Crime report indicates tough job ahead for new top cop

Queensland's new police chief Steve Gollschewski says domestic violence will remain a priority. (Jono Searle/AAP PHOTOS)

On the same day Queensland's next top cop was unveiled, a crime report suggests a tough challenge may lie ahead for the new police commissioner.

Steve Gollschewski on Monday said tackling domestic violence would be a priority after being endorsed as the man to take over from Katarina Carroll.

The 44-year force veteran said DV reforms were "absolutely critical" after a 2022 inquiry's damning findings into Queensland police responses to domestic violence.

But the 2022-23 Queensland crime report released on Monday has detailed the enormous task facing the new commissioner.

It reported a 27.2 per cent increase in DV order breaches compared to 2021-22 - and a staggering 255.2 per cent rise since 2013-2014.

New Queensland Police Commissioner Steve Gollschewski
Steve Gollschewski has been endorsed as Queensland's 21st police commissioner.

Assaults were also up almost 165 per cent and theft 26 per cent since 2013-14.

"That (DV reform) is something that is absolutely critical and ... will remain as a priority for myself as the commissioner and for our organisation," Mr Gollschewski told reporters.

"More needs to be done for the victims of domestic and family violence, to make sure that the perpetrators are held to account and can change what they do.

"We're dealing with over 140,000 (DV) calls for service every year. It is an enormous challenge for the organisation and we must do more."

The new commissioner says he wants to reduce red tape for frontline police and ensure DV victims feel safe to come forward, with officers also undergoing training for new coercive control legislation.

Mr Gollschewski had been filling in as interim commissioner after Ms Carroll left the force on March 1.

She stepped down months before her contract was due to expire after almost five years at the helm following an outcry over youth crime and reports of officer unrest.

Mr Gollschewski was endorsed as Queensland's 21st commissioner after the crime report revealed all offences had risen by 13 per cent, homicides by 31 per cent and robbery by 16 per cent compared to 2021-22.

Former Queensland Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll.
Katarina Carroll stepped down after an outcry over youth crime and reports of officer unrest.

The number of Queenslanders becoming victims of crime rose almost 17 per cent.

But Mr Gollschewski said his focus would be fairly simple.

"Keep our community safer, and make sure that they feel safe," he said.

Mr Gollschewski had been Queensland Police's most experienced deputy commissioner after more than a decade in the role.

Premier Steven Miles said the government would work with the new commissioner to finalise a community safety plan for Queensland.

The state government handed out its own crime figures on Monday, saying total offences had decreased by one per cent in the last nine months.

The premier and new commissioner then flew to north Queensland where they announced more than $45 million in funding for victims of crime support.

It included almost $16 million to expand a community response program and more than $15 million to ensure the timely delivery of financial assistance to victims of crime.

Meanwhile, advocacy group Voice for Victims is reportedly set to march on state parliament, calling for tougher punishments for juvenile offenders at an April 30 rally.

License this article

What is AAPNews?

For the first time, Australian Associated Press is delivering news straight to the consumer.

No ads. No spin. News straight-up.

Not only do you get to enjoy high-quality news delivered straight to your desktop or device, you do so in the knowledge you are supporting media diversity in Australia.

AAP Is Australia’s only independent newswire service, free from political and commercial influence, producing fact-based public interest journalism across a range of topics including politics, courts, sport, finance and entertainment.

What is AAPNews?
The Morning Wire

Wake up to AAPNews’ morning news bulletin delivered straight to your inbox or mobile device, bringing you up to speed with all that has happened overnight at home and abroad, as well as setting you up what the day has in store.

AAPNews Morning Wire
AAPNews Breaking News
Breaking News

Be the first to know when major breaking news happens.


Notifications will be sent to your device whenever a big story breaks, ensuring you are never in the dark when the talking points happen.

Focused Content

Enjoy the best of AAP’s specialised Topics in Focus. AAP has reporters dedicated to bringing you hard news and feature content across a range of specialised topics including Environment, Agriculture, Future Economies, Arts and Refugee Issues.

AAPNews Focussed Content
Subscription Plans

Choose the plan that best fits your needs. AAPNews offers two basic subscriptions, all billed monthly.

Once you sign up, you will have seven days to test out the service before being billed.

AAPNews Full Access Plan
Full Access
AU$10
  • Enjoy all that AAPNews has to offer
  • Access to breaking news notifications and bulletins
  • Includes access to all AAPNews’ specialised topics
Join Now
AAPNews Student Access Plan
Student Access
AU$5
  • Gain access via a verified student email account
  • Enjoy all the benefits of the ‘Full Access’ plan at a reduced rate
  • Subscription renews each month
Join Now
AAPNews Annual Access Plan
Annual Access
AU$99
  • All the benefits of the 'Full Access' subscription at a discounted rate
  • Subscription automatically renews after 12 months
Join Now

AAPNews also offers enterprise deals for businesses so you can provide an AAPNews account for your team, organisation or customers. Click here to contact AAP to sign-up your business today.

SEVEN DAYS FREE
Download the app
Download AAPNews on the App StoreDownload AAPNews on the Google Play Store