Minister reappoints Ian Stewart as Police Commissioner

Police Minister Jo-Ann Miller has today announced Ian Stewart would be reappointed Commissioner of the Queensland Police Service for a further two years. 

Minister Miller said the reappointment follows consultation with the Crime and Corruption Commission as required under the Police Service Administration Act. 

“Over the last three years as Commissioner, Ian Stewart has worked tirelessly – often under very difficult circumstances – to ensure the safety and security of all Queenslanders,” Minister Miller said. 

“Commissioner Stewart has had a long and distinguished career of service to the people of Queensland has provided strong leadership for the Service. 

“Since being sworn in as Minister, he has always provided me with professional, accurate and timely advice on a range of operational policing matters. Importantly, he was able to draw on his experience as the State Disaster Coordinator during the devastating 2011 floods and Cyclone Yasi to advise me as a new Minister dealing with a Category 5 cyclone just days into the life of our government.” 

Minister Miller said Commissioner Stewart had a significant track record of achievement. 

“Since being appointed in 2012, Commissioner Stewart has led the charge to modernise the Queensland Police Service. I have appreciated his relentless focus on ensuring the QPS is taking advantage of new technology to make policing easier and safer including iPads and body-worn video cameras for officers,” Minister Miller said. 

“The Commissioner has also been a champion for community-based policing. I’ve seen first-hand the way he has made it a priority to be approachable and engage with all sections of the community. 

“In these difficult times, he has been a great friend of multicultural Queensland and is committed to attracting a diverse range of recruits to serve a diverse state. 

“As well, his leadership during the G20 Leaders’ Summit was praised across the world. And now, in this changing security environment, he has not wavered in his commitment to ensure Queensland remains responsive to the threat of terrorism since the raising of the alert level last year.” 

Commissioner Stewart said he looked forward to continuing to serve the people of Queensland. 

“I am grateful that the Minister has seen fit to re-appoint me for a further two years in line with my contractual arrangements,” Commissioner Stewart said. 

“I will continue to serve the community and all members of the Police Service in providing for a safe and secure Queensland. I thank the Government for their confidence in my leadership.” 

Minister Miller said she looked forward to working closely with Commissioner Stewart over the next two years to help keep the people of Queensland safe. 

[ENDS] August 11 

Media contact: Brent Davidson (Minister Miller’s Office) 0438 696 185