Statement from the Minister for Police and Emergency Services

The Crisafulli Government today acknowledges the retirement of Commissioner Steve Gollschewski - one of Australia’s most respected police leaders, and the longest serving officer currently in the Queensland Police Service. 

For more than 46 years, Commissioner Gollschewski has served Queensland with professionalism, integrity and a strong commitment to making Queensland safer.  

From his earliest days as a 21-year-old on the frontline to his appointment as Commissioner, he has played a significant role in protecting Queenslanders and strengthening the QPS. 

He has led Queensland through major floods, cyclones and emergencies, served as State Disaster Coordinator during the COVID-19 pandemic, and driven important reforms to give frontline officers the tools they need to make Queensland safer and drive down the number of victims of crime in Queensland.  

In recent times, he faced a deeply personal battle with cancer with remarkable courage. In true testament to his character, even on the day he received his diagnosis, he remained focused on encouraging and inspiring new police officers at their graduation – again, putting service before himself, as he has done throughout his entire career. 

He has been a respected leader, colleague and mentor to many across the Queensland Police Service. 

On behalf of the Crisafulli Government and all Queenslanders, I thank Commissioner Gollschewski for his decades of dedicated service.

We wish him and his family all the best for the future. 

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT: Nat Gradwell, 0449 186 116