Queensland Police Union Of Employees

04/09/2026

The Queensland Police Union joins serving and retired police across our state in mourning the passing of former Police Commissioner Steve Gollschewski.

Steve dedicated his life to policing and serving the Queensland community, rising through the ranks to lead the organisation he had given so much to.

Today, rank and titles take a back seat. We remember a fellow police officer and extend our deepest sympathy to Steve’s wife, family, friends and colleagues.

Rest in peace, Mr Gollschewski. Your service is done.

02/09/2026

Queensland’s workplace safety watchdog has acted on evidence based reports from the QPU and has issued multiple regulatory notices to the QPS following inspections across the state.

These notices are not about paperwork. They are about the health, safety and wellbeing of our members and the people in custody.

The QPU’s formal complaint highlighted severe overcrowding, unsafe staffing levels, poor ventilation, hygiene concerns, ageing infrastructure, unreliable CCTV and a lack of essential safety measures.

No police officer should be expected to work in conditions that put their safety at risk. No person in custody should be housed in facilities that fail to meet basic standards.

These are not isolated issues. They are systemic problems that require urgent action, proper investment and a genuine commitment to fixing long-standing deficiencies.

Workplace Health and Safety issues multiple regulatory notices to the police service regarding conditions at the state's watch houses.

26/08/2026

The QPU has long warned about the growing threat posed by illicit fi****ms, and the latest Channel 9 report on the R***r Charger highlights why action is needed.

While legislative reform is important, enforcement is only as effective as the resources behind it. The QPU has repeatedly raised concerns about the chronic understaffing of the QPS Illicit Fi****ms Team, with just four officers currently dedicated to targeting illegal fi****ms across Queensland as fi***rm related threats continue to grow.

We are also renewing our calls for the National Fi****ms Register to be fast tracked. Following the Wieambilla tragedy, the QPU advocated strongly for a nationally integrated system that allows police to track the ownership and movement of fi****ms across state borders in real time.

Properly resourcing specialist fi****ms investigators and delivering the National Fi****ms Register are practical measures that will make Queensland safer for both police and the community.

23/08/2026

Constable James William Harris, described by his colleagues as a good, careful, and highly reliable horseman, died on 24 August 1915 after suffering fatal injuries when he and his police horse fell from the Scrubby Creek Bridge while returning from official duties at Kabra.

Despite being an experienced rider, the bridge was reported to be slippery and hazardous on the night of the accident. He was taken to Rockhampton General Hospital but sadly succumbed to his injuries later that evening.

More than a century later, Constable Harris's sacrifice remains part of Queensland Police Service history. His story serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by early police officers, who often travelled long distances on horseback across challenging terrain in the service of their communities.

21/08/2026

As the Officer in Charge of Caboolture Police Station, Senior Sergeant Irwin was known for his leadership, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to protecting others. On 22 August 2003, he responded to reports of an armed man near homes and schools in the Caboolture area. Concerned for the safety of local residents, children, and his fellow officers, he entered bushland to help assess the unfolding situation.

While attempting to provide an update to the station, Senior Sergeant Irwin was ambushed and shot by the armed offender who had been hiding nearby. Despite the efforts of his colleagues, he died at the scene, having made the ultimate sacrifice while carrying out his duty to protect the people of Queensland.

His death was a devastating loss to his family, friends, colleagues, and the community he served so faithfully.

21/08/2026

At just 21 years of age, with a promising future ahead of him, Constable Vincent Hennelly made the ultimate sacrifice while serving the community of Queensland.

Having joined the Queensland Police Service as a cadet in 1977, he demonstrated a commitment to public service from a young age, embarking on a career dedicated to protecting and assisting others.

Tragically, his life and career were cut short when he was killed in a road traffic accident on 22 August 1980.

With honour, he served.

21/08/2026

Last night, 126 recruits from Intake 1/26 graduated from the Oxley Academy, a remarkable milestone for such a large intake.

QPU Legal Manager Col Muller presented the coveted QPU sponsored Dux Award to Constable Chelsea Chilmaid.

On behalf of all current serving and retired police, congratulations to all squad members on your outstanding achievement!

18/08/2026

Today, on Vietnam Veterans’ Day, we pause to honour every Australian who served in Vietnam and remember those who never came home or were affected by their service.

The QPU also proudly acknowledges the many Vietnam veterans and Nasho’s who, after serving their country, returned home to join the QPS.

They brought with them discipline, and resilience. They passed those values on to generations of police who followed.

For QPU Central Regional Rep Troy Hayward, today is particularly personal. His father John ‘Tex’ Hayward served in Vietnam with 2RAR in 1970.

QPU President Shane Prior said “Troy speaks with enormous pride about his father’s service and the lessons he passed down, particularly the importance of mateship and loyalty. Never abandoning those who rely upon you. It’s why I was proud to lay a wreath today on behalf of all current serving and retired police.”

Our Vietnam veterans who later wore the police uniform are now well and truly retired, but their contribution to both their country and their communities must never be forgotten.

Lest We Forget.

17/08/2026

The QPU is providing support and assistance to our members following an incident at Waterford tonight.

No police were injured and operational details will be released by the QPS.

Our immediate priority is supporting our members.

QPU South East Regional Rep Andy Williams is co-ordinating wellbeing and legal support.