July 15, 2025
There were only three police vacancies in the Darling Downs Police District – which includes the South Burnett – on May 31, according to figures released by Police Minister Dan Purdie on Tuesday.
In a response to a Question on Notice by Opposition Leader Steven Miles, Minister Purdie said there were 189 police vacancies across Queensland: Senior Sergeant (4), Sergeant (59) and Constable / Senior Constable (126).
In the Southern Region, which includes the Darling Downs District, there were officially no vacancies as the headcount in the two other police districts (Ipswich and South West) exceeded the number of approved permanent positions.
The largest number of unfilled positions was in the Brisbane Region (125) and the Far Northern Region (38).
Minister Purdie said police stations have “the ability to draw on resources from other geographically close police stations or district offices should it be required to effectively provide policing services to the community”.
“Apparent vacancies at smaller divisions/stations may be offset by officers who are deployed from larger divisions/stations to relieve pending the appointment of a permanent officer. Police districts have the discretion and flexibility to move resources around as demand dictates to keep Queenslanders safe,” Minister Purdie said.
