Hunt on for next Queensland police commissioner
An international hunt is on for the state’s next top cop, and it could result in the state’s first female police commissioner. MEET THE CONTENDERS
Crime & Justice
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AN INTERNATIONAL hunt is on for the state’s next top cop, and it could result in Queensland’s first female police commissioner.
After more than six years at the helm, Commissioner Ian Stewart yesterday announced his exit effective from July 7.
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A police officer for nearly 46 years, Mr Stewart said it was time to retire.
“This is just the right time for me and my family,” he said.
“And I hope for the community as well. It was a difficult decision but I also believe that we’re in good hands.”
Expected candidates are Queensland’s Racing Integrity Commissioner Ross Barnett and current deputies Bob Gee and Steve Gollschewski.
Mr Stewart’s departure also paves the way for a possible female commissioner.
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Katarina Carroll has signalled her desire to make history.
“With Commissioner Stewart’s announcement only happening today, I obviously have a lot to consider including having a discussion with my family,” she said yesterday.
Current Deputy Commissioner Tracy Linford is also a contender, as are former deputy commissioners Peter Martin, now Corrective Services Commissioner, and the recently retired Brett Pointing.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said Mr Stewart had guided the state though natural disasters, the G20 and last year’s Commonwealth Games.
Asked what his legacy would be Mr Stewart said: “I think it’s preparing the organisation for what’s to come.
“Not only in terms of the people, the leadership, the greater diversity in the organisation.”
The decorated officer, who started on the beat in 1973, said he was disturbed by the increase in crime rates, homegrown terror and called for a rethink on youth justice.
Appointed in 2012, Mr Stewart had his contract extended in 2017 for three years, despite internal criticism about his leadership and morale in the police service.
But with a state election slated for 2020 he said it was proper to have his replacement “bedded in” by then.
Queensland Police Union Ian Leavers said he didn’t always agree with Mr Stewart but wished him and his family “all the best in his retirement”.
THE CONTENDERS
Ross Barnett - Commissioner of Racing Integrity
Before becoming Queensland’s first Racing Integrity Commissioner Barnett was a Deputy Commissioner in the QPS.
He started his policing career in 1976 after graduating dux of the police academy. He also won a Leadership award and was wounded in action after being shot during the recapture of violent escapee and armed robber Harold John Sweeney.
Katarina Carroll - Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner
Before taking over QFES in 2016 Carroll spent three decades as a police officer including 15 years as a detective. She is a former licensing branch, drug squad, criminal investigation branch, internal investigation and joint organised crime taskforce officer. As Assistant Commissioner, she headed the state’s G20 policing operation that protected Barack Obama. She was Queensland’s first female QFES Commissioner.
Bob Gee - Deputy Commissioner QPS
As the State Disaster Co-ordinator for Queensland Gee is a common sight on television when mother nature unleashes on the state. Starting policing in 1986 he was appointed Deputy Commissioner in 2017. During his career he has notched up academic qualifications including a Bachelor of Business, a Master of Public Administration and he is a graduate from the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Tracy Linford - Deputy Commissioner QPS
Currently Queensland’s highest ranking female officer, Lindford’s career in policing began in Victoria when she was 19. Her decades-long career – much of it spent working as a detective - included a stint on the taskforce to stop Melbourne’s gangland war. She moved to QPS in 2015 and was promoted to Deputy in 2017 overseeing strategy, policy and performance.
Brett Pointing - former Deputy Commissioner QPS
Pointing has kept busy since leaving the force last year having worked as an executive in the livestock industry before recently moving back to Queensland. His shock departure from QPS came after 40 years in the force where he spearheaded the bikie crackdown for the LNP.
Steve Gollschewski - Deputy Commissioner QPS
Fresh from a stint as Operational Commander for last year’s trouble free Commonwealth Games Gollschewski is in charge of specialist operations. This gives him oversight of the increasingly important area of counter terrorism. He is also the Domestic and Family Violence champion for QPS.
Peter Martin - Corrective Services Commissioner
The former police officer took up his job as prison boss in late 2017, not long after being promoted to Deputy Commissioner with QPS. The switch came after a decorated 38 year career as a cop. Dr Martin was the district disaster co-ordinator for the 2011 Brisbane floods and was a leading advocate for evidence-based policing. He holds a Doctor of Philosophy.
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