An inquiry has heard claims of bullying, sexism, racism and homophobia within the Queensland Police Service (QPS). 

Hearings were held last week in the state’s Independent Commission of Inquiry into Queensland Police Service (QPS) culture and responses to domestic and family violence.

Queensland's Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll has given evidence about being “pinched on the arse” by a senior officer early in her career, as well as being “attacked by a sexual predator” colleague, saying she multiple complaints about incidents of sexual harassment in the 1980s and 1990s.

Queensland Police Union president Ian Leavers has been called to give evidence too. Mr Leavers represents more than 12,200 Queensland police officers, 30 per cent of which are women, and was asked if he was “concerned” about instances of alleged sexist and misogynistic behaviour by serving officers.

“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 was also 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.”

He noted that 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.”

Human rights activist Professor Gracelyn Smallwood says “now is the time” for cultural change within Queensland police. 

“There has to be massive inquiry, and massive changes, not from a top-down approach, but from a bottom-up approach,” she said. 

‘I believe that we'll have a better future for all Australians once all of this inappropriate behaviour is cleaned out.

“There's got to be a big vacuum clean out of the entire department.

“I believe [Commissioner] Katarina [Carroll] is the person who can do it with a lot of support from politicians who don't believe in this inappropriate antisocial behaviour.”

Professor Smallwood said airing the issues in the inquiry has been a good first step.

“I'm really pleased because I never thought it would happen in my time and 50 years of advocating that this would all come out,” she said.

“We've got to turn the triangle upside down in Australia, because people have got their head in the sand.”