SENIOR CONSTABLE BEN BJARNESEN has long been motivated to have a career where he could make a meaningful contribution to the community. Since starting with Queensland Police Services (QPS) 13 years ago, he has become well known for his commitment and leadership in improving relationships between the QPS and LGBTI communities. As a fierce advocate for improving services for LGBTI victims of crime and domestic violence, he’s been asked to give Tedx Talks, has consulted with the Queensland government, has served on a number of government and advocacy committees, and was awarded a Churchill Fellowship where he studied ways to improve police responses to domestic violence in LGBTI communities.

Senior Cst. Bjarnesen established the QPS Brisbane Region LGBTI Community Consultative Group, a group dedicated to developing meaningful partnerships between police and LGBTI communities. He also founded the LGBTQ Domestic Violence Awareness Foundation and established the inaugural LGBTI Domestic Violence Awareness Day (2020), which garnered praise and support by state governors, the Queensland Premier, and the prime minister of Australia.

Senior Cst. Bjarnesen has been recognized with some of the most prestigious awards given to Queenslanders. He was named a “Human Rights Hero” by the Australian Human Rights Commission, recognized as an “Inspiring Queenslander of 2020” by the Courier Mail and named in the Deloitte Outstanding 50 LGBTI+ Leaders Report. He was inducted in the Queensland Government Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Honor Roll and has received numerous other accolades for his work.

“I’m passionate about ensuring that all LGBTI people have safe, equal, and inclusive support when it comes to accessing police and support services.“