Steve Gollschewski to officially become Qld police commissioner

The man who has been acting as Queensland’s top cop has been confirmed as the permanent appointment, according to sources.

Steve Gollschewski is set to become Queensland’s next police commissioner, sources have confirmed.

Mr Gollschewski has been in the box seat for the role after implementing changes to the service during his time as interim commissioner.

As previously revealed in The Sunday Mail, Mr Gollschewski and Youth Justice Department director-general Bob Gee were the two people interviewed for the top role.

Dubbed as “Mr Fix-It”, Mr Gollschewski was named acting police commissioner following the sudden resignation of his predecessor Katarina Carroll in February.

Formally the deputy commissioner, the veteran officer was the architect of the November 2022 service overhaul following damning findings into the force’s culture.

Mr Gollschewski was also the face of the Queensland Police Service during the Covid-19 pandemic.

He fronted the media each day to outline rules and restrictions and discuss what enforcement police had undertaken.

In March, Premier Steven Miles said he was pleased to see Mr Gollschewski announced as the acting commissioner.

“I worked closely with Steve daily during our response to Covid and he is an extraordinarily competent and experienced leader,” Mr Miles said.

In his first interview after being named as acting police commissioner, Mr Gollschewski told The Courier-Mail his main focus would be on reducing crime, combating youth crime and allowing police to spend less time on administrative work.

“We want to see that more broadly. So we’re doing the work now, in that crime space to look at what more can we do in those areas that are really suffering from particular types of crime,” Mr Gollschewski said.

“So for me in when I was talking about the focus on crime, you’ll see a real focus back to those things that are most likely to harm our community and what more can we do in that space?

“Because let’s face it, if a lot of people in our community see police, see activity, the type of stuff we do through a number of things that will make them feel safer.”

His predecessor, Katarina Carroll resigned following mounting criticism around the state’s youth crime crisis.

She also faced pressure over the standing down of a Gold Coast Senior Sergeant over claims he authorised the ramming of a stolen car, allegedly containing several youths.

She described her time as police commissioner as “the most rewarding and incredible journey”.

A spokesman for Police Minister Mark Ryan said no announcement on the new commissioner could be made until the process was finalised.

“The process will not be finalised until at least the matter has gone to Cabinet and Executive Council,” he said.

Originally published as Steve Gollschewski to officially become Qld police commissioner