Qld Police digital chief jumps to ATO

Queensland Police’s chief digital officer Jenson Spencer has made the jump to the Australian Taxation Office after two years in the role.

Spencer separated from the force early last month to join the tax office as an assistant commissioner.

He joined Queensland Police back in September 2016 to take on the inaugural role - on a trial basis - that was focused on ensuring the policing agency’s long-term innovation.

QPS chief commissioner Ian Stewart told iTnews at the time that the CDO would ensure the force didn’t lose its place “at the front of the queue” when it comes to police digitisation.

A full recruitment process was expected to follow when QPS chief commissioner Ian Steward decided on the future viability of the job in mid-2017.

But iTnews understand that the open call for application never occurred and there are no immediate plans to replace the vacated position.

A QPS spokesperson said the CDO role had “recently transitioned to the Organised Capability Command”.

“The decision to advertise the chief digital officer position is under consideration by the executive leadership team for the Queensland Police,” the spokesperson said.

Prior to joining the force, Spencer spent close to three years as CIO of the Public Safety Business Agency - which serves as a service provider to the Queensland public safety portfolio.

He also previously worked as Virgin Australia’s head of ICT services (operations and technology) and chief technology officer at Ballarat Health Services.