Former Queensland police union boss found dead
Former Queensland police union boss Ian Leavers has died.
Leavers was found dead in his Mount Ommaney home about 9.50am after police were called to the address.
His death is not being treated as suspicious.
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Ian Leavers APM served as Queensland Police Union president and then Cross-Border Commissioner. Today
Leavers worked as a police officer before serving as president of the Queensland Police Union from 2009 to 2024.
Recently, he was named Queensland's first Cross-Border Commissioner, representing communities and businesses along the state's borders.
Commissioner Steve Gollshewski said Leavers led the police union with "unwavering purpose and commitment to QPS members".
"Ian's passing will have significant impacts across the organisation, with partners and the community due to his deep connection and advocacy for the frontline and the relationships he built," Gollshewski 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.
"Ian's leadership was defined by his relentless support for the workforce, with the introduction of significant policy improvements, and better conditions and entitlements for members."
He said Leavers would be "deeply missed".
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Former opposition leader Peter Dutton, who also previously served with the Queensland Police Service, has paid tribute to Leavers.
He said Leavers would break "every rule in the Traffic Act" to get to the scene of a police shooting in order to provide comfort to the family of the deceased officer, and that this display of support earned him "enormous respect".
"I enjoyed a friendship with Ian over decades," Dutton wrote.
"In every conversation he was a fierce advocate for police officers.
"He led a distinguished police career and he was loyal to his friends.
"May he rest in peace. And may his passing remind us to do even more to look out for a mate or someone in need."
Premier David Crisafulli said Leavers "earned the respect of Queenslanders for saying it how it was, and always standing up for the Police Service he loved".
"He was dedicated, principled, and driven to make a difference for this State," Crisafulli said.
"Queenslanders will remember his leadership during some our State's most tragic and defining events.
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Queensland Police Union president Ian Leavers arrives for a hearing of the Independent Commission of Inquiry into Queensland Police Service responses to domestic and family violence on October 7. AAP
"He left a strong contribution first as a member of the Queensland Police and later as President of the Queensland Police Union.
"He championed safer working environments for police and advocated for them to be well-resourced and supported.
"On behalf of all Queenslanders, we extend heartfelt condolences to Ian's family and friends during this difficult time."
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