QPS Class Action

What is the class action about?

In late 2021, the former Commissioner of Police issued directions requiring QPS officers and staff members to receive specified doses of a COVID-19 vaccine. On 27 February 2024, Justice Martin of the Supreme Court of Queensland held that the directions were unlawful because the former Commissioner failed to properly consider human rights.

The QPS class action follows on from these findings and seeks damages from the former Commissioner and the State of Queensland for misfeasance in public office, and/or negligence, and/or breach of statutory duty.

Are you a group member?

About the Opt Out Process

A date will soon be set by which time you must opt out if you don’t want to be part of the class action. Only select this option if you wish to learn the process to opt out of the class action – note you are not opting out by simply pressing this link – further action by you is required.

Who can join the class action?

You are a Group Member if between 7 September 2021 and 12 December 2022 you were a QPS Police Officer or QPS staff member, and

you refused to comply with one or more of the requirements of the COVID-19 Directions and were, or would have been liable to be, subjected to disciplinary action under Chapter 6 of the Public Service Act 2008 (Qld) or Part 7, Part 7A or Part 8 of the Police Service Administration Act 1990 (Qld) by reason of your non-compliance with one or more of the requirements of the COVID-19 Directions (“Vaccine Refusal Group Members”);
you complied with the requirements of the COVID-19 Directions under duress/coercion/undue influence/ a practical compulsion AND but for the COVID-19 Directions, vou would not have received anv dose of the COVID- 19 vaccination (including a booster dose) AND you did not seek a medical exemption (“Vaccine Coercion Group Members”); or
you applied for but were refused an exemption from complying with the requirements of the COVID-19 Directions on medical grounds and upon being refused an exemption, complied with the requirements of the COVID-19 Directions to be vaccinated but you only did so under duress/ coercion /undue influence/ a practical compulsion AND but for the COVID-19 Directions and being refused an exemption, vou would not have received anv dose of the COVID-19 vaccination (including a booster dose) (“Refused Medical Exemption Group Members”).

If you fall into one of these three categories, you are a Group Member. If you are a Group Member wanting to join the QPS class action, we strongly recommend that you register your interest.

Where is the class action up to?

In Progress

On 11 March 2026, Sibley Lawyers received the Judgement of Justice Williams.

Sibley Lawyers are now developing with the Crown, the final orders in relation to the Opt out Notices – which should be progressed shortly.