Queensland’s cross-border commissioner and former long-time police union president, Ian Leavers, has died.
Mr Leavers was found at his home in Brisbane this morning, and police said his death is not being treated as suspicious.
He joined Queensland Police in 1989, working across several divisions, including the criminal investigation branch and child investigation unit.
In 2009, he became the general president and CEO of the Queensland Police Union and was elected the Police Federation of Australia president in 2021.
He held both positions until his resignation last year.
Remembered as ‘dedicated, principled’
Mr Leavers was appointed Queensland’s first cross-border commissioner in 2024. (ABC News: Lucas Hill)
In a statement, Queensland Premier David Crisafulli described Mr Leavers as “dedicated, principled and driven to make a difference”.
“Ian earned the respect of Queenslanders for saying it how it was, and always standing up for the police service he loved,” he said.
“Queenslanders will remember his leadership during some our state’s most tragic and defining events.”
Mr Crisafulli said he extended his condolences to Mr Leavers’ family and friends.
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The Police Federation of Australia described Mr Leavers as a “champion for providing a safe working environment for police and the community” during his time in the top job.
In August 2024, the then-Labor government appointed him as the first cross-border commissioner, a role created to tackle a growing crime problem and respond to natural disasters in the region.
At the time of his appointment, then-premier Steven Miles said his frontline experience and ability to collaborate with all levels of government made him the “ideal candidate”.
The investigation into Mr Leavers’ death is ongoing.
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