Police service refuses to say why Acting Deputy Commissioner Mark Wheeler moved to lesser position

The state’s police service is refusing to say why one of its highest ranking officers has had his position changed. Read the latest

Acting Deputy Commissioner Mark Wheeler quietly moved to lesser position. Picture Lachie Millard

The Queensland Police Service is refusing to reveal why one of the state’s highest ranking officers, touted as a future leader, was quietly moved to a lesser position.

As revealed by the Bulletin earlier this month, Acting Deputy Commissioner Mark Wheeler has been downgraded to a Chief Superintendent, in a mystery move that’s understood to see him take a substantial pay cut.

Police sources claim the move could be the result of a historic disciplinary complaint against Mr Wheeler, which has recently resurfaced.

It’s understood the allegation dates back to the 1990s when he was working as a senior sergeant and officer in charge of a station.

The Bulletin has sent multiple requests to the Queensland Police Service (QPS) to ask about Mr Wheeler’s situation and whether it is the result of an internal disciplinary matter.

The Service has refused to answer.

A QPS spokesman said it was “unable” to provide any further information.

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

The departure of Mr Wheeler from the Acting Deputy Commissioner role was published in the internal police gazette notice – however, it wasn’t listed under the ‘demotions’ section as would usually be the case when an officer drops a rank.

Police sources say the change came as a shock to many within the service who are questioning why the decision was made.

“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.”

Under the Police Service Administration Act the Commissioner Steve Gollschewski is responsible for the ranking of officers and staff. Photo Steve Pohlner

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 late July.

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

Originally published as Police service refuses to say why Acting Deputy Commissioner Mark Wheeler moved to lesser position