Published: 08:41 BST, 4 September 2026 | Updated: 08:50 BST, 4 September 2026
Seven months after illness forced him to surrender the job he loved, former Queensland police commissioner Steve 'Golly' Gollschewski has died of cancer at 66.
Premier David Crisafulli said the state had lost a man who devoted his life to public safety and service.
'Queenslanders will be deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former Queensland Police Service Commissioner Steve Gollschewski AO APM,' he said.
'Mr Gollschewski devoted his life to the Queensland Police Service, upholding our laws and making our state a safer place.'
Known to colleagues and friends simply as 'Golly', Mr Gollschewski was widely regarded as one of Australia's leading police officers, a straight-talking career cop who believed the best part of the job was helping victims and putting criminals behind bars.
He often said the highlight of his career was 'locking up perpetrators and looking after victims' – a simple creed that would endure through more than 40 years of policing, from country postings to the very top job.
His policing legacy was forged on the front line and strengthened in some of Queensland's most testing moments, including natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic, when he became a calm, reassuring presence for millions watching on.
'Our darling Steve passed away this morning surrounded by the love and admiration of his family after facing a sudden and cruel complication on his 18-month cancer journey,' the former commissioner's family said in a statement on Friday.
Queensland police commissioner Steve 'Golly' Gollschewski has died of cancer at 66
Premier David Crisafulli said the the state had lost a man who devoted his life to public service
Known to colleagues and friends simply as 'Golly', Mr Gollschewski's career spanned more than 40 years
'Steve approached his diagnosis and treatment with resolute determination.
'As with so many facets of Steve's life, especially his family, his long policing career and beloved hockey team, he gave it his all and did his very best.'
Flags were lowered outside police headquarters on Friday afternoon.
