted more women in senior leadership roles within the union but representatives were "elected democratically" across the state.
"One thing that has come through loud and clear from women within my organisation is tokenism is not something they will or do not want to support," he said.
Sexism and misogyny can occur in 'any large organisation'
Mr Leavers, who has been president of the union since 2009, was asked if he had heard from female officers about their experiences with sexism and misogyny in the QPS.
"Yes, I have heard of some and I support people when issues are raised," Mr Leavers said.
"I talk to people all the time in relation to their experiences and what may or may not have taken place."
Mr Leavers said sexism and misogyny can occur "in any large organisation".
"Whether that's policing or any other professional industry, I suggest that will be the same," Mr Leavers said.
"I do think it needs to be called out, it needs to be addressed but we need to dive deeper as to why it is occurring and what can be done as we move into the future.
"I'm probably the only president in my role in the country that is publicly available by the phone or email to all members, and I respond accordingly."
Sexism and misogyny not 'rife': Leavers
Mr Leavers said he did not believe sexism and misogyny within the QPS was "rife", and that he was not aware female officers were routinely subjected to "less serious, more subtle" forms of sexism, including name-calling or exclusion from male groups.
Mr Leavers told the inquiry union members "could" make sexual harassment complaints against colleagues as frequently as once a month.
Mr Leavers initially dismissed former Court of Appeal president Margaret McMurdo's landmark report that recommended an inquiry into the police response to domestic violence cases.
In a written submission to the inquiry in July, Mr Leavers wrote there was no "widespread" cultural problem in how officers respond to domestic violence incidents.
He said "instances of individual failings and shortcomings" were "more likely due to workload pressures or inadequate training" than cultural issues.
The probe this week heard from police Commissioner Katarina Carroll who revealed details of her own experience with workplace sexual harassment and bullying.
The Commissioner became emotional as she told the inquiry she had made several complaints about incidents of sexual harassment in the 1980s and 90s, including being "pinched on the arse" by a senior officer early in her career, as well as being "attacked by a sexual predator" colleague.
The commission also heard instances of alleged racist behaviour by police, as well as officers assaulting, abusing, harassing and bullying female colleagues.
Commissioner Carroll told the inquiry she was horrified and disturbed by the alleged behaviour.
Today was the final day of hearings.
Outside the hearing, Mr Leavers reiterated his support for the majority of police.
"There are a lot of great women and men who do their job each and every day, some have been tarnished unfairly, and I think we need to take a look at that and take it into perspective," he said.
"It is what it is, the commissioner will come down with her findings, and I look forward to some real reform.
"People in society tend to want to focus on the negatives – if you want to go bash police, have a crack, but I'm going to defend the 98 per cent who are doing a great job each and every day."
