Queensland’s former police commissioner Steve Gollschewski dies at 67 after cancer battle

Steve Gollschewski, Queensland’s 21st police commissioner, died at 67 after a nearly five-decade career in law enforcement. He entered the force in 1980, advancing through organised crime, intelligence and counter-terrorism roles, and served as state disaster coordinator, directing police actions during the 2011 Toowoomba and Lockyer Valley floods, several cyclones and the 2019 Peregian Beach bushfires. Appointed commissioner in April 2024, he became a familiar public figure during the COVID-19 pandemic, overseeing border and hotel quarantine security, and later led major domestic-violence policing reforms.

A stage-4 lung cancer diagnosis in early 2025 forced a short leave, but he returned after treatment and was honoured as an Officer of the Order of Australia in August 2026. Premier David Crisafulli, Police Minister Dan Purdie and Governor Jeannette Young paid tribute, highlighting his service to the community and his family.