Breaking: Queensland's former top cop Steve Gollschewski dies aged 67
The career cop was Queensland's most experienced officer, serving more than four decades on the frontline and leading the response to several major natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Steve Gollschewski, formerly the top police officer in Queensland, has passed away at the age of 67. Throughout his 46-year career with the Queensland Police Service, he rose through the ranks, working on cases related to organised crime, intelligence, anti-corruption, and counter-terrorism. He also played a crucial role in managing natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic, including border closures, airport security, and hotel quarantine operations.
As the state disaster coordinator, he led the policing response to several cyclones, floods, and bushfires. In April 2024, he was appointed as the 21st Queensland Police Commissioner, only to be diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer a mere 10 months later. Despite the devastating diagnosis, Gollschewski made a remarkable recovery and returned to work six months later.
His dedication and leadership were recognized when he was awarded the Officer of the Order of Australia in August 2026. Premier David Crisafulli and Police Minister Dan Purdie paid tribute to the former commissioner and his family during a private ceremony at Brisbane's Mater Private Hospital.
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