Former Qld Police Union boss Ian Leavers found dead at home
Emotional tributes have been made for former police union boss Ian Leavers after he was found dead in his Brisbane home.
Emotional tributes have been made for Cross-Border Commissioner and former police union boss Ian Leavers after he was found dead.
Mr Leavers, who was the president of the police union for 15 years, was found on Monday morning in his Brisbane home.
He was 57.
In a media statement, police said they were called to a non-suspicious sudden death at Mt Ommaney about 9.50am this morning.
“Police investigations in relation to this matter are ongoing,” a statement said.
Mr Leavers was the president of the union from 2009 to 2024. When he took the helm, he turned the union into a financial powerhouse.
During his time as president he fought for changes to the way police respond to domestic violence and fought for greater sentences for people who assault emergency services workers.
He also successfully achieved presumptive legislation for police with PTSD.
Mr Leavers was appointed the Cross-Border Commissioner in August last year.
An emotional QPU president Shane Prior, speaking from Canberra, described Mr Leavers as a “force of nature” and a “giant of our movement” who had spent 15 years fighting for police officers and their families with “courage, conviction, and plenty of heart”.
“His compassion during the Wieambilla tragedy showed the very best of who he was - a man who carried the pain of others and turned it into unity and strength for an entire membership of police in Queensland and Australia,” he said.
Mr Prior said Mr Leavers’ legacy “is written in every safety reform, every protection won, and every officer who feels just a little bit more support because of the important work he did”.
Asked if he believed the high-profile dispute Mr Leavers had brought against the union had weighed heavily on the former union boss, Mr Prior said “today is about acknowledging a very well respected man and a man that is going to be deeply missed”.
“I understand there may be questions, but today is about acknowledging him and his significant service,” he said.
He said the union stood ready to help any member rocked by Mr Leavers’ death.
Police Minister Dan Purdie said he was deeply saddened to hear about Mr Leavers’ death, describing him as a “fierce leader who will be remembered as a champion for police and the community”.
“Ian served as an officer for 35 years and a QPUE President for 15 years,” he said.
“He was a passionate and fearless advocate for police, never afraid to speak up for what he believed was right.
“His loss will be felt deeply by the police family but most of all by his own family and friends. My thoughts are with Ian’s loved ones at this difficult time.”
Commissioner Steve Gollschewski wrote to staff on Monday and said Mr Leavers’ leadership was defined by his relentless support for the workforce.
“For more than 15 years as President of the QPUE, Ian led with unwavering purpose and commitment to QPS members,” Mr Gollschewski wrote.
“Ian’s passing will have significant impacts across the organisation, with partners and the community due to his deep connection and advocacy for the frontline and the relationships he built.
“I had the privilege of working with Ian for many years and have the deepest respect for him personally and professionally, and his steadfast commitment to our people, especially during times of crisis.
“Ian’s leadership was defined by his relentless support for the workforce, with the introduction of significant policy improvements, and better conditions and entitlements for members.
“Ian will be deeply missed by all of those who knew him.
“The thoughts of the service and our sincerest condolences are with Ian’s family and friends at this difficult time.
“I encourage you to reach out for support if you need it, whether to talk through your feelings, seek advice, or simply to take a moment for yourself.
“With honour he served.”
Former police commissioner Katarina Carroll said it was a “very sad day” with the passing of Mr Leavers.
“We worked together over many challenging issues and I know first hand how passionate he was about the community and the officers he served,” she wrote on Instagram.
“Rest in Peace Ian, you will be missed.”
Retired Chief Inspector and former Queensland Police Commissioned Officers Union president Dan Bragg said he worked with Mr Leavers for 40 years and had enormous respect for him.
“His ability as union president was without precedent, he was just so good at his job,” he said.
“We worked in different unions but he was an absolutely brilliant negotiator and union man.
“He fell into the job and then turned it into an art form. He was one of the nicest most decent human beings you would ever meet.”
Premier David Crisafulli released a statement on Monday, describing Mr Leavers as “dedicated, principled, and driven to make a difference for this state”.
“As Queensland’s first Cross-Border Commissioner Mr Leavers has been a strong voice for the challenges facing communities and businesses along the state’s borders during a critical stage of rebuilding following the impact of the Covid pandemic,” he said.
“Ian earned the respect of Queenslanders for saying it how it was, and always standing up for the Police Service he loved.
“Queenslanders will remember his leadership during some our state’s most tragic and defining events.
“He left a strong contribution first as a member of the Queensland Police and later as President of the Queensland Police Union.”
Mr Crisafulli praised Mr Leavers for championing safer working environments for police and advocating for police officers to be well-resourced and supported.
“On behalf of all Queenslanders, we extend heartfelt condolences to Ian’s family and friends during this difficult time,” the Premier said.
Opposition Leader Steven Miles said he was “reeling from the news that Queenslanders have lost Ian Leavers”.
“I worked with Ian in the union movement, through 10 years of government. I appointed him as the Cross-Border Commissioner and he was doing a good job in that role.” Mr Miles said.
“He’s had a massive impact on Queensland, largely through his time as the president of the Police Union.
“He did a lot to build community support for our police, he did a lot to deliver nation-leading wages and conditions for our police. I know many in the Queensland Police Service will be reeling from this news too.
“My thoughts and sympathies and with Ian’s family and everyone who knew and loved him.”
Mr Leavers had been pictured around the state, including with locals in their communities as part of his roles.
“I was pleasantly surprised when I did a recent walk and talk with Cross Border Commissioner Ian Leavers while he was in town,” Goondiwindi resident Trevor Hoole wrote in October.
“Didn’t know what to expect but Ian is a very approachable and down to earth type of guy. What started as a 15 minute walk and talk turned into over 1 hour walk and chat with locals along our scenic MacIntyre river walkway.
Mr Leavers responded: “Thanks Trevor Hoole Again the people in G’windi have been tremendous and I look forward to the future and working with the community. G’windi is a great friendly town which has an amazing community spirit.”
When appointed to the role last year Mr Leavers said he had seen first-hand unique challenges that border communities presented.
“I look forward to working collaboratively with all jurisdictions that share a border with Queensland and am determined to make a difference to the lives of the thousands of people who call these regions home,” he said at the time.
Mr Leavers was born in England and his family moved to Queensland when he was four.
He attended St Laurence’s College and joined the police force in 1989.
He worked in general duties, traffic branch, the accident investigation squad, in plain clothes in the criminal investigation branch and in the Child Protection Investigation Unit.
After leaving the police union, Mr Leavers had been in a dispute about his entitlements. He had originally sought more than $700,000 in entitlements, however later changed this to around $500,000.
Join the conversation
Sorry and sunburnt Poms scorched as ‘champion’ flashes beach bling
Read more
Parents slam ‘shaming’ of students amid human rights complaint
Read more