ian leavers

Former Queensland Police Union Boss Ian Leavers Found Dead, Community Mourns

The Queensland law enforcement community has been thrown into mourning following the sudden passing of one of its most prominent and outspoken figures. Ian Leavers, the state's first Cross-Border Commissioner and a long-serving president of the Queensland Police Union (QPU), has been found dead at his Brisbane home. The discovery marks the end of a distinguished career that spanned decades and left an indelible mark on policing policy in Queensland.

Authorities have confirmed that police were called to a residence in Mount Ommaney, in Brisbane's south-west, on Monday morning. While the death is not being treated as suspicious, the sudden nature of the event has sent shockwaves through the organisation he led for 15 years.

A Sudden Discovery in Brisbane

According to statements released by the Queensland Police Service, officers were called to the home of Mr Leavers shortly before 10:00 am on Monday. A police spokesperson confirmed the discovery, stating: "Police were called to a non-suspicious sudden death in Mount Ommaney, in the south-west of Brisbane, at around 9.50am on Monday."

At 57 years of age, Mr Leavers was at a pivotal stage of his career. Having stepped down from the union presidency earlier this year in 2024, he had recently been appointed to the newly created role of Cross-Border Commissioner. This position was designed to manage the complex relationship and operational coordination between Queensland and its neighbouring states, a testament to the trust placed in his leadership capabilities.

The news has dominated headlines across the state, with tributes pouring in from police officers, politicians, and community leaders who knew him as a fierce advocate for the force.

The Legacy of a Union Stalwart

To understand the magnitude of this loss, one must look at the career Ian Leavers built. He served as the President of the Queensland Police Union of Employees for 15 years, from 2009 to 2024. In a field often defined by rapid turnover and controversy, Leavers provided a steady, if combative, hand.

During his tenure, he was known for being "never afraid to speak up." He navigated the complex waters of state politics, negotiating pay rises, better working conditions, and safety protocols for officers on the front lines. His leadership style was often described as passionate and unyielding, prioritising the welfare of his members above all else.

Colleagues and rivals alike acknowledged his ability to command a room. He was a polarising figure at times, but his dedication to the police service was rarely questioned. By the time he stepped down to take the Cross-Border Commissioner role, he was widely regarded as one of the most influential union bosses in the state's history.

The Role of Cross-Border Commissioner

The timing of Mr Leavers' death adds a layer of tragedy to the administrative landscape of Queensland policing. The role of Cross-Border Commissioner was a new and critical appointment, created to address the increasing need for seamless cooperation between Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia, and the Northern Territory.

As the inaugural holder of this title, Leavers was tasked with resolving jurisdictional disputes and ensuring that police resources could be deployed efficiently across borders. His deep understanding of police operations and his established relationships with senior command across the country made him the ideal candidate.

His sudden passing leaves a vacancy in this nascent but vital role. It is a significant blow to the strategic rollout of this cross-border initiative, which was relied upon to bolster regional security and response times.

Tributes and Community Reaction

The reaction to the news has been swift and emotional. Social media and news outlets have been flooded with messages from those who served alongside him. One tribute highlighted his character perfectly: "He was passionate … never afraid to speak up."

This sentiment resonates with the general public's perception of Leavers. He was not a bureaucrat hidden behind a desk; he was a presence. Whether he was standing at a podium addressing the media or walking the floors of police stations, he was seen as a man of action.

The Queensland Police Service itself has expressed deep sorrow. The sudden death of a high-profile figure like Leavers often brings underlying issues within the force to the surface, serving as a sombre reminder of the human element behind the badge.

Immediate Impact on the Police Force

The immediate impact of Ian Leavers' death is being felt across the organisation. Beyond the emotional toll on his family, friends, and colleagues, there are practical implications.

1. Leadership Vacuum: The Cross-Border Commissioner role is now vacant. The government will need to move quickly to appoint a successor to maintain continuity in cross-border operations.
2. Union Stability: While he had stepped down, Leavers was a towering figure whose shadow was long. His successor at the union faces the challenge of filling the void left by a veteran negotiator.
3. Morale: The death of a former leader, particularly one who was seen as a champion of the rank-and-file, often affects morale. It serves as a unifying moment for the force, but also a period of reflection on the pressures of the job.

It is understood that police have stated the death is not being treated as suspicious. This confirmation has allowed the focus to shift from the investigation of the death to the celebration of his life and the mourning of his loss.

A Timeline of Ian Leavers' Career

To appreciate his influence, it is helpful to view his career chronologically:

• 2009: Appointed President of the Queensland Police Union of Employees.
• 2009 - 2024: Served 15 consecutive years as the head of the QPU. During this time, he oversaw significant industrial campaigns and changes to police legislation.
• Early 2024: Announced his resignation from the union presidency to pursue the Cross-Border Commissioner appointment.
• Mid 2024: Officially appointed as the first Cross-Border Commissioner.
• Late 2024: Found deceased at his Mount Ommaney home.

This timeline shows a career that moved from industrial relations to high-level strategic government appointment, a rare transition that underscores his standing within the state's power structures.

The Broader Implications

Ian Leavers' death raises questions about the pressures faced by senior law enforcement figures. The transition from union boss to a high-ranking government official is a significant shift. While the specific circumstances of his death remain private out of respect for the family, the event highlights the heavy toll that leadership in the public safety sector can take.

It also casts a spotlight on the future of the Cross-Border Commission. This initiative was a cornerstone of the current administration's strategy to combat crime that spills over state lines, particularly in the areas of drug trafficking and property crime. The loss of its architect and first leader requires the government to reassess how quickly this program can be fully operationalized.

Remembering a Queensland Icon

Ian Leavers was more than just a title; he was a character in the story of Queensland policing. He led through times of significant change, including the introduction of new technologies, shifts in public sentiment regarding police conduct, and the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

His legacy is complex. To his supporters, he was a warrior for workers' rights and safety. To his critics, he was a formidable obstacle. However, in the wake of his passing, the prevailing narrative is one of loss. A life dedicated to public service has ended abruptly.

The investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death will conclude, but the imprint he left on the Queensland Police Service will remain for years to come. As the state processes this news, the focus remains on supporting his family and ensuring the stability of the organisations he served so diligently.

The Queensland Police Union and the Cross-Border Commission have both lost a formidable leader, and Queensland has lost a man who dedicated his life to the safety of its streets.