The Queensland Police Service (QPS) advertised roles for “officer in charge” positions at two police stations in Brisbane. Applications were assessed by a selection panel according to key performance indicators (KPIs) which had not been identified in the job advertisement. The positions were filled by candidates according to the panel’s assessment against the KPIs. The applicant’s appointment was internally reviewed by a member of the QPS which ultimately led to her appointment being revoked and the selection process directed to start again. The other appointment which had also been affected by the selection process was not revoked. The applicant, who was the most meritorious applicant who applied for the positions, successfully applied to judicially review the decision to revoke her appointment on the ground of legal unreasonableness.
Scott McLeod QC acted for the respondent, the Commissioner of the Queensland Police Service. Matthew Wilkinson appeared at the hearing for the respondent. Both were instructed by the QPS Legal Unit.
The judgment is published here.
