Queensland Police Commissioner Steve Gollschewski says he plans to return to work next month following his “highly effective” cancer treatment.
Gollschewski stepped away from his duties after a shock stage four cancer diagnosis in February.
In a memo shared with Queensland Police staff on Tuesday, the commissioner said he was “expecting very good outcomes” as his treatment continued in the coming months.
Steve Gollschewski plans to return to work as police commissioner in September.Credit: Matt Dennien
He confirmed his full-time return to work from September 15, saying that would give him enough time to recover from the effects of his treatment – which will continue “for some time” – and rebuild the fitness needed for his role.
Shane Chelepy became acting commissioner in February.Credit: Catherine Strohfeldt
“When I first received my diagnosis, I feared I had very little time left. What followed was a rollercoaster – not knowing if the new treatment would work, and then enduring its toll. The easier choice would have been to retire and step away.
“But I am determined to return to the QPS to finish the work we began through our review, and to continue my commitment to improving community safety and ensuring you have what you need to make that job easier,” he told staff.
When Gollschewski stepped away, Deputy Commissioner Shane Chelepy took on the role of acting commissioner to ensure continuity of leadership.
In the memo, Gollschewski thanked Chelepy and his team for the “amazing work” they had done in his absence after “being thrown in the deep end”. He also acknowledged the leadership, support and guidance of Police Minister Dan Purdie during this time.
