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Former Queensland police commissioner Steve Gollschewski has died, just months after cancer forced him out of the top job.
He was 67.
Acting Police Commissioner Brett Pointing paid tribute to his colleague, who died in Brisbane on Friday morning.
“Throughout his distinguished career, Steve was a remarkable strategist and contemporary leader, disciplined in his thinking, measured in his decisions and guided by deeply held personal values,” he said.
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“Steve was admired by many for his judgment, foresight and deep understanding of policing, and his impact will continue to be felt across Queensland, nationally and internationally for many years to come.
“He will be remembered as an exceptional leader who used insight and innovation to strengthen the organisation and help keep the community safe.”
Gollschewski served as deputy commissioner for more than 10 years before he was appointed Queensland’s 21st police commissioner in April 2024, after the sudden resignation of Katarina Carroll, making him one of the longest-serving senior executives in the history of the Queensland Police Service.
Gollschewski, a non-smoker, was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer early last year, following his shock diagnosis that February.
That forced a period of extended leave, during which time he sought treatment.
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The signs were positive.
Although treatment dramatically changed his appearance, Gollschewski had reason for optimism as he returned to work that September, following what appeared to be “highly effective” treatment against the cancer.
In a message to staff upon his return, Gollschewski said he was determined to complete the reform agenda he had begun, expressing his commitment to strengthening the Queensland Police Service and improving community safety after a 45-year policing career.
But his return would last about five months, with Gollschewski announcing in February that he would step down to focus on further treatment and recovery.
At the time, he revealed the cancer had spread from his lungs to his bones and other organs, saying his health had to take priority after more than four decades in policing.
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Reflecting on his tenure as he stepped down, Gollschewski pointed to the fall in crime victim numbers, along with declining misconduct complaints and officer attrition, while warning that the rapidly growing toll of deaths and injuries linked to e-scooters and e-bikes remained a major public safety challenge.
“We have already achieved much and I have confidence that the organisation is going in the right direction,” Gollschewski said at his final media conference as commissioner.
A career detective and disaster management specialist, Gollschewski became a familiar face to Queenslanders during the COVID-19 pandemic and later served as Queensland disaster co-ordinator through major floods and cyclones.
He also led the security operation for the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast, earning a reputation as one of the state’s most experienced and respected police leaders, and was a key security commander for the 2014 G20 summit in Brisbane.
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As Queensland police commissioner, Gollschewski launched a sweeping review of the Queensland Police Service after warning that rising demand, resource pressures and organisational instability were undermining frontline policing and public confidence.
Documents later obtained under Right to Information laws revealed his concerns about “mission creep”, workforce morale and the service’s ability to keep pace with changing community expectations.
The review proceeded even as Gollschewski took indefinite leave following his cancer diagnosis.
Gollschewski was awarded the Australian Police Medal in 2010 and named in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours for distinguished service to law enforcement, counter-terrorism, and disaster management.
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Last week, Queensland Governor Jeannette Young invested Gollschewski as an Officer in the Order of Australia for “distinguished service to law enforcement, to counter-terrorism activities, and to the community” in a private ceremony at the Mater Private Hospital.
He was survived by his wife, Rebecca, six children and four grandchildren.
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Cameron Atfield is a journalist at Brisbane Times.Connect via Facebook or email.AdvertisementAdvertisement