Ian Leavers, former Queensland police union boss, found dead at Brisbane home

Queensland's cross-border commissioner and former long-time police union president, Ian Leavers, has died.

The 57-year-old was found at his home in Brisbane on Monday morning after police were called to a Mount Ommaney address at about 9:50am.

Police said his death was not being treated as suspicious and investigations were ongoing.

Mr Leavers 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.

Speaking in Canberra on Monday, Queensland Police Union president Shane Prior was emotional as he paid tribute to Mr Leavers, who he described as both a mentor and a "force of nature".

"His compassion during the Wieambilla tragedy showed the very best of who he was – a man who carried the pain of others and turned it into unity and strength," he said.

"Ian's legacy is written in every safety reform, every protection won and every officer who feels just a little bit more supported because of the important work he did."

Queensland Police Minister Dan Purdie described Mr Leavers as a passionate and fearless advocate who was "never afraid to speak up for what he believed was right".

"My thoughts are with Ian's loved ones at this difficult time."

Queensland Police Commissioner Steve Gollschewski said Mr Leavers had led with "unwavering purpose and commitment" to the police service and its members.

"Ian's passing will have significant impacts across the organisation … due to his deep connection and advocacy for the frontline and the relationships he built," he said.

"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."

Nationals Leader David Littleproud also paid tribute to Mr Leavers' "courage and conviction" and the role he played in developing a national firearms register.

"Mr Leavers fought for what is right and stood up for police officers and the community," he said in a statement.

Remembered as 'dedicated, principled'

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's family and friends.

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".

Mr Miles on Monday said he was "reeling" from the news of Mr Leavers's death.

"I worked with Ian in the union movement through 10 years in government," he said. 

"I appointed him as the cross-border commissioner, and he was doing a good job in that role.