Queensland Police Service Acting Deputy Commissioner Mark Wheeler has been demoted

A senior police officer hailed for his leadership during the Covid pandemic has been quietly stripped of his high-ranking position. Read the latest

Acting Deputy Commissioner Mark Wheeler quietly demoted from role. Picture: Kevin Farmer

A former Gold Coast top cop promoted to one of the Queensland Police Service’s highest positions after his leadership during the Covid pandemic has been moved to a lesser position.

According to an internal police document, obtained by the Bulletin, Acting Deputy Commissioner Mark Wheeler’s demotion has resulted in a changing of his rank, downgraded to a Chief Superintendent.

It’s unclear what sparked the demotion, which is understood to see him take a substantial pay cut.

Police sources say the change has shocked many within the service who believed Mr Wheeler was a future leader.

“We haven’t had an official announcement or anything – he’s just been moved,” a police officer told the Bulletin.

“People don’t usually voluntarily give up those positions and the pay packet.

“The rumour mill is filling the void left by the silence from management and it’s not productive.”

Acting Deputy Commissioner Mark Wheeler demoted to Chief Superintendent. Picture: Evan Morgan

Mr Wheeler last held the rank of Chief Superintendent in 2021 when he was head of the Gold Coast Police District.

He entered the job at the onset of the Covid pandemic with a public emergency declared in Queensland within his first few weeks on the Coast.

As the man responsible for enforcing the state’s hard border restrictions, Mr Wheeler became the face of the Gold Coast’s fight to keep Covid out of Queensland.

In February 2021 he was hand picked by the then Commissioner Katarina Carroll to take on a newly-appointed promotion as Assistant Commissioner, in recognition of his leadership during Covid.

Mr Wheeler was again promoted in February 2023 to the role of Acting Deputy Commissioner of Regional Operations and held the position until his sudden demotion in late July.

The Queensland Police Service was contacted for comment on Monday.

The Bulletin has called Chief Supt Wheeler for comment - his voice message said he was currently on leave.