Sheriffs Act

What is the Sheriff’s Act (Queensland)?

A concept for legislative reform creating community-based Sheriff's Offices across Queensland to enforce civil orders, support public order, and respond to minor offences — relieving pressure off the Queensland Police Service.

Does this replace the Queensland Police Service?

No at all. Sheriffs can only complement the existing police service. Queensland still requires QPS for management of serious crime; Sheriffs' Offices only handle civil and minor matters. — If anything, this reinforces the importance, capability of the Queensland Police Service as the state’s premier law enforcement.

Why was the Sheriffs Act created?

To provide local enforcement for civil and summary matters, especially in rural areas, and to ensure more accessible, accountable law enforcement.

Who drafted the Act?

The Act was drafted by a member of the public.

What does a Sheriff’s Office actually do?

Everything that costs police time, money & resources, and that councils are already paying to try fix: CBD & community patrols, responding to vandalism, public nuisance calls, traffic control, serving court orders, & ensuring public safety in their Local Government Area, in support of State policing efforts.

Can Sheriffs arrest people?

Yes. Sheriffs may arrest people for summary offences and less-serious criminal matters that can be dealt with locally.

All arrests are carried out under the same legal safeguards and limits as police, in accordance with the Police Powers and Responsibilities Act 2000 (Qld).

No. Sheriffs and Deputy Sheriffs are law-enforcement officers, but they are not the same as Queensland Police officers.

Sheriffs and Deputies focus on civil law, local ordinances, and summary offences within their Local Government Area. This includes public order, community safety, and visible deterrence in public spaces. They do not conduct major criminal investigations or serious crimes, which remain the responsibility of the Queensland Police Service (QPS).

In practice, Sheriffs handle everyday local enforcement and prevention, while police handle serious crime, investigations, and prosecutions.

They operate in parallel and in support of each other, designed to reduce police workload and improve local safety — not to replace or duplicate police.

The Sheriff is the senior local law-enforcement authority figure & representative for the community. Responsible for enforcing local laws, maintaining public order, and carrying out civil law duties.

The Sheriff may arrest or detain people for summary offences, issue fines, execute court orders and warrants, and carry out evictions and property seizures. The Sheriff also directs the investigation and management of these matters locally.

For serious crimes such as homicide, the Sheriff does not lead the investigation but may be involved for coordination, community, or court-related functions, with full investigative control remaining with the Queensland Police Service.

Can Sheriffs & Deputies respond to domestic violence?

Yes, but — only to secure the scene if first on location; or to attend in support at the request of QPS. All domestic, family, or intimate-partner violence incidents are under the jurisdiction of police, and require immediate handoff to QPS upon arrival.

Do Sheriffs conduct traffic stops?

Yes — within their Local Government Area for observable offences. In suspected drink or drug driving matters, the Sheriffs Office must act immediately at the roadside and hand the matter to QPS, who retain all charging and prosecution powers.

Are Sheriffs and Deputies armed?

Yes. Sheriffs and Deputy Sheriffs are first responders and may be issued service pistols after completing firearms training approved by the Queensland Police Service.

Firearms carriage and use are strictly regulated, recorded, and subject to independent oversight, audit, and review in accordance with Queensland law and this Act. Firearms may only be used where necessary to protect life or prevent serious harm

Can a Sheriff enforce court orders?

Yes. Enforcing court and tribunal orders is a core responsibility of the Sheriff’s Office. Sheriffs act on the authority of the courts to carry out civil enforcement, including evictions, property seizures, and the execution and service of legal writs.

What types of civil matters do Sheriffs handle?

Sheriffs handle a wide range of court-ordered civil matters, including serving summonses and notices, enforcing court judgments, carrying out tenancy evictions, and executing warrants and writs issued by a court or tribunal.

Can a Sheriff enter private property?

Yes, where lawful authority exists. A Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff may enter private property to carry out a court order or enforcement action, provided they are acting under clear legal authority and proper documentation, and in line with the same legal safeguards that apply to police.

Can a Sheriff evict tenants?

Yes. When a court or tribunal orders an eviction, the Sheriffs Office is the lawful authority responsible for carrying it out. Evictions must be conducted professionally, lawfully, and with appropriate safeguards for all parties involved.

What happens if someone resists a Sheriff’s action?

Resisting or obstructing a Sheriff or Deputy in the lawful execution of their duties is an offence. A person who interferes with enforcement may face arrest or penalties, just as they would for obstructing a police officer.

Who do Sheriffs report to?

Sheriffs are accountable to their local community and Local Government Area. They report through regular public meetings, council oversight, and an independent Community Oversight Committee.

Are Sheriffs elected or appointed?

That decision is made locally. A Local Government Area may choose to have its Sheriff elected by residents or appointed by the council, depending on what best suits the community.

How is the Sheriffs Office held accountable?

Through public oversight, independent audits, misconduct investigations under the same standards that apply to police, and a formal recall process where serious concerns arise.

Can a Sheriff be removed from office?

Yes. A Sheriff may be removed for misconduct, breach of the law, or serious loss of public confidence, following investigation and due process.

Will every Local Government Area get a Sheriff?

No. Only Local Government Areas that apply and meet the requirements will establish a Sheriff’s Office. Priority is given to high-need and under-served regions.

What role does the community play in oversight?

Community members sit on Community Oversight Committees, attend regular public meetings, and raise concerns through their council and established review processes.

How much will it cost to operate a Sheriff’s Office?

Annual operating costs are expected to fall between $850,000 and $1.15 million per year, but will vary depending of size, location, etc. This is speculative only and subject to change.

