Queensland has lost one of its most prominent policing figures with the death of Ian Leavers, a long-time union leader who later served as the state’s first cross-border commissioner. Leavers was found at his Brisbane home in Mount Ommaney on Monday morning after police were called at about 9:50 a.m. He was 57. Police stated that his death is not being treated as suspicious and that inquiries remain ongoing. The news has prompted a wave of tributes from across the political spectrum and the broader policing community, highlighting a career defined by advocacy, frontline experience, and an enduring focus on officer safety.
This article summarizes what is known about the circumstances, outlines Leavers’ path through the Queensland Police Service and union leadership, and collects the major tributes and reflections on his legacy.
What Happened
Police attended a residence in Mount Ommaney in Brisbane on Monday morning. Shortly after 9:50 a.m., officers confirmed that a 57-year-old man, identified as Ian Leavers, had died. Authorities indicated there are no suspicious circumstances. As with any sudden death, investigators will work through routine procedures, which typically include a report for the coroner, standard witness inquiries, and collection of relevant health or contextual information. Officials have emphasized that the investigation is continuing and that further details will be released in due course where appropriate.
Short Summary
Details |
Information |
|---|---|
Name |
Ian Leavers |
Age |
57 |
Found |
Monday morning at a home in Mount Ommaney, Brisbane, around 9:50 a.m. |
Police Position |
Not being treated as suspicious, investigation ongoing |
Policing Career |
Joined Queensland Police in 1989, served in CIB and child investigation unit |
Union Leadership |
Queensland Police Union general president and CEO from 2009, Police Federation of Australia president from 2021 |
Public Role |
Appointed Queensland cross-border commissioner in August 2024 |
Tributes |
Praised by police leaders, government figures, and colleagues for advocacy and crisis leadership |
Official Site Link |
Early Career And Frontline Service
Ian Leavers joined the Queensland Police Service in 1989. During his frontline years he served across several areas, including the criminal investigation branch and the child investigation unit. These assignments exposed him to some of the most complex and sensitive aspects of policing, from major crime work to cases involving vulnerable children and families. Colleagues have long said that this early grounding informed his later advocacy, shaping a leadership style that linked policy debates directly to real-world operational needs.
Union Leadership And National Influence
Leavers began his most public-facing period in 2009 when he became the general president and CEO of the Queensland Police Union. Over the following decade he steered the union through challenging reforms, negotiations over workplace safety, and the intense demands that arise from critical incidents. In 2021, he was elected president of the Police Federation of Australia, extending his impact to the national level and giving him a platform to coordinate positions on training, health, safety, and legal protections for officers across jurisdictions.
He held both roles until his resignation last year, a transition that closed an important chapter in state and national police industrial relations. Former colleagues credit him with securing protections that many officers now take for granted, from improved safety protocols to better support following traumatic incidents.
Cross-Border Commissioner Appointment
In August 2024, the state government appointed Leavers as Queensland’s first cross-border commissioner. The role was created to improve cooperation on issues that often cut across state lines, including regional crime patterns, disaster response, and service delivery in border communities. Leavers’ frontline pedigree and long experience collaborating with government were cited as reasons he was the right choice for this new position. Those who worked with him note that he approached the job with a practical mindset, emphasising coordination among agencies and timely communication with affected communities.
Tributes From Colleagues And Leaders
The announcement of Leavers’ death prompted a wide range of tributes reflecting the breadth of his influence.
- Queensland Police Union president Shane Prior described Leavers as a mentor and a force of nature. He highlighted Leavers’ compassion during the Wieambilla tragedy, noting his ability to carry the pain of others and turn it into unity and strength.
- Queensland Police Minister Dan Purdie called Leavers a passionate and fearless advocate who always spoke up for what he believed was right. He expressed sympathy to Leavers’ family and friends, acknowledging the depth of the loss to the policing family.
- Police Commissioner Steve Gollschewski said Leavers led with unwavering purpose and commitment to the service and its members. He pointed to the significant impact Leavers’ advocacy had across the organisation and voiced personal respect based on years of close professional work, especially during crises.
- Nationals Leader David Littleproud praised Leavers’ courage and conviction and highlighted his contribution to advancing a national firearms register.
- Queensland Premier David Crisafulli described Leavers as dedicated, principled, and driven to make a difference, and said Queenslanders would remember his leadership during some of the state’s most tragic and defining events.
- Former premier Steven Miles reflected on a decade of working with Leavers in government and in the union movement, noting his suitability for the cross-border commissioner role and expressing shock and sadness at the news.
Taken together, these statements capture a leader whose voice carried weight across the aisle and whose advocacy shaped both policy and culture within policing.
Key Contributions And Lasting Impact
Leavers’ legacy can be traced through several themes.
- Officer safety and welfare
He argued consistently for the practical protections officers need, from equipment and training to post-incident care and psychological support. - Crisis leadership
During high-profile incidents, he often served as a public face for frontline officers, balancing transparency with the need to protect ongoing investigations. His conduct during tragedies earned respect from colleagues and the broader community. - Industrial advocacy
As a union leader he was known for robust negotiation and for translating operational realities into policy requests, particularly in areas such as rostering, legal support, and workplace safety standards. - Intergovernmental coordination
His appointment as cross-border commissioner reflected confidence in his ability to bring agencies together on complex problems. That work was still developing, but its focus on practical outcomes is widely acknowledged.
Community Reaction And Support
Beyond official statements, many rank-and-file officers and community members have shared memories of Leavers as a direct, plain-spoken advocate. For officers who knew him only through media appearances, his presence signalled that someone with operational understanding was at the table during difficult conversations. Community voices often praised his clarity during times when emotions were high and reliable information was most needed.
For those directly affected by the news, support resources are available through Queensland Police Service wellbeing programs and peer support networks. Family, friends, and colleagues are encouraged to seek assistance if they need it in the days and weeks ahead.
Looking Ahead
Formalities will continue as police complete standard inquiries and as tributes are arranged by family and colleagues. The cross-border commissioner portfolio will be reviewed in due course to ensure continuity of work already underway. Union and government leaders have suggested that the best way to honour Leavers is to carry forward the priorities he championed, particularly in officer safety and community-focused policing.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) Is the death being treated as suspicious
No. Police have stated the death is not being treated as suspicious. Inquiries remain ongoing as part of standard procedures.
2) What roles did Ian Leavers hold during his career
He joined Queensland Police in 1989, served in the criminal investigation branch and child investigation unit, became Queensland Police Union general president and CEO in 2009, was elected Police Federation of Australia president in 2021, and was appointed Queensland cross-border commissioner in 2024.
3) What was his reputation within the policing community
He was widely regarded as a strong advocate for officer safety, a steady voice during crises, and a straightforward communicator who linked policy to frontline realities.
4) Will there be public memorial information
Details are typically shared by family and official channels once arrangements are confirmed. Colleagues and the public should follow updates from Queensland Police and relevant organisations.
5) Where can I find official updates
For verified information and statements, visit the Queensland Police Service website at www.police.qld.gov.au.
Final Takeaway
Ian Leavers’ passing marks the loss of a significant figure in Australian policing. From detective work in the early years to state and national leadership roles, he built a reputation for commitment, advocacy, and compassion during the hardest moments. Leaders across the spectrum have acknowledged his contributions to safety reforms and his ability to unify people in times of crisis. As official processes continue, the focus turns to supporting his family and colleagues and advancing the priorities he championed in service of the policing profession and the community it protects.
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