Police shoot man in Brisbane

A man is in a critical but stable condition after being shot by police during a domestic dispute on Brisbane's bayside.

Two police officers arrived at the Capalaba unit about 7.30pm (AEST) on Saturday.

When they tried to arrest the man, the male officer was allegedly thrown through a plate glass window and was severely cut.

It is understood a policewoman responded by shooting the offender twice in the stomach.

Police Union president Ian Leavers said the situation escalated quickly.

"She made an instant decision with the view of protecting her partner's life," Mr Leavers said.

"She is heroic. These are things where you don't get time to consider your decision, you have to make it immediately.

"We're very fortunate that we're not here at the murder of a police officer."

The injured officer is in a serious but stable condition and is expected to have surgery.

It is the second police shooting at the unit complex.

In March 2011, a policewoman shot a man in the groin who had threatened neighbours.

Mr Leavers said he was tired of violence against officers and renewed calls for mandatory sentencing for people who seriously assault police.

"If you threaten the life of a police officer you should go directly to jail," he said.

"There should be no other option."

The Ethical Standards Command is investigating.