QCS Commissioner retires after 44-year career in public safety
Commissioner of Queensland Corrective Services, Paul Stewart APM has announced his retirement after a 44-year career in public safety.
He was appointed Commissioner of Queensland Corrective Services in July 2021.
He has overseen an agency which has grown from 4900 to over 8000 officers, the vast majority of whom are frontline workers managing record high prisoner and offender numbers.
The Minister for Youth Justice and Victim Support and Minister for Corrective Services Laura Gerber thanked Commissioner Stewart for his service to Queensland.
"It has been my absolute privilege to work alongside Commissioner Paul Stewart, a highly respected, professional and dedicated leader who has built an exceptional legacy across both Queensland Corrective Services and the Queensland Police Service after more than 40 years of public service," Minister Gerber said.
"Paul's leadership has helped shape a stronger corrective services system for Queensland, and his career has been marked by integrity, strong leadership and an unwavering commitment to community safety.
"Paul has been an exceptional Commissioner and has led significant reform and infrastructure projects while facing his own health challenges and I thank him for his outstanding service and wish him and his family all the very best for the future," Minister Gerber said.
Commissioner Stewart worked in the Queensland Police Service for 36 years, finishing his career as Assistant Commissioner for the Queensland Police Academy before moving to Queensland Corrective Services as Deputy Commissioner Community Corrections and Specialist Operations in August 2018.
Commissioner Stewart oversaw Queensland Corrective Services' successful operational response to COVID-19 without the loss of a single life - a remarkable achievement considering prisons were COVID hotspots internationally.
Commissioner Stewart also oversaw the delivery of the new Lockyer Valley Correctional Centre, a 1600-bed men's high security correctional centre and the expansion of capacity across the system and implementation of significant reform to the Queensland parole system.
He is highly regarded as a compassionate and empathetic leader committed to leaving QCS a better agency. His unwavering commitment to supporting his workforce saw significant improvements in the way the agency addressed misconduct in the workplace.
He was particularly focused on stamping out sexual harassment in the workplace and supporting officers who were the subject of inappropriate behaviour, slashing investigation times and boosting support services.
In recent years, Commissioner Stewart underwent surgery and ongoing treatment for prostate cancer, and he has made the decision to retire to focus on his health.
In a message to the workforce, Commissioner Stewart thanked officers for their professionalism, dedication and resilience in their mission to deliver safety for Queensland.
"For eight years, I have worn the QCS uniform with pride, and in retirement I will continue to watch your achievements," he said.
"I know that you will continue to serve the people of Queensland with respect, professionalism and integrity. I have enjoyed working with you all and have many fond memories of our times together working in public service for the people of Queensland.
"I thank you and wish you all the very best in your future careers and endeavours.
"I also take this opportunity to thank and acknowledge the Honourable Laura Gerber MP, Minister for Youth Justice and Victim Support and Minister for Corrective Services, and the staff in the Minister's office. The Minister continues to be a strong advocate for QCS and her professionalism and dedication have been greatly appreciated," Commissioner Stewart said.
Commissioner Stewart will take a short period of recreation leave before retiring from QCS in September. Deputy Commissioner Jon Peach will relieve as Acting Commissioner during that time.
