A senior Queensland police officer who took leave after an outcry over misogynistic comments he allegedly made at a police conference has returned to work this week.
Chief Superintendent Ray Rohweder took leave in August after the inappropriate language he allegedly used came to light in the final days of the Commission of Inquiry into QPS Responses to Domestic and Family Violence.
The inquiry heard that, earlier this year, the master of ceremonies at a "very formal" police conference had a cut on his face, and told the audience he had a "rough promotional process".
Chief Superintendent Rohweder allegedly called out: "Did she shut her legs on you?"
The inquiry heard some officers were so offended, they walked out of the conference.
Chief Superintendent Rohweder – then a superintendent – was disciplined for the comments but was then promoted in July.
A Queensland Police spokesperson confirmed Chief Superintendent Rohweder was back from leave this week.
"He is working in a non-public-facing research role while the matter remains under consideration," the spokesperson said.
"The Queensland Police Service is committed to improving its response to inappropriate workplace behaviour and has recently implemented new oversight measures as part of an ongoing review into its local managerial resolution system."
Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll said Chief Superintendent Rohweder "disputes" the wording but was remorseful.
Commissioner Carroll called the comments allegedly made by Chief Superintendent Rohweder "deeply disrespectful and it is misogynistic", but said due to the officer being disciplined through "local managerial resolution", her hands were tied.
At the inquiry Commissioner Carroll said she "would rather have not promoted him".
Last month she said the local managerial resolution system that was used for disciplining Chief Superintendent Rohweder was being "assessed centrally".
Former Deputy Commissioner Paul Taylor resigned in August after the lewd comments he made at a separate police conference also came to light in the inquiry.
