Former Queensland Police Commissioner Steve “Golly” Gollschewski, who undertook his schooling at Mt Gravatt before beginning a policing career that lasted more than 46 years, has died following an 18-month battle with cancer.
Mr Gollschewski died on 4 September, aged 67. His death prompted tributes across Queensland, including comments from people identifying themselves as former schoolmates who recalled knowing him during his years at Mt Gravatt.
His family said he died surrounded by loved ones after a sudden complication during his cancer journey.
Early years in the police
Born in Brisbane, Mr Gollschewski undertook his schooling at Mt Gravatt before joining the then-Queensland Police Force on 1 August 1980.
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His early general-duties postings included Maroochydore, Brisbane and Dalby. He moved into plain-clothes policing in 1983, later qualifying as a detective and working in organised crime, intelligence and investigative roles.
Mr Gollschewski went on to serve in senior positions across Queensland, including Chief Superintendent of Central Region and Assistant Commissioner of Southern Region and North Coast Region. He was appointed Deputy Commissioner in 2013.
Leadership during major emergencies
His senior career included responsibility for policing during floods, cyclones and bushfires, including the 2011 Toowoomba and Lockyer Valley floods.
Mr Gollschewski later served as strategic commander of the security operation for the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he oversaw police operations involving Queensland’s road borders, airports and hotel quarantine, becoming a familiar figure at public briefings.
His association with Mt Gravatt also continued later in his career. As Deputy Commissioner, he took part in the launch of Griffith University’s Social Analytics Lab at the university’s Mt Gravatt campus.
From local schooling to police commissioner
Mr Gollschewski became acting commissioner in February 2024 following the retirement of Katarina Carroll and was formally appointed Queensland’s 21st Police Commissioner in April.
At the time, he had served more than a decade as a deputy commissioner and more than 40 years in policing. He said his focus was on ensuring Queenslanders were safe and felt safe while supporting the police workforce.
He stepped away from the role in February 2025 after being diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. After treatment, he returned to full duties later that year before announcing his retirement in February 2026.
Police Minister Dan Purdie said at the time that Mr Gollschewski had served Queensland with professionalism and integrity and had led police through major disasters, emergencies and organisational change.
National honour capped policing career
Mr Gollschewski was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours for distinguished service to law enforcement, counter-terrorism activities and the community. 2026 King’s Birthday Honours
Known throughout Queensland Police as “Golly”, he rose from constable to commissioner over more than four decades of service.
His path to Queensland’s top policing role began with his early years in Brisbane and schooling at Mt Gravatt.
Published 7-Sept-2026
