Queensland Police Service recruits will now have to pay $215 to sit an exam before applying to join the academy.

They are also charged $88 for a package of practice tests in literacy, numeracy, abstract reasoning, digital literacy and writing.

Queensland Police Union President Ian Leavers told Mark Levy it’s a “dumb idea” that would deter those who are struggling financially from applying.

“We’re going to make it harder for people who don’t have a lot of money at this point in time … and they could be a really good applicant.

“It’s underhanded, it’s sneaky and no one was ever told this: it just came out of the blue.”

Click PLAY below to hear the full interview

Image: Getty