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Sunday, November 3, 2024

Queensland Police farewell ‘gentleman of the highest order’

The Queensland Police Service has formally acknowledged the sad passing of former Commissioner James (Jim) Patrick O’Sullivan, who passed away today aged 85.

The 17th Police Commissioner of the state, Jim O’Sullivan was a highly respected, honourable, and thoughtful leader who guided the Queensland Police Service (QPS) with distinction from 1992 to 2000, the QPS said in a statement.

“He has left a legacy of integrity, humility, and unwavering dedication from his 41 years of service during which he made a significant and positive impact on the QPS and Queensland community.”

“Former Commissioner O’Sullivan was as an exceptional leader who always put people first, embodying professionalism, courage and commitment.”

The QPS said he will be remembered as “a pioneering leader who helped shape the contemporary police service we have today”.

“Commissioner Steve Gollschewski shares his condolences, along with the entire QPS, with the family, friends and colleagues of former Commissioner Jim O’Sullivan.”

Mr O’Sullivan was a key figure during the historic Fitzgerald Inquiry into corruption, providing expert assistance to Tony Fitzgerald during the conduct of the Inquiry.

Upon becoming Police Commissioner in 1992, Mr O’Sullivan continued the critical reform process which was a direct result of Tony Fitzgerald’s ground-breaking Inquiry.

Queensland Premier, Steven Miles said Mr O’Sullivan had played a key role in reforming and modernising the QPS.

“Jim O’Sullivan was a good police officer, a good Police Commissioner and most importantly, a good man,” said Mr Miles.

“He helped the police service navigate the post-Fitzgerald era and helped to restore public confidence in police.

“They were difficult times, but Jim was committed to ensuring Queenslanders would have the police service they deserved.”

Queensland Police Minister, Mark Ryan described him as “a gentleman of the highest order”.

“Jim O’Sullivan was exactly the sort of person Queensland needed as Police Commissioner in the wake of the Fitzgerald Inquiry,” he said.

“Ethical, professional and dedicated to serving the people of Queensland, Jim led by example, to ensure the Queensland Police Service would emerge from the dark days of the pre-Fitzgerald era a better, more community based and thoroughly professional organisation.

“To Jim’s family and friends I extend my sincere condolences. Jim O’Sullivan was a great Queenslander.”

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