Queensland’s Former Police Chief Dies After Battling Stage 4 Lung Cancer
Steve Gollschewski, who led Queensland's police force before stepping down in February following a cancer diagnosis, has died at age 67. The former commissio...
Steve Gollschewski, who led Queensland's police force before stepping down in February following a cancer diagnosis, has died at age 67. The former commissioner passed away in Brisbane on Friday after an 18-month fight with the disease.
Just months into his tenure as the state's top law enforcement officer—a role he assumed in April 2024—Gollschewski learned he had advanced lung cancer that had already spread to his liver, bones, and brain. A lifelong non-smoker, his illness forced an unexpected exit from a career spanning nearly five decades.
A Lifetime in Policing
Gollschewski spent his entire professional life in uniform, rising through the ranks to become one of Australia's most experienced police leaders. Beyond traditional crime-fighting, he became nationally recognizable during COVID-19 lockdowns, overseeing Queensland's border closures, airport security checks, and hotel quarantine logistics. Before his final appointment, he had served as the state's disaster coordinator, managing police responses to cyclones, floods, and bushfires.
His track record caught the attention of state leadership. When he was appointed commissioner, officials framed it as filling a critical vacancy with someone already embedded in the force's institutional knowledge.
Diagnosis and Return
The cancer diagnosis arrived roughly ten months into his five-year contract. Gollschewski took immediate leave to focus on treatment and family. What followed surprised observers: a remarkable recovery that saw him return to active duty after six months away—an unusual outcome for someone battling stage 4 disease.
His resilience drew admiration from colleagues. In August 2026, he received an Officer of the Order of Australia award for his service to law enforcement and counter-terrorism. Queensland Governor Jeannette Young presented the medal during a private ceremony at Brisbane's Mater Private Hospital, acknowledging contributions that extended across state and national security work.
The Final Months
Despite his comeback, complications eventually forced his retirement from active duty. His family released a statement describing how he "faced a sudden and cruel complication on his 18-month cancer journey," emphasizing his determination throughout the ordeal. "Steve approached his diagnosis and treatment with resolute determination," the family said, noting he brought the same intensity to his illness as to his career and personal commitments—especially hockey, which held lifelong meaning for him.
Acting Police Commissioner Brett Pointing, who stepped in to lead the force after Gollschewski's departure, offered a tribute highlighting their shared policing philosophy. Pointing described Gollschewski as "a remarkable strategist and contemporary leader, disciplined in his thinking, measured in his decisions, and guided by deeply held personal values." He noted that Gollschewski's influence would resonate across Queensland and Australian law enforcement for years to come.
