Veteran Policing Leader Brett Pointing Appointed Interim Queensland Police Commissioner

Queensland's policing leadership will enter a new chapter next week, with Brett Pointing APM appointed as interim Commissioner of the Queensland Police Service (QPS) following the retirement of Steve Gollschewski. Mr Pointing is scheduled to formally take up the role on 21 February, bringing with him more than four decades of frontline and executive policing experience across both state and federal jurisdictions.

The appointment is being framed by the Queensland Government as a steadying transition that preserves continuity while maintaining a sharp focus on community safety outcomes. In early public remarks, Mr Pointing outlined several "high priority" areas that will guide the opening months of his interim tenure. These include reducing vehicle theft and unlawful entry, lowering road fatalities, strengthening the response to domestic and family violence, and intensifying efforts to combat child exploitation.

Mr Pointing is widely regarded as one of the most experienced operational leaders to have served in Queensland policing. Over a 40-year career with the QPS, he held a range of senior and regionally significant roles, including District Officer on the Gold Coast, disaster recovery coordinator for Bundaberg and the North Burnett, and head of the task force targeting outlaw motorcycle gangs. He has also been a long-standing advocate for prevention and first-response strategies in domestic and family violence policing.

His career extends beyond state borders. After serving five years as a Deputy Commissioner within the QPS, Mr Pointing moved to the national stage, taking on a Deputy Commissioner role with the Australian Federal Police (AFP). That experience is seen as strengthening his ability to coordinate across jurisdictions and align Queensland's policing priorities with broader national law enforcement strategies.

Most recently, Mr Pointing has played a central advisory role in the QPS 100 Day Review, helping to shape recommendations that are now guiding the organisation's reform agenda. His familiarity with that process is expected to provide momentum and continuity as the service progresses through a period of structural and cultural change.

Speaking following his appointment, Mr Pointing said it was an honour to be asked to lead the Queensland Police Service.

"I am deeply humbled to have this opportunity. Policing has always been in my blood," he said.
"I am committed to strengthening community safety, providing stronger support for the frontline, and investing resources where they matter most.
"It is great to be back in the Queensland Police, a place where I have strong personal connections."

Outgoing Commissioner Steve Gollschewski said he had complete confidence in Mr Pointing's leadership and described the QPS as "very fortunate" to have him step into the role.

"Brett is one of the most exceptional policing brains in the country," Commissioner Gollschewski said.
"He is a leader of transformation, continuous improvement, and operational policing at both state and national levels.
"With his most recent advisory role on the 100-day review panel, he is best placed to continue the important reform work already underway."

Commissioner Gollschewski will officially retire on 20 February 2026, closing a career marked by reform initiatives and a strong emphasis on accountability and service delivery. Mr Pointing's interim appointment signals a continuation of that focus, with the Queensland Government emphasising measurable results-particularly in relation to property crime, road trauma, and community safety-during the months ahead.