Queensland Police Service Commissioner Steve Gollschewski formally retired on 20 February 2026, marking the end of a career that began in 1980 and saw him rise from a fresh-faced recruit with modest ambitions to become the state’s 21st police commissioner. His departure from Brisbane’s police headquarters was marked by a guard of honour, applause from colleagues and loved ones, and a final salute.
The 66-year-old said he is stepping away to focus on his health and family after a stage-four lung cancer diagnosis that he has described as lifelong and manageable. Despite the personal challenge, he continued to serve, returning to the job after treatment to help position the organisation for the future.
Reflecting on his long career, Gollschewski said the people he worked alongside remained his greatest source of pride.
What began as an ambition to become a detective sergeant evolved into a lifetime of service spanning organised crime, intelligence, anti-corruption, counterterrorism and disaster management.
He joined the then Queensland Police Force in 1980, following in the footsteps of his father and brother.
Over the decades, he gained wider recognition for his role in Queensland’s COVID-19 response. As commissioner, he focused on organisational improvement after the 100-day review and during a period of heightened public concern about youth crime, domestic violence, recruitment pressures and unrest within the ranks.
Gollschewski took on the role of commissioner in 2024 following the retirement of his predecessor, Katarina Carroll, first taking the reins in the interim before being officially appointed as the state’s 21st top cop. He said his mission was to make the community safer and to properly equip, lead and support the workforce.
During his time as commissioner, he pointed to progress including an 11 per cent reduction in complaints against police and a drop in staff attrition as signs the service was heading in the right direction.
His final walk out of police headquarters was described as a heavy tread, more of a shuffle, as he farewelled colleagues and supporters and performed his last official duty — a final salute with Deputy Cheryl Scanlon.
Queensland Police Minister Dan Purdie said Queensland owed him a debt “we could probably never repay”, noting his decades of frontline service and leadership roles over many years.
His retirement closes a 46-year career marked by leadership roles and organisational reform that, as colleagues have said, leaves an enduring legacy for the service and the community.
Following Commissioner Gollschewski’s retirement, Brett Pointing has been appointed Queensland Police Commissioner, taking over the role from 21 February 2026 for a 12-month term.
With more than 40 years of policing experience, including senior leadership roles within the Queensland Police Service and the Australian Federal Police, Mr Pointing has previously served as Deputy Commissioner, Gold Coast District Officer and disaster recovery coordinator, and contributed to major reforms including domestic and family violence responses and efforts to combat criminal motorcycle gangs. The Queensland Government said his appointment aims to strengthen frontline policing and continue efforts to reduce crime across the state.
Published 20-Feb-2026
