Acting commissioner named for Queensland Police Force

The man who led the Queensland Police COVID-19 response has been named acting commissioner ahead of Katarina Carroll's departure. Steve Gollschewski has been handed the interim role after the commissioner announced on Tuesday she would walk away on March 1, months before her contract was set to expire. The state government will begin a selection process for a new commissioner next week. During the height of the pandemic, Mr Gollschewski oversaw hotel quarantine, airport security and border security on Queensland roads. He is the service's most experienced deputy commissioner, having held the role for over a decade. "I worked closely with Steve on a daily basis during our response to COVID and he is an extraordinarily competent and experienced leader," Premier Steven Miles said. "I look forward to the selection process for a new commissioner beginning in the near future." Mr Gollschewski - who has more than 40 years of experience as an officer - will act as commissioner during the selection process to appoint Ms Carroll's permanent successor. "Queenslanders know they can rely on Steve Gollschewski. We saw that during the response to COVID," Police Minister Mark Ryan said. "The Queensland Police Service and the Queensland community are in good hands." Ms Carroll fast-tracked her departure from the top job following speculation about her future amid a youth crime outcry and reports of officer unrest. However, Ms Carroll denied that she was a "scapegoat" after confirming she would not be seeking an extension for her contract that was set to expire in July. She served as commissioner of the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services for five years before becoming the state's top cop in July 2019.