Former Queensland Police Commissioner Steve Gollschewski has died aged 67 following an 18-month battle with cancer. One of the longest-serving officers in Queensland Police Service history, Gollschewski led the organisation as its 21st commissioner before retiring in February this year. Colleagues have remembered him as a measured, principled and innovative leader whose influence extended well beyond Queensland. Allora! extends its deepest condolences to his family, friends and former colleagues.
Queensland is mourning the death of former Police Commissioner Steve Gollschewski, who passed away on Friday aged 67 after a long battle with cancer.
Gollschewski, who retired as the state’s top police officer in February, had served the Queensland Police Service for more than four decades and became the third-longest-serving officer in the organisation’s history.
He was appointed Queensland’s 21st Police Commissioner in April 2024, reaching the highest office of a career that spanned generations of policing and major changes in community safety, technology and law enforcement.
A respected leader
Acting Commissioner Brett Pointing paid tribute to Gollschewski as a strategist and contemporary leader whose contribution was recognised both within Queensland and internationally.
“Throughout his distinguished career, Steve was a remarkable strategist and contemporary leader, disciplined in his thinking, measured in his decisions and guided by deeply held personal values,” Pointing said.
He said Gollschewski was widely admired for his judgement, foresight and understanding of policing, adding that his influence would continue to be felt for years to come.
Pointing also remembered him as a leader who used innovation and experience to strengthen the Queensland Police Service and help keep communities safe.
Family by his side
Gollschewski’s family confirmed that he died surrounded by loved ones after what they described as a sudden and cruel complication during his 18-month cancer journey.
“Our darling Steve passed away this morning surrounded by the love and admiration of his family,” the family said.
They said he had approached his diagnosis and treatment with determination, just as he had approached the most important parts of his life.
“As with so many facets of Steve’s life, especially his family, his long policing career and beloved hockey team, he gave it his all and did his very best.”
More than four decades of service
Although Gollschewski served as commissioner for less than two years, his connection with Queensland policing went back more than 40 years.
Over that period he held senior positions across the service and developed a reputation for calm decision-making and long-term strategic thinking.
His time as commissioner came at the end of a career defined by public service rather than a single period in office.
Pointing said Gollschewski’s legacy would be one of service, courage, integrity and dedication.
Queensland Police also extended condolences to his family, friends and former colleagues.
Allora! stands with the family
For Queensland Police, his death marks the loss of a former commissioner. For those who worked alongside him, it is the loss of a colleague and mentor. For his family, it is the loss of a husband, father and loved one who spent much of his life in service to others.
The editorial team of Allora! joins the Queensland community in expressing its deepest sympathy to Steve Gollschewski’s family, friends and former colleagues at this difficult time.
His public career will be remembered through the organisation he helped lead, but the strongest tributes are likely to remain those from the people who knew him personally and worked beside him across more than four decades of service.
