Queensland Police Commissioner Ian Stewart announces retirement

Queensland's police commissioner will retire in July after more than 45 years in the service.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk praised Commissioner Ian Stewart for his decades of commitment to the state.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk (left) is seen with Queensland Police Commissioner Ian Stewart at a press conference to announce his retirement.Credit: AAP/Dave Hunt

"Your friends are the ones who stand next to you when you are in trouble. Ian Stewart has stood next to Queensland in its hours of greatest need," she said.

"He has served all over Queensland. He knows Queensland."

Commissioner Stewart will stand down in July after a panel determines his successor.

In a brief statement, telling the assembled media he was "a little nervous", he announced his retirement on Monday afternoon.

"I've had the privilege of being a Queensland police officer for nearly 46 years, the last six-and-a-half as your commissioner," he said.

"I couldn't be more proud of the wonderful team I lead and work with, I thank them and know they will continue to strive for excellence as they serve all Queenslanders.

"I particularly wish to thank the Premier and Minister for their unwavering support of me personally, and for the Queensland Police.

"I also wish to acknowledge my family for the many sacrifices they have made on this journey with me.

"It's time for me to give a little bit back."

Mr Stewart thanked all the people had served with, and said he hoped to continue serving Queensland.

He grew up in Toowoomba, and spent six of his first seven years as a police officer in Townsville.

Mr Stewart became Queensland’s 19th police commissioner in 2012 and has won spades of service medals including the Australian Institute of Emergency Services National Medal and the Australian Police Medal.

The respected cop holds a master of public policy and administration and was the recipient of the Australian Fulbright Professional Scholarship.

Ms Palaszczuk said Mr Stewart had done extraordinary work, including dealing with cyclones, flooding and fires.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk (centre) is briefed by Police Commissioner Ian Stewart (right) on the floods situation in the state's north in March 2018.Credit: Dan Peled.

"When the people of Queensland have needed him most, Commissioner Stewart has stood by them," the Premier said.

"He's been our commissioner for more than six years, guiding us through the G20 when the world's leaders were under his protection, and the Commonwealth Games with its 1.1 million visitors, 6600 athletes and heads of state and VIPs of 71 nations.

"When you're in real trouble it's usually someone in a blue shirt who comes to help, and Commissioner Stewart has led by example."

The Premier said Mr Stewart's "lasting legacy" would be in the days after the death of Toowoomba police officer Brett Forte in May 2017.

"Brett's death shocked us all," she said.

"The outpouring of grief and outrage at this crime, the bouquets lining the footpath outside the Toowoomba police station, the way people bought and wore chequered ribbons, showed the respect held by all of Queensland for its police.

"This is a great legacy of the Commissioner's work."

Police Minister Mark Ryan said the commissioner had been faithful to his pledge made 45 years ago to serve his state, and thanked him for his efforts.

Opposition Leader Deb Frecklington said she wished Mr Stewart "all the best" in his retirement.

Queensland Police Union president Ian Leavers said while it was "well documented" he and the Commissioner had not always agreed on issues, he wished the man, his wife Carol and their family all the best.

"I am pleased the government has announced a fully transparent, accountable and merit-based process being undertaken to select the next Commissioner of Police," he said.