Ian Leavers, former president of the Queensland Police Union, was found dead at his home in Brisbane on Monday morning. He was 57 years old.
Leavers led the police union from 2009 until 2024, a 15-year tenure during which he gained significant respect.
Police responded to a report of a sudden death in Mount Ommaney, Brisbane’s southwest, around 9:50 AM. Authorities described the circumstances as non-suspicious and investigations are ongoing.
In August 2024, after stepping down from the union, Leavers was appointed Queensland’s first Cross-Border Commissioner, responsible for supporting border communities in the state.
“He earned the respect of Queenslanders for saying it how it was, and always standing up for the police service he loved,” said Premier David Crisafulli.
“He was dedicated, principled and driven to make a difference for this state,” Crisafulli added. “Queenslanders will remember his leadership during some of our state’s most tragic and defining events.”
The Police Federation of Australia described Leavers as a “long-serving and respected leader within the policing community for more than three decades.”
Leavers was known for his unwavering commitment to the police service and his readiness to speak out on important issues.
Author’s summary: Ian Leavers, a respected police union leader and Queensland’s first Cross-Border Commissioner, passed away recently, leaving behind a legacy of strong leadership and dedication to the police community.