Deputy Commissioner Shane Chelepy will be acting commissioner from tomorrow.
“It is with great disappointment I have to advise you that I have commenced leave for an unknown period following an unexpected cancer diagnosis,” Gollschewski told police this afternoon.
“I have a battle ahead of me and with the support of my family need to concentrate my energies towards my treatment,” he said.
Gollschewski was sworn into the job last April.
He took on the role at a time when the number of victims of crime was rising and with the service facing challenges from officer numbers and morale suffering due to increasing workloads and calls for help from the public.
Before that, his 44-year-long stint as an officer spanned various roles, including spearheading the response to COVID-19 as Queensland’s state disaster coordinator.
“The Commissioner requests privacy at this time and appreciates the support of his colleagues and the community,” Queensland police said in a statement.
Premier David Crisafulli paid tribute to Gollschewski’s service.
“Steve Gollschewski has the full support of the Queensland Government following his decision to step down due to health reasons,” he said.
“I would like to thank Commissioner Gollschewski for his lifetime of service upholding our state’s laws.
“Commissioner Gollschewski has spent decades serving with integrity, professionalism, and Queensland is grateful for what he has achieved in the blue uniform.”
The Police Union President and Police Minister have also wished the Commissioner the best with his treatment.