The Story and Victoria bridges lit up in blue and silver on Friday 17 January to celebrate National Corrections Day, recognising the important work of corrective services officers in protecting communities across Australia.
The 2020 theme was aimed at acknowledging the Everyday people making a difference every day, and Commissioner Peter Martin said as a top tier front line public safety agency, QCS' workforce is vital to achieving its purpose.
"Our officers are our greatest asset. About 5,500 QCS officers work every day to protect the people of Queensland by dealing directly with some of the most complex and dangerous people in our society.
"QCS officers act as agents of change, dedicated to addressing offending behaviour and preventing crime to keep our communities safe.
Commissioner Martin said National Corrections Day is an important opportunity to take a moment to reflect on the good work that is being done by QCS officers.
"I am pleased to recognise our officers with National Corrections Day Awards for those people who embody the principles of Corrections 2030 through their important work of keeping the community safe," he said.
At the 2020 awards ceremony in Brisbane, Commissioner Martin acknowledged officers who have gone above and beyond to make a difference and keep Queensland safe in the categories of Safety, Excellence, Empowerment, Respect, and Accountability.
Commissioner Martin invited Crime and Corruption Commission (CCC) Chairperson, Mr Alan MacSporran QC to make a keynote address at the ceremony and said the working relationship that has been developed with the CCC is invaluable toward shaping the future of the organisation.
"Taskforce Flaxton provided us with valuable insights into how to build a corruption-resistant organisation, and we continue to work with the Crime and Corruption Commission to support Operation Impala - which focuses on the appropriate access and use of official information," he said.
"This operation will be incredibly useful for us, and we were honoured to have the CCC Chairperson Alan MacSporran to talk to us about the work of the Commission and how it can guide us in our business."
Commissioner Martin also warmly welcomed A/Chief Superintendent Louise Kneeshaw to make the second keynote speech of the night focused on the importance of workplace diversity.
"We embrace our diversity, which enhances our capability and our professionalism. A/Chief Superintendent Kneeshaw is passionate about building a high performing, diverse culture, and is exceptionally highly regarded within our organisation for her promotion of the rights of the LGBTIQ+ community.
"I am proud to have an officer of A/Chief Superintendent Kneeshaw's calibre play a key role in our National Corrections Day event, and it was also an honour to present her with a National Corrections Day Award for her dedication to promoting a culture of respect within our organisation for over more than three decades," he said.
Commissioner Martin said National Corrections Day was a reminder of the growth of QCS in the past year and all of the achievements and milestones that have been reached, but also an opportunity to look to the organisation's goals for the future, particularly in a key time of growth.
