On Monday police issued a statement that a “24-year-old male Constable from the Northern Region has been stood down from official duty”.
“The officer is subject of a disciplinary investigation concerning allegations he committed an offence under the Liquor Act 1992 and a separate allegation relating to the possession of an unsecured, licensed firearm,” it said.
Police have now confirmed to SBS the charge under the Liquor Act “is possession of liquor in a restricted area”.
The Queensland government website lists 15 local government areas, all Aboriginal, as "restricted".
The police northern region covers 13 of the communities from Palm Island to Cape York and out to Mt Isa, but does not include Woorabinda or Cherbourg.
The initial police press release about the incident states “in keeping with our commitment to high standards of behaviour, transparency and accountability, we have undertaken to inform the public when an officer faces serious allegations of misconduct”.
The maximum penalty for possession is $44,175 for a first offence and a vehicle found carrying alcohol in to a restricted area can be confiscated.
The officer is due to appear in the Weipa Magistrates Court on April 12.
