Former Queensland Police Commissioner Steve Gollschewski Farewelled in Brisbane

Family, police colleagues and Queensland leaders gathered at Brisbane City Hall to remember the former commissioner and his decades of public service.

Former Queensland Police Commissioner Steve Gollschewski has been farewelled at Brisbane City Hall, with family, colleagues and Queensland community leaders gathering to remember a career that spanned almost five decades. Gollschewski died earlier this month at the age of 67 after battling serious illness. His farewell in Brisbane on September 14 provided an opportunity for people from across Queensland's public service and policing community to reflect on his contribution to the state. He joined the Queensland Police Force in 1980 and went on to hold some of the most senior positions within the organisation. Over the course of his career, he worked across policing, emergency management and major statewide events. Gollschewski became particularly well known to Queenslanders through his work during major natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic. As a senior police leader and later state disaster coordinator, he was involved in some of the most challenging emergencies faced by the state. His public profile increased considerably during the pandemic, when Queensland authorities regularly provided updates about emergency restrictions, border arrangements and community safety measures. He was appointed Queensland Police Commissioner in 2024 and continued serving in senior roles while dealing with significant health challenges. He retired from the police service in early 2026 after a long career dedicated to public safety. At today's farewell, attention was also placed on his life outside policing. Family members described him as a devoted husband, father and grandfather whose identity extended well beyond his professional responsibilities. His family remembered the importance he placed on spending time with those closest to him. While his police career brought public recognition, relatives said his role within his family remained the most important part of his life. Queensland Governor Jeannette Young also paid tribute to his contribution, describing the farewell as an opportunity for Queensland to thank him for his service. During his career, Gollschewski was involved in responses to natural disasters, major public events and significant emergencies. His work required coordination between police, government agencies and emergency services, often during periods of intense pressure. His service was recognised nationally last month when he was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia. The Brisbane City Hall ceremony therefore marked both a personal farewell and a public acknowledgement of a long career in Queensland policing. For many Queenslanders, Gollschewski became a familiar figure during moments when the state faced serious challenges. His work during disasters and the pandemic placed him in the public spotlight, while his decades of service behind the scenes contributed to policing and emergency-management operations across the state. Today's ceremony brought together those different parts of his life, with tributes focusing not only on his leadership but also on his family, friendships and character. His legacy will remain connected to Queensland's police and emergency-management history, particularly through the major events and crises in which he played a leadership role. The farewell at Brisbane City Hall gives Queensland an opportunity to formally acknowledge that contribution while allowing his family, friends and colleagues to remember him as the person behind the uniform.