Queensland Police Commissioner Steve Gollschewski has announced his retirement, bringing to a close a 46-year career serving communities across the state.
Commissioner Gollschewski, Queensland’s 21st Police Commissioner, was appointed to the role on April 22, 2024, and has led the Queensland Police Service (QPS) through a period of significant reform, operational challenges and recovery.
His decision to retire follows an unexpected stage four cancer diagnosis earlier this year. Despite returning to the role in September 2025 after undergoing treatment, the Commissioner said ongoing medical care and the demands of the position had led him to prioritise his health and family.
“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.”
Coming from a long police family, Commissioner Gollschewski said policing had always been “in his blood”, with a career that began on the frontline and spanned more than four decades. He is currently the third longest-serving police officer in the organisation’s history.
Reflecting on his time in uniform, the Commissioner said his proudest moments came earlier in his career as 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,” he said.
Since taking on the Commissioner role, Mr Gollschewski has overseen a major refocus on core policing functions, strengthened leadership structures and worked to rebuild morale across the Service. A 100-day review in 2025 outlined reforms aimed at improving wellbeing, efficiency and professional standards.
Under his leadership, more than 2,100 new police officers were inducted, victim numbers fell by 7.2 per cent compared with 2024, and complaints against officers dropped by 11 per cent following changes to the discipline system. Workforce attrition also declined, while innovations such as electronic service of documents saved thousands of officer hours.
Commissioner Gollschewski said the organisation was now well positioned for the future.
“With the leadership team in place and the internal reforms progressing well, I am confident the QPS is ready for great success,” he said.
“The blue family will always be a part of me — not because of the uniform, but because of the people.”
Commissioner Gollschewski’s final day in the role will be Friday, February 20.
