Queensland's former top cop Steve Gollschewski dies aged 67
Former Queensland Police Commissioner Steve Gollschewski has passed away at age 67 following a battle with stage 4 lung cancer. A highly respected officer, he was known for his leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic and various natural disasters.
Why it matters
Gollschewski was a prominent public figure in Australian law enforcement, and his death marks the loss of a significant leader in state emergency management.
Former Queensland Police Service commissioner Steve Gollschewski. ( ABC News: Lucas Hill )
Link copied Share Share article Former Queensland Police Commissioner Steve Gollschewski has died aged 67.
Until his retirement in early 2026, the career cop was the state's most experienced officer, serving nearly five decades on the frontline.
He became a well-known figure during the COVID-19 pandemic, overseeing border closures, airport security and hotel quarantine operations.
Steve Gollschewki joined the Queensland Police Force — as it was known then — in 1980. ( Supplied: Queensland Police Service )
As the former state disaster coordinator, Mr Gollschewski also steered the policing response to several cyclones, floods and bushfires.
In April 2024, the long-term deputy commissioner was formally appointed as Queensland's 21st top cop.
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