Queensland Government Welcomes First Police Graduates of 2026

The Queensland Government has welcomed 79 new police officers into the Queensland Police Service (QPS), marking the first graduating cohort of 2026 and the latest step in rebuilding the State's frontline policing capability.

The new recruits will be deployed immediately across Brisbane, regional and remote Queensland, strengthening community safety from the southeast corner to the Far North and the State's west.

The graduates - 56 men and 23 women - will take up postings in districts including Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, Wide Bay, Mount Isa and the Sunshine Coast, ensuring additional boots on the ground where demand is greatest.

The graduation follows a standout year for police recruitment in 2025, when 1,180 new officers were sworn in. The government says the surge reversed a decade-long decline in police numbers, driven by attrition and dissatisfaction under the former Labor administration.

New officers will be deployed across the following districts:

• North Brisbane - 14
• South Brisbane - 11
• Far North - 10
• Townsville - 8
• Logan - 7
• Gold Coast - 5
• Mackay Whitsunday - 5
• Ipswich - 5
• Capricornia - 4
• Moreton - 4
• Sunshine Coast - 3
• Wide Bay Burnett - 2
• Mount Isa - 1

The cohort ranges in age from 18 to 50, with recruits coming from across Australia and overseas. Many bring experience from previous careers in defence, health, engineering, trades, hospitality and customer service.

Minister for Police and Emergency Services Dan Purdie said the graduation reflected a turnaround in police recruitment and retention.

"The Crisafulli Government is putting 79 new police officers on the frontline - the first graduates of 2026 and the next wave in our plan to restore safety where you live and rebuild the frontline," Minister Purdie said.

"After years of neglect, we are backing our police with the laws, resources and support they need. In 2025 alone, we delivered 1,180 new officers, while unplanned attrition fell to 2.6 per cent - the lowest level in three years."

Queensland Police Commissioner Steve Gollschewski congratulated the graduates and welcomed them to the service.

"Our newest constables are beginning careers that will make a genuine difference in communities across Queensland," Commissioner Gollschewski said.

"Joining the QPS is more than a job - it's a commitment to teamwork, integrity and service. Queenslanders can be confident these officers are ready to serve with respect, courage and professionalism."