Cath Nielsen seeks investigation into police treatment after Brett Forte’s shooting death

Senior Constable Cath Nielsen says there have been “some really dark times” since the 2017 murder of her police partner Brett Forte. 

The Queensland police officer was in a patrol car with Senior Constable Forte, 42, when he was shot and killed by fugitive gunman Ricky Maddison in an ambush on a dusty and rocky road in the Lockyer Valley.

Senior Constable Nielsen said her dedication to the blue uniform had not wavered but wanted to see “transparent investigations” by the Queensland Police Service (QPS) into her treatment, and that of Senior Constable Forte’s widow Susan, since her colleague’s death six years ago.

She said she had vowed to keep fighting for change within the police service in the wake of Queensland Coroner Terry Ryan’s findings into Senior Constable Forte’s death.

“I believe in fighting the good fight,” she said.

Coroner Ryan said there were “several systemic factors that may have contributed” to Senior Constable Forte’s death.

He said it was “possible, but not certain, that his death may have been prevented if those factors had been addressed”.

Coroner Ryan found there was “a significant failure of leadership” and that disciplinary action against Brett Forte’s widow, Senior Constable Susan Forte, and Senior Constable Nielsen was unwarranted.

He found while Senior Constable Neilsen’s “obvious” bravery was acknowledged by the police service, a subsequent investigation into Senior Constable Forte’s death had “obviously had a significant and damaging impact” on her career.

Coroner Ryan also agreed with the findings of the Independent Commission of Inquiry into Queensland Police Service responses to domestic and family volence, which found both officers should have been supported in raising reasonable concerns in the investigation, rather than being referred for poorly considered disciplinary proceedings.

She and Senior Constable Forte were issued with complaints notices for failing to report misconduct and perjury over evidence they gave at the inquest.

Those complaints were later dismissed.

Findings ‘a little win’

The findings have been a vindication for Senior Constable Nielsen, who told the inquest in 2021 her life was made a “living hell” for asking questions contrary to the police service narrative. 

“It felt like a nice little win to be honest,” she said of the coronial findings.

“When it became obvious that we were believed and that Coroner Ryan understood where we’re coming from, it felt really good.”

Senior Constable Nielsen said the past six years had been difficult dealing with an “unpleasant workplace”.

“If we had stronger leadership in various positions, I don’t think it would have got to the point it did, but unfortunately, it got to an unacceptable point,” she said.

The police officer, who still lives and works in Toowoomba, said she hoped her experience would spur the police service to make positive changes to its workplace culture.

“It’s time for the QPS to stand up and not for our sakes, but all of our colleagues that do this job day in day out,” she said. 

“Our wellbeing is absolutely paramount for us to be able to deliver a good service to the community.”

Police look into allegations 

Queensland police Commissioner Katarina Carroll said she was looking into allegations of harassment raised by Senior Constable Susan Forte. 

“We’ve given Susan the commitment that we will definitely look into that,” Commissioner Carroll said.

“From the very beginning I’ve said bullying, sexism, racism will not be tolerated.” 

“Susan’s a wonderful human being, I would say.

“Strong, resilient and brave, and incredibly sad with the comments that she has made.”

Commissioner Carroll said recent changes made to the police service would allow officers to report any concerns over bullying, sexism, racism, or misogyny. 

She said the service had already implemented changes ahead of the coroner’s findings.

“When we have an issue like this, we will look at it immediately and look at what do we need to do now to make sure that this doesn’t occur,” she said. 

Commissioner Carroll said she approved of the recommendations for improved intelligence sharing between officers and the establishment of a senior duty officer.

Belief and unity

Senior Constable Nielsen said despite her ordeal, she was committed to serving her community.

“It’s a difficult job, there’s no doubt, and it’s a stressful job. But I guess I believe in it,” she said.

She said she hoped her bond with Senior Constable Forte would also help make change for other police officers. 

“We’ve said to each other, we do it because there’s plenty of other coppers that go through a hard time as well and they’ve only got themselves,” she said.

“So, if we can make a difference for our colleagues because of our unity that we would love that.”

A police service spokesperson said the Ethical Standards Command was undertaking inquiries in relation to matters raised with all parties involved.