Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk

Premier Pays Tribute To Commissioner Ian Stewart

Victor P Taffa

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has paid tribute to Police Commissioner Ian Stewart who has announced his retirement.

“Your friends are the ones who stand next to you when you are in trouble and Ian Stewart has stood next to Queensland in its hours of greatest need.” Premier Palaszczuk said.

As State Disaster Co-Ordinator, Commissioner Stewart has steered Queensland through more than a dozen cyclones and their aftermath including Tropical Cyclones Yasi, Marcia and Debbie, the Brisbane floods of 2011 and those in Toowoomba and Grantham.

There were also the recent bushfires, the evacuation of Gracemere plus the G20 and the Commonwealth Games.

Commissioner Stewart began his Policing career more than 45 years ago.

“He has served all over Queensland. He knows Queensland.” Premier Palaszczuk said.

Minister for Police Mark Ryan said when the commissioner began his service he pledged to ‘well and truly serve.’

“Ever since, Commissioner Stewart has been ever faithful to those words.” Minister Ryan said.

Commissioner Stewart will continue to serve until July while a panel conducts a merit-based selection process for his successor.