History

In June 1969 the Executive of the Queensland Police Union was requested, by members, to institute a “Legacy” system to care for the dependent children of deceased Police Officers.

In 1971 the Queensland Police Legacy Scheme (QPLS) was established.  A Committee of serving Police Officers was formed under the Chairmanship of Francis Edmond Atwood with Brian Andrew Osborne as Treasurer and Ronald George Youels as Secretary.  The Committee functioned independently to the Queensland Police Union.  With the assistance from the Commissioner of Police a voluntary payroll deduction system for subscriptions by Police Officers was instigated on 6 July 1972.

On 18 May 1972   the QPLS was registered as a charity under the Religious Educational and Benevolent Charitable Act 1861 – 1967 and “Letters Patent” were issued by His Excellency, the Deputy Governor the Honourable Mostyn Hanger.

In late 1973, when accumulated funds reached $10,000, the QPLS commenced providing assistance in accordance with its Constitution.  The primary focus of the scheme was to ensure the children were not disadvantaged in relation to their education due to the death of a parent.  Funding the educational expenses of dependent children continues to be the core business of the QPLS.

Over the past 40 years assistance has been provided to 191 families and the educational expenses of 342 legatee children have been met by the Scheme.