Full Breakdown
Queensland Appoints New Police Commissioner Amid Leadership Transition
2/16/2026, 6:13:04 AM
Leadership Change in Queensland Police
Brett Pointing has been appointed as the interim Queensland Police Commissioner following the retirement of Steve Gollschewski, who stepped down to focus on his health. Pointing, a former state and federal deputy police commissioner, will serve in this role for 12 months, starting next week. His appointment was announced at a media conference in Brisbane, where he expressed that taking on this position felt like “coming home.”
Pointing has a notable background in law enforcement, having previously held the rank of deputy commissioner in both the Queensland Police Service and the Australian Federal Police. He has also been involved in a recent 100-day review of the Queensland police, which positions him well to continue the work initiated by Gollschewski.
Official Statements on the Appointment
During the announcement, Police Minister Dan Purdie emphasized Pointing's qualifications, stating, “The Queensland Police is heading in the right direction, and Brett Pointing is the best person to continue that.” Purdie noted that the decision to appoint Pointing was made in a conversation with Gollschewski over coffee, highlighting the collaborative nature of the decision. Pointing indicated his intention to apply for the full-time commissioner role after his interim term.
Criticism and Concerns
While the leadership transition has been framed positively, there are ongoing concerns regarding police integrity and accountability. Purdie faced questions about the establishment of a new police integrity unit, which was called for by the 2022 Richards Inquiry. He deferred these questions to Attorney-General Deb Frecklington, indicating that the government has not yet made a definitive stance on the unit's implementation.
What's Next for Queensland Police
As Pointing steps into his interim role, he will inherit the ongoing initiatives and challenges facing the Queensland Police. His immediate focus will likely involve a briefing from Gollschewski to ensure a smooth transition and continuity in leadership. The effectiveness of his leadership will be closely monitored, particularly in light of the calls for enhanced police integrity measures.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I’m very blessed that I’m not starting from scratch,” — Brett Pointing, Queensland Police Commissioner
- “The Queensland Police is heading in the right direction, and Brett Pointing is the best person to continue that,” — Dan Purdie, Police Minister
This leadership change marks a significant moment for Queensland's law enforcement, as Pointing prepares to navigate the complexities of policing in the state while addressing the pressing issues raised by the community and stakeholders.
