The Commissioner of Police, Steve Gollschewski has announced he will retire, marking the end of a distinguished 46 year career serving the Queensland community.
Commissioner Gollschewski was appointed as Queensland’s 21st Police Commissioner on 22 April 2024.
Through determination and resilience, Commissioner Gollschewski returned to the role in September 2025 after an unexpected stage four cancer diagnosis earlier in the year.
Due to the ongoing treatment coupled with the complexity of the role, the Commissioner said it was time to retire and focus on his family and health.
“Although my determination is stronger than ever, I’ve accepted that having cancer is a lifelong journey, and it is time to put my family and health first,” Commissioner Gollschewski said.
“Leading the QPS has been the greatest honour and privilege of my professional life, and I am proud of what we have accomplished.
“Policing is in my blood, having come from a police family and serving as a proud member of the QPS for more than 46 years.
After establishing a stable leadership team and refocussing the organisation back to core policing, the Commissioner said the QPS is well positioned for the future.
“As Commissioner, my aim was to steer the organisation in a direction that empowered our people and strengthened our service for generations to come.
“With the leadership team in place and the internal reforms progressing well, I am confident the QPS is well positioned for great success.
“It is the right time for the organisation and the right time for a new Commissioner.”
He will be remembered as an exceptional operational leader with great integrity, leveraging insights and innovation to improve the organisation and help keep the community safe.
Through major state-wide operations and pandemic, organisational reform, and disaster and emergency responses, Commissioner Gollschewski has led the Service with strength, resilience and unwavering commitment.
“My dedication to making a difference to the lives of the frontline and the community has never wavered,” Commissioner Gollschewski said.
“As Commissioner, my primary focus is ensuring the community is safe and feels safe while also making sure our workforce is supported and feels supported.”
With a career spanning more than 46 years, Commissioner Gollschewski is currently the third longest serving police officer in the QPS’ history.
“When I look back on my career, my proudest moments were when I was a Detective Sergeant – helping victims in their darkest days and locking up crooks. I’ve always felt a strong connection to the frontline and doing everything I can to make their lives better,” Commissioner Gollschewski said.
Reflecting on the friendships and partnerships created over the decades, the Commissioner is most grateful for those who supported him through the toughest times.
“It has been a privilege to serve alongside such dedicated people, across our frontline, specialist commands and corporate areas, I have seen firsthand the strength of our values, the depth of our capability, and the care shown to communities,” Commissioner Gollschewski said.
“The blue family will always be a part of me. Not because of the uniform, but because of the people who stood beside me, challenged me, had my back and called me a friend.
“Partners from emergency service agencies, councils and volunteer organisations to the multicultural, advocacy and not-for-profits groups, and all layers of government – it has been a pleasure and privileged to support Queensland communities alongside you.
“I would like to thank all of the exceptional people who’ve shaped who I am, how I served and the values I carry forward – for that I am incredibly grateful.”
The Commissioner’s last day will be Friday, 20 February.
Commissioner achievements:
- Commissioner’s 100 day review 2025:
- Transforming the QPS direction bring the focus back to core policing functions, enhance the wellbeing and capability, improve efficiency and leadership effectiveness and rebuilding trust and morale across all levels of the Service.
- Increased the workforce by inducting 2,123 new police officers.
- Refocusing the QPS on preventing crime, resulting in a 7.2% reduction in victim numbers since 2024.
- Delivering better service to the community by strengthening professional standards and reforming our discipline system, leading to an 11% reduction in complaints made against QPS members.
- Building a more engaged workforce, supported by WFQ results and unplanned attrition dropping from 3.1% in December 2024 to 2.6% currently.
- Adopting a more efficient service delivery model through innovation including electronic service of documents (eSend) – with over 4,357 documents served, saving 5,212 officer hours.
- Boosted health and wellbeing services available to support policing and staff members.
