QPS union president Ian Leavers to become the state’s new cross-border commissioner

He’s been the president of Queensland’s police union for 15 years but Ian Leavers is stepping down to become the state’s new cross-border commissioner in a fast-tracked appointment.

The newly appointed cross-border commissioner Ian Leavers has vowed to be no nonsense and cut through red tape gripping Queensland border communities as the new eyes and ears of the rural towns.

It comes after Mr Leavers sensationally resigned from his role as Queensland Police Union president which he held for 15 years, with vice president Shane Prior taking the reins next week.

Mr Leavers, who has also resigned as a police officer after 35 years, declared to be a voice for border communities saying joint police facilities in these towns could be the future.

“I’m going to be the eyes and ears. I will be out there. I’ll be talking to people. I’ll be working with them, and I want to be able to try and cut through the red tape and work with other government agencies, not only in Queensland, but in New South Wales as well,” Mr Leavers said.

Premier Steven Miles announced Mr Leavers’ appointment a day after fast-tracking the position through parliament after a surge of crime in Goondiwindi and Boggabilla prompted urgent calls for action.

Queensland Police Unit President Ian Leavers will become the new cross-border commissioner. Picture David Clark

Frightened residents have been scared in their own homes at night, and young criminals brandishing machetes in the streets amid a spike in car theft and break-in rates which surpassed Mount Isa last month.

Young criminals in the town are using the border as an escape route to avoid arrest where fed-up residents say the offenders are border hopping between New South Wales and Queensland.

Mr Leavers’ role will help break down intergovernmental barriers and navigate complex border problems like policing, health, education and other essential services.

Mr Leavers, who was appointed 24 hours after the announcement was made, will start the role “quicker than anticipated”, but vowed to relish the opportunity to help border communities.

“Sometimes people feel when they’re outside of Brisbane, they don’t have a voice. Well, I want to be their voice, and I will listen.”

Footage of a street brawl in the border town of Boggabilla is making the rounds on social media, with NSW police now investigating. Photo: Facebook.

Mr Leavers didn’t weigh in on his ideas to decrease crime in Goondiwindi, but said he would advocate for a full-strength police division and floated the idea of joint policing facilities in border towns.

“Everyone knows I call it as I see it, regardless of either side of politics, I’ve always been straight down the line.

“I’m outcome driven, no nonsense. You’ve seen me over the last 15 years, whoever I’ve had to hold to account, I’ve done that, and I’ll continue to do that.

“I have some ideas. I don’t want to go into that now. I hit the ground running on Monday, but there are some things that I think can be done, but I think it’s important where states work together and have co-operation.”

Border towns have been campaigning for more than a decade for the creation of the civilian position designed to help improve the liveability of communities on the border.

Ian Leavers and Queensland Police Union vice-president Shane Prior. Picture: Liam Kidston

Mr Miles said Mr Leavers was an ideal candidate for the role which was initially announced in the budget in June.

“Our cross-border communities can often face unique and challenging issues,” Mr Miles said.

“His experience on the frontline, and his collaboration with emergency services, local, state and federal governments make him an ideal candidate.

“I trust that Mr Leavers will help to break down barriers on the border and support our unique townships now and into the future.”

Mr Leavers said it was a challenge to say goodbye to his policing career after 35 years.

“I started there at the age of 20 I relish this opportunity. I think the skills I’ve had over 35 years, I can bring a lot to this role.

“One of the greatest things I’ve been able to do is to arrest pedophiles and ensure they’ve been locked away, but to look after vulnerable victims and actually give them a better life and protect them (as well)”

Mr Leavers’ role will encompass 12 local government areas – home to more than 750,000 people – along the borders that Queensland shares with New South Wales, South Australia and the Northern Territory.

He will develop relationships with local governments, regional bodies, state agencies, industry associations, and community groups, and provide advice to stakeholders and government, through the Department of Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water.

Mr Leavers will travel across the state, with the first stop being Goondiwindi early next week.

Originally published as QPS union president Ian Leavers to become the state’s new cross-border commissioner