Steve Gollschewski opens up on cancer battle, gives career hint

Police Commissioner Steve Gollschewski has spoken about his treatment for cancer following his shock diagnosis earlier this year, and has given the first hint about his future plans.

Police Commissioner Steve Gollschewski has given an update on his battle with cancer, revealing it to be lung cancer. Picture: Richard Walker

Steve Gollschewski has revealed he is responding well to treatment after his shock diagnosis of lung cancer.

The Police Commissioner, who took leave in February this year after the unexpected diagnosis, wrote to staff on Monday to say he has continued with a treatment plan that combines targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and, intermittently, chemotherapy.

The memo sent to police is positive news and the first hint that Mr Gollschewski wants to return to the role as the state’s top cop.

“Last week, I had my first progress scan which revealed that I am responding well to the treatment,” Mr Gollschewski wrote to staff on Monday.

“This was an encouraging result, and I am optimistic I will continue to respond well to the treatment.

“My original diagnosis of lung cancer came as a complete shock, especially as a lifelong non-smoker with no known risk factors. However, the timing was fortunate in that a targeted treatment had only recently been developed and approved. It’s a novel therapy, so there’s no real playbook, but the results so far are promising.

Steve Gollschewski was diagnosed in February. Picture: Liam Kidston

“The support my family and I have received from so many of you has been overwhelming, and we’re deeply grateful.

“I am extremely thankful my treatment and progress has been positive; however, we remain acutely aware that others don’t receive such good news and that includes members of our own workforce who face their own health challenges.

“It’s a reminder of the importance of looking out for one another and fostering a culture grounded in empathy and care.”

State Disaster Co-ordinator Shane Chelepy has been in the role as acting commissioner since Mr Gollschewski took leave.

“Thank you to Acting Commissioner Shane Chelepy and the entire team for continuing to lead and deliver in such a strong and capable way,” Mr Gollschewski wrote.

“While there’s still a journey ahead, I am looking forward to returning to full health and getting back to work with a steadfast commitment to ensuring our frontline is properly supported and equipped for the challenges ahead.”

Mr Gollschewski wrote to staff in February to tell them of his unexpected cancer diagnosis, saying he would take leave to focus on his health with the support of his family.

“It is with great disappointment I have to advise you that I have commenced leave for an unknown period following an unexpected cancer diagnosis,” Mr Gollschewski wrote to police in February.

“I have a battle ahead of me and with the support of my family need to concentrate my energies towards my treatment.

“I look forward to getting better and coming back to finish what we’ve started. Stay safe.”

Queensland acting Police Commissioner Shane Chelepy was mentioned in the memo to staff. Picture: Tertius Pickard

Mr Gollschewski is a married father-of-five and is the state’s 21st commissioner.

Dubbed “Mr Fix It”, Mr Gollschewski was a long-serving deputy commissioner in the service before he was appointed special co-ordinator for police reform in late 2022, following the commission of inquiry into police responses to domestic and family violence.

He became a well-known figure during the Covid-19 pandemic when he led the police response, overseeing hotel quarantine, border security, and fronted media almost every day to keep Queenslanders up to date.

He provided oversight of the reforms which arose from the Women’s Safety and Justice Taskforce, as well as a number of other reviews.

In an interview with The Courier-Mail late last year Mr Gollschewski said he wanted his legacy to be about improving the frontline, whether it be for general duties, detectives or other non-policing areas in the service.

He has focused extensively on domestic violence reform in policing and alleviating pressure on overworked general duty officers.

“I want them to actually think yeah this guy actually gave it a crack and made a difference for us,” he said.

“Made their job a bit easier and actually valued us, appreciated what we did.”

Originally published as Steve Gollschewski opens up on cancer battle, gives career hint