Former Queensland police commissioner Steve “Golly” Gollschewski has died from cancer, seven months after stepping down from the job he had held for less than two years. He was 67.
Mr Gollschewski died on Friday, 4 September 2026, surrounded by his family after suffering what relatives described as a sudden complication during his 18-month battle with the disease.
“Our darling Steve passed away this morning surrounded by the love and admiration of his family after facing a sudden and cruel complication on his 18-month cancer journey,” his family said in a statement.
“Steve approached his diagnosis and treatment with resolute determination.”
The Queensland Police Service lowered its flags following the announcement, while tributes flowed from senior officers and politicians to the many colleagues who knew the veteran officer simply as “Golly”.
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli said the state had lost a man who had devoted his life to public safety.
“Mr Gollschewski devoted his life to the Queensland Police Service, upholding our laws and making our state a safer place,” he said.
Acting Police Commissioner Brett Pointing described Mr Gollschewski as a strategic and visionary leader whose judgement, professionalism and commitment to community safety had earned widespread respect.
“Steve’s legacy of service, courage, integrity and dedication will be remembered with great respect and gratitude by the many people and communities influenced by him,” Mr Pointing said.
Steve Gollschewski’s 46 years with Queensland Police
Mr Gollschewski joined the Queensland Police Force in 1980, following in the footsteps of his father, and built a career across organised crime, intelligence, anti-corruption and counter-terrorism.
He became a familiar and reassuring figure during the Covid-19 pandemic, overseeing police operations involving border controls, airport security and hotel quarantine. He also served as state disaster co-ordinator during major cyclones, floods and bushfires.
Mr Gollschewski was appointed Queensland’s 21st police commissioner on 22 April 2024, taking charge as the service faced intense scrutiny following an inquiry that found systemic racism, sexism and failures of leadership.
He led efforts to rebuild the organisation, improve its culture and restore public confidence. His guiding principle was the straightforward purpose of policing: “locking up perpetrators and looking after victims”.
Less than a year into his five-year term, he was diagnosed with stage-four lung cancer and took leave to concentrate on his health and his family. He later returned to full duties after treatment, saying he remained determined to complete the work he had begun.
In February 2026, Mr Gollschewski announced his retirement after 46 years in the Queensland Police Service. He said the time had come to focus on his health and family, while expressing confidence that the organisation was moving in the right direction.
As hundreds of officers, staff and members of the public gathered outside police headquarters in Brisbane to see him off, he reflected on a career that had far exceeded his original ambitions.
“My lofty ambition when I left the academy was to be a detective sergeant, I nailed that — everything else has kind of been an accident,” he said.
Mr Gollschewski was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia in August 2026 for distinguished service to law enforcement, counter-terrorism and the community. The honour was presented privately at the Mater hospital shortly before his death.
He is survived by his wife, Rebecca, and their five children. For those who worked alongside him, his reputation will rest not only on the office he held but on the compassion, integrity and calm determination he brought to it.
