Reward offered for information regarding the disappearance of Steven Goldsmith

Today the Minister for Police and Corrective Services has backed a fresh appeal by the Queensland Police Service for information relating to the disappearance of Steven James Goldsmith in July 2000 in Brisbane.

A $250,000 reward is now in place for information which leads to the apprehension and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the disappearance of Steven Goldsmith.

The last confirmed sighting of Steven is on 10 July 2000 when he conducted a transaction captured on CCTV at the Commonwealth Bank ATM in New Farm. He went missing either on or shortly after this date and was reported missing on 29 July 2000.

Police located Steven’s vehicle and work tools at his residential unit. The unit was locked and secured and inside were located personal belongings, including car keys, credit cards, passport, driver’s licence and personal papers. There was a load of washing still in the dryer.

At the time of his disappearance Steven was living at a residential unit in Sydney Street, New Farm. He was an arborist subcontracted to Toowoomba City Council and other tree-lopping operators and would return to Brisbane on weekends. He spent time in the Fortitude Valley and New Farm areas and was known to frequent bars, clubs and boarding houses and was experimenting with drugs.

Steven’s disappearance has been subject to a thorough investigation and extensive inquiries in relation to possible sightings, however despite efforts that crossed two decades, the matter remains unsolved.

The case is now subject to review by the Crime and Intelligence Command’s Homicide Investigation Unit.

Detective Inspector Damien Hansen of the Homicide Group said following a review by Detectives, we believe Steven was murdered around the time he disappeared and that there are people in the local community who know what happened.

“We encourage anyone who has information and for whatever reason has remained silent, to put that aside and come forward and speak with us,” Detective Inspector Hansen said.

“Steven’s disappearance was out of character. He was in regular contact with his family in England and he had upcoming plans in life he was looking forward to”.

“We strongly believe there are people within the community with crucial information regarding this case. Steven’s parents need and deserve to know what happened to their son.”

Minister Ryan said this renewed appeal for information calls on the community to help our police find Steven, give his family answers and bring those responsible for his disappearance before the court.

"A $250,000 reward is now in place for information that may lead to the conviction of the person or persons responsible for Steven’s disappearance,” the Minister said.

“It is particularly important to stress the importance of the matter of indemnity offered along with this reward.

“Any person who was involved in the crime but did not commit the crime who comes forward and speaks with police, is eligible for this indemnity from prosecution.

“Please take the time to consider this offer carefully.”

At the time of his disappearance, Steven was 28 years of age. He was around 175cm tall, spoke with an English accent, had red hair and freckles and a fair complexion. Steven had several tattoos, including an eagle on his shoulder blade, and walked with a slight limp (as the result of a serious injury to his left leg from a workplace incident in 1997).

In 2007, Steven’s disappearance was referred to the Coroner whose findings determined Steven to be deceased.

Media contacts  

Minister Ryan’s Office: Ph: (07) 3035 8300

Police Media: Ph: (07) 3015 2444