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A vocal advocacy group has criticised the new Victims Commissioner appointed by the Crisafuli government, labelling the former high-ranking police officer as “underwhelming and dismissive”.
Bob Gee previously served as deputy police commissioner, and has headed multiple departments including youth justice since 2019 under both Labor and LNP governments.
In the new role, he will be responsible for advocating for the interests of victims of crime and providing advice to the government and non-government organisations following the scrutinised resignation of Beck O’Connor.
Bob Gee, when he was Queensland Youth Justice director-general in 2020.Credit: File
“[We] often found Mr Gee’s previous responses underwhelming and dismissive of the seriousness of issues affecting victims when he was previously director general of youth justice,” a statement released by Voice for Victims said following the announcement.
“While these experiences were concerning, Voice for Victims hopes they are simply a reflection of the policy direction he was then receiving from the then Labor Government.
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“We recognise that his appointment offers an opportunity for him to bring his deep public administration experience to bear in a new policy framework, and we look forward to a professional relationship.”
Speaking to reporters on Monday morning, premier David Crisafulli dismissed the criticism of Gee and instead blamed Labor for the supposed inaction flagged by the Voice for Victims.
“I think that’s an indictment on the former government, and you should ask them about that because their priority wasn’t about victims,” he said.
“Our focus is let’s make sure there’s fewer of them, and those that are victims need to be treated with respect and decency, [and] have a system to protect them.
“I think most people understand that when people serve in a public service role, they implement the government’s policy.”
Gee will replace O’Connor, who left the post in August this year following revelations DVConnect – a separate government service intended to support victims of domestic violence she previously oversaw – had failed to respond to a significant number of calls.
At its worst point in October last year, several months after she left the role, only two in five calls were reportedly answered.
Gee will leave his role as secretary to the Commission of Inquiry into the CFMEU to take on the Victims Commissioner position.
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