“Ian’s contribution to policing – both in Queensland and nationally – was significant and enduring,” the federation said in a statement.
“He was a dedicated advocate for the welfare, safety and professional standing of police officers across Australia, and his leadership shaped the [Police Federation Australia] in important and lasting ways.”
Leavers at a ceremony marking a year since the Wieambilla tragedy.Credit: Queensland Police Union Of Employees
Leavers graduated from St Laurence’s College in South Brisbane in 1985 and joined the Queensland Police Service in 1989. He worked across the organisation, including in roles in the Criminal Investigation Branch and Child Protection Investigation Unit.
He was a prominent figure in the aftermath of the 2022 Wieambilla police shootings, in which constables Rachel McCrow and Matthew Arnold, as well as civilian Alan Dare, were killed at a remote property, 300 kilometres west of Brisbane.
Leavers called it “one of the darkest days” in the history of the Queensland Police Service.
His successor Shane Prior said Leavers was his mentor, and a man who always represented his fellow police.
“There is a reason so many people are offering their tributes today of Ian Leavers – he was a giant, not just of our union but of the entire police movement,” Prior told ABC radio Brisbane.
“The void he leaves is really immense, but so too is the mark he’s left on every single police officer in Queensland.”
Police Commissioner Steve Gollschewski said Leavers led the union with “unwavering purpose and commitment”.
“I had the privilege of working with Ian for many years and have the deepest respect for him personally and professionally, and his steadfast commitment to our people, especially during times of crisis,” Gollschewski said.
Police Minister Dan Purdie said he was “deeply saddened” to learn of Leavers’ death, describing the former union president as a “champion for police and the community”.
“He was a passionate and fearless advocate for police, never afraid to speak up for what he believed was right,” Purdie said.
“His loss will be felt deeply by the police family, but most of all by his own family and friends. My thoughts are with Ian’s loved ones at this difficult time.”
Opposition leader Steven Miles said he was reeling from the news of Leavers’ passing, having worked with him in his role as union leader and appointing him in the cross-border role.
“He’s had a massive impact on Queensland, largely through that time as president of the police union. He did a lot to build community support for our police, he did a lot to deliver nation-leading wages and conditions for our police,” Miles said.
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