THE Queensland Police Service has shelved action against two officers involved in a fatal and heavily criticised car chase because of a pending compensation claim.

The Crime and Misconduct Commission recommended disciplinary action against the officers last November, following a damning coronial inquest, but nothing has been done. This is despite Queensland Police Commissioner Bob Atkinson assurances at the time that the CMC report would be given immediate attention.

A police spokeswoman confirmed on Friday an internal review of the officers’ actions during the chase was on hold until all civil litigation – including current claims by the victim’s father and stepmother – was concluded.

Member of the Australian Lawyers Alliance and Carter Capner partner Ian Brown said it was outrageous police appeared to be putting financial considerations first, given that information from an internal investigation could impact on civil claims.

Police management should not be dictated by litigation concerns, he said.

“If they (police) can’t be relied upon to examine their own actions in a fair, open and accountable way it’s going to undermine public confidence in the police service.”

The dispute revolves around a police chase which ended in the death of apprentice electrician Wade Monckton, 18, in February 2001. The chase began when Monckton fled a roadside breath test at Cooloongatta after blowing 0.061.

Police constables Andrew Williams and Terry Parker gave chase, despite having already obtained Monckton’s licence details and address. They had pursued the teenager across the border into NSW when he lost control of his car and veered into the path of an oncoming semi-trailer.

At an inquest last year, coroner Jacqueline Milledge called the chase the biggest police bungle she had ever seen and ruled constables Williams and Parker had not only disobeyed an order to break off the chase, they later lied about the speeds they were doing.

Wade’s father and stepmother, Garry and Janelle Monckton, are seeking compensation from both officers and the Queensland Police Commissioner for

the effects of nervous shock suffered in the wake of the crash and loss of income.

An amount has not been specified.