Two Queensland Police Service (QPS) members have received highly commended acknowledgments at the Australasian Council of Women and Policing’s (ACWAP) Awards for Excellence in Policing.
In a statement, ACWAP said Acting Superintendent at the QPS, Ben Martain was awarded highly commended in the Champion of Change Award, acknowledging his extensive work and commitment to improving policing for women.
The Council said the Award acknowledged the importance of men’s role in increasing women’s representation in leadership within policing and how policing was delivered to women in the community.
The Council said areas of particular focus were how individuals had achieved a real change in workplace culture and mindset, and empowered both women and men within law enforcement to advance gender equality and improve policing for women.
It said Sergeant at the QPS, Kate Maxwell was highly commended in the Integrity and Courage Award category, which acknowledged the courage required to make the community and law enforcement better for everyone.
“This Award recognises more than just physical bravery, but seeks to recognise the courage and integrity of the circumstances where someone has the time to think about the implications of their actions and the impact those actions will have on their career, their family and themselves,” the Council said.
“It includes resolving conflict or situations that require challenging established beliefs or practices and protecting others who are negatively affected by unlawful, dangerous discriminatory or unethical practices or events,” the ACWAP said.