Who pays for the Sheriff — local councils or the state?

Funding is shared. The State Government covers approximately 50%–70% of operational costs. Local councils fund the remaining portion, and financial-hardship exemptions where applicable. All funding is capped and indexed to CPI, ensuring predictability and preventing cost blowouts.

What will the Sheriff and Deputy make?

A first-year Deputy Sheriff would earn approximately $80,000–$85,000 per year, in line with a first-year Queensland Police Service constables. With prior experience, specialist skills, standard loadings, or overtime, remuneration may reasonably rise to $85,000–$100,000.

The Sheriff, as head of the office, is a senior-most executive-level position. Remuneration would realistically sit in the $150,000+ range, consistent with Queensland public-sector executive pay scales for comparable statutory and leadership roles.

Are private or political donations allowed?

No. To preserve independence and public confidence, Sheriff’s Offices cannot accept private, corporate, or political donations.

Who’s paying for this - are my rates going up?

No.‍ Ratepayers are already funding these functions through State justice and enforcement budgets, and Council-funded patrols through private security contractors, with limited response capability.

The Sheriff’s Office does not introduce any new cost.
It consolidates the existing spending into a single, accountable public office with clear legal authority.

What is the Community Oversight Committee?

The Community Oversight Committee is an independent statutory body made up of local community representatives and independent members. It audits and oversees Sheriff operations, including conduct, ethics, and funding, and has the power to review complaints and recommend action.

How are complaints about Sheriffs handled?

Complaints are handled through a formal, transparent process with clear timeframes. Whistle-blowers are protected, complaints are independently reviewed, and outcomes are subject to audit and public reporting where appropriate.

Can a Sheriff be removed from office?

Yes — for misconduct, breach of law, or loss of public confidence.

Is political interference allowed?

No. Interference is criminalised. Sheriffs must remain strictly non-partisan.

How is corruption prevented?

Through audits, body-worn cameras, evidence protocols, and legal protections.

Can Sheriffs respond to fights or disturbances?

Yes. Sheriffs can respond to public fights, disturbances, and disorderly behaviour to restore safety and order. They may step in, separate people, detain individuals if necessary, and take lawful action to stop the situation. More serious incidents are handed over to the Queensland Police Service.

What happens if a major crime occurs?

Sheriffs act immediately to protect people, secure the scene, and preserve evidence, then notify the Queensland Police Service. Once police arrive, full control of the investigation transfers to QPS.

Can Sheriffs respond to domestic violence?

No. All domestic, family, or intimate partner violence incidents must be referred immediately to QPS. Sheriffs may assist with scene safety, but do not investigate or manage these matters.

Do Sheriffs conduct traffic stops?

Yes, in limited circumstances. Sheriffs may stop vehicles for local safety and public order reasons, such as obstruction, unsafe vehicles, or suspected impairment. Serious traffic offences are referred to the Queensland Police Service.

Where will the first Sheriffs Office be trialled?

Three to five Local Government Areas will be selected for a two-year pilot, prioritising regional, rural, or high-need communities. Areas must demonstrate community support, funding readiness, and capacity for oversight.

What happens if the pilot fails?

The Act requires a formal joint review by the Auditor-General and QPS. Expansion can only occur if at least 80% of key performance indicators are met. If the program fails to meet targets, it may be amended or repealed.

When will the public see results?

Quarterly reports will track response times, complaints, enforcement outcomes, and public satisfaction. These will be published online and reviewed by the Community Oversight Committee.

Can anyone run to be a Sheriff?

Yes, if they meet eligibility criteria: Australian citizenship, a local resident, at least 30 years of age, no criminal history, and 5+ years of work/life experience.

Candidates must also complete vetting and pre-service training.

Do Sheriffs have to live in the area they serve?

Yes. Residency within the Local Government Area is a legal requirement for employment with the Sheriffs' Office for all Sheriffs & Deputies.

Can Sheriffs be politically affiliated?

No. Sheriffs must be non-partisan and cannot hold political memberships, endorsements, or affiliations. Any breach disqualifies them from office.

How are Sheriffs vetted before appointment?

An Independent Vetting Panel conducts criminal checks, ethics reviews, and professional background screening. Candidates found to be biased, unfit, or politically compromised are rejected.

What happens if a Sheriff loses public trust?

A public recall vote can be triggered by a signed petition from 12.5% of local voters. A simple majority removes the Sheriff from office.

Misconduct or incompetence may also lead to disciplinary removal.

How do Sheriffs coordinate with QPS?

Through a combination of a legally binding Memorandum of Understanding and shared incident protocols. Sheriffs must notify QPS for all major incidents and participate in joint planning & training, ICS drills, and critical response scenarios.

Will Sheriffs have access to police technology?

Yes. Sheriff's Offices use interoperable digital case management systems, dispatch systems, body-worn cameras, and evidence tracking tools approved by the QPS and Department of Justice. Ensuring consistency across all participating LGAs.

What happens during an emergency, where the sheriff arrives first?

Sheriffs & Deputies will provide initial scene control and safety. Upon QPS or emergency services arrival, command transfers to the lead agency. All actions must be logged and reviewed post-incident.

Can Sheriffs work in remote or rural areas?

Yes. The Act encourages service in remote LGAs to address gaps, bolster numbers, & relieve QPS resource’s from civil enforcement and public order.

How does the public get involved or ask questions?

By attending public forums, submitting feedback via the Sheriff’s Office website, engaging with local council representatives, or contacting the Oversight Committee. Public participation is a core part of the model.