The Queensland police are facing a significant challenge with over 140,000 domestic violence calls for service every year, according to Steve Gollschewski. As the new police commissioner, Gollschewski emphasized the importance of tackling domestic violence as a priority following a damning inquiry into Queensland police responses to such incidents. The latest crime report highlights a 27.2 percent increase in DV order breaches compared to the previous year and a staggering 255.2 percent rise since 2013-2014. Assaults and theft have also seen significant increases since 2013-14.
Gollschewski expressed the need for critical DV reforms to ensure the safety of victims and hold perpetrators accountable. The new commissioner aims to reduce red tape for front-line police, provide a safe environment for DV victims to come forward, and ensure officers are trained in new coercive control legislation.
After serving as interim commissioner, Gollschewski was officially endorsed as Queensland’s 21st commissioner. His focus is on keeping the community safe and ensuring their sense of security. The state government has announced additional funding for support services for victims of crime, while advocacy groups continue to push for tougher punishments for juvenile offenders.
With a rise in unique child offenders according to the crime report, there is a growing concern about addressing youth crime in the state. Gollschewski’s extensive experience within the Queensland Police force and the government’s commitment to community safety signal a collaborative effort to combat crime and support victims in the region.