SHEriffs act
Queensland 2025
A comprehensive legislative proposal to establish elected Sheriffs — strengthening LGA-based law enforcement in support of state policing, and restoring public trust through officers drawn from the communities they serve.
What Is the sheriffs act actually For?
Locally Appointed. Legally Empowered. Publicly Accountable.
A Local Presence. A Lawful Role. A Defined Purpose.
This proposal outlines a legislative framework for the establishment of Sheriff’s Offices within select Local Government Areas across Queensland.
Each office would be led by a locally elected Sheriff, supported by a team of state-trained Deputies and Sheriff’s Officers, drawn from the communities in which they serve.
The role is distinct. These officers are not police, and do not engage in criminal investigations. Their function is civil:
Enforcing court orders and warrants of possession
Responding to public disturbances and compliance issues
Managing summary offences and local enforcement matters
Providing trained first response in appropriate circumstances
Their jurisdiction is limited to their LGA.
Their authority is established under state legislation.
Their responsibility is to the communities that elect them.
The model is designed to address long-standing service gaps in civil enforcement and lower-level public order, particularly in regional and semi-rural areas, where local familiarity and prompt presence can be critical.
It does not duplicate existing services. It supports them.
It does not expand policing powers. It narrows them with purpose.
It introduces a structure that is visible, proportionate, and lawful, without altering the role of the existing state police.
The full proposal outlines pathways for election, training, integration, funding, and oversight under Queensland law.
It is not speculative. It is specific.
It offers one clear adjustment, with practical benefits across communities.
“Queensland Sheriffs are sworn public safety officers, appointed to enforce the law within their own communities.” — J.K.W, Author
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