Safety concern in remote community with police station unstaffed

Key points

• Police have confirmed the Laura police station in Far North Queensland is empty while recruitment is underway to replace an officer on unplanned leave. Nearby officers from Cooktown and Hope Vale are covering patrols and call-outs, more than 140 kilometres away.
• The Indigenous Family Violence Legal Service says any gap in remote staffing is deeply concerning for domestic violence victims. The Queensland Police Union says the position could have been filled straight away and accuses the service of cost-cutting.
• Police say a relieving officer is being sought as soon as possible.