Queensland Police Commissioner Steve Gollschewski has retired after 46 years of service, including nearly two years as the state's top officer. His decision follows a stage four cancer diagnosis and a stated intention to prioritize his health and family. Brett Pointing, a former QPS Deputy Commissioner and Australian Federal Police Deputy Commissioner, has been appointed interim Commissioner for a 12-month term, commencing Friday.
Commissioner Steve Gollschewski Retires
Steve Gollschewski, 66, announced his retirement, concluding a remarkable 46-year career with the Queensland Police Service (QPS). He had returned to his role in September after receiving a stage four cancer diagnosis.
Reasons cited for his retirement included ongoing medical treatment, the demands of the commissioner role, and a stated focus on his family and health.
Mr. Gollschewski described his stage-four lung cancer as a lifelong, mutation-based condition that can be managed but not cured.
He was appointed interim commissioner in February 2024, following the retirement of his predecessor, Katarina Carroll, and was officially appointed as the state's 21st police commissioner two months later, in April 2024. He stepped down 10 months into what would have been a five-year term. Police Minister Dan Purdie acknowledged Mr. Gollschewski's extensive service.
A Look Back at Commissioner Gollschewski's Career
Mr. Gollschewski joined the Queensland Police Force in 1980. His distinguished career included significant work in organized crime, intelligence, anti-corruption, and counterterrorism. He also played key roles in managing Queensland's responses to natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Key Roles and Major Events
- 2011: Led the policing response to the Toowoomba and Lockyer Valley floods as state disaster coordinator.
- 2012: Oversaw the flood evacuation of St George and responses to cyclones Oswald, Ita, Marcia, Nathan, and Debbie.
- 2018: Commander of Operational Sentinel, a security operation for the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.
- 2019: Led the response to the Peregian Beach bushfires.
- Early 2022: Involved in frontline response to severe flooding in southern Queensland.
During his tenure as commissioner, Mr. Gollschewski stated he dedicated his time to initiating improvements for the service to enhance community safety and improve service delivery. He noted that the organization was not adequately equipped or supported initially. He cited an 11% reduction in complaints against police and a decrease in staff attrition rates as indicators of progress. His appointment as commissioner occurred amidst concerns regarding domestic violence, youth crime, police recruitment challenges, and reports of internal unrest within the service.
Brett Pointing Appointed Interim Commissioner
Brett Pointing has been appointed interim Commissioner of the QPS for a 12-month term, succeeding Steve Gollschewski. Mr. Pointing will assume the role on Friday.
Mr. Pointing began his career with the Queensland Police in 1981, eventually serving as a deputy commissioner for four decades. In 2020, he transitioned to the Australian Federal Police (AFP) as deputy commissioner of operations. He recently served on an external independent advisory panel for a review of the QPS workforce, which identified that staff were overworked and required additional frontline support.
Mr. Pointing stated his commitment to strengthening community safety, providing stronger support for the frontline, and investing resources.
Pointing's Priorities for QPS
- Reducing car thefts, unlawful entry, and robbery.
- Decreasing road fatalities.
- Addressing domestic and family violence.
- Combating child exploitation.
Police Minister Dan Purdie appointed Mr. Pointing to the 12-month interim role without the standard independent merit-based selection panel process. Minister Purdie stated this decision was made by exercising a power available when a commissioner leaves before the end of their term and work needs to be done. He indicated that a search for a full-time commissioner would be conducted later, and Mr. Pointing confirmed his intention to apply for the permanent position. Premier David Crisafulli supported the appointment, noting Mr. Pointing's experience.