Qld top cop defends Greste action

Queensland's police commissioner has defended his handling of leave requests made by the brother of Australian Al Jazeera correspondent Peter Greste while the journalist was imprisoned.

In an open letter published in the Queensland Police Union's journal this month, senior constable Mike Greste hit out at commissioner Ian Stewart for showing a lack of support during the ordeal.

Sen Const Greste had made a request for special leave with pay to travel to Egypt and support his brother.

But it was refused by Mr Stewart, who instructed him to use recreational and long-service leave in the first instance, News Corp Australia reports.

"I was truly flummoxed at the lack of interest and support I received from the head of our organisation," Sen Const Greste wrote in his letter.

But Mr Stewart said Sen Const Greste was provided with "significant flexibility" at his workplace to take paid leave.

"That leave was never refused," he told The Courier-Mail.

"In response to his special paid leave application and considering the likelihood of the duration of the proceedings facing his brother, I indicated that Sen Const Greste should avail himself of his current leave entitlements."