Two suspended Queensland policemen, including one acquitted over a Palm Island death in custody, have lost a legal bid to have their pay reinstated.
In a decision that disappointed the Queensland Police Union, Justice David Boddice dismissed the applications of both Senior Sergeant Chris Hurley and Senior Constable Stephen Flanagan on Friday.
It came after a Supreme Court hearing in May in which lawyers representing the two officers argued withholding their salaries was unreasonable.
Senior Constable Flanagan is accused of drawing his gun on an allegedly speeding motorist near Longreach last year, about the same time Sen Sgt Hurley was stood down from regular duties following a police pursuit on the Gold Coast in which shots were fired.
Sen Sgt Hurley, who has been with the Queensland Police Service for almost 30 years, was then suspended on full pay in December after a separate incident relating to off-duty conduct, before the wage condition was revoked in February.
In March, he was also charged with two counts of assault, including one against a female police officer.
It follows the controversial policeman's 2007 acquittal of the manslaughter of Aboriginal man Cameron Doomadgee, also known as Mulrunji, who died at the Palm Island watchhouse.
Queensland Police Union Assistant General Secretary Denis Sycz said the court's decision was disappointing and would likely take a toll on both men.
"(They are) not very good at the moment, and they'll be even less better when we tell them what the result today was," he said.
He said the union would now evaluate its next step, although he was unable to elaborate further.
During the May hearing, Walter Sofronoff, QC, had argued Sen Sgt Hurley's actions during the car chase until weapons were drawn could be considered "very brave".
Meanwhile, Sue Brown, QC, for Police Commissioner Ian Stewart, said Flanagan, who joined the force when he was 19, had sought alternative work as permitted by the law also empowering the commissioner to suspend pay.
Justice Boddice ordered each applicant pay court costs of the respondents.
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