During the COVID‑19 pandemic he directed the state’s border closures, airport security checks and the hotel quarantine system, becoming a familiar face in daily briefings.

As the state disaster coordinator, he oversaw police responses to a series of natural emergencies: the 2011 Toowoomba and Lockyer Valley floods, the 2012 St George flood, cyclones Oswald, Ita, Marcia, Nathan and Debbie, the 2019 Peregian Beach bushfires, and the severe southern Queensland floods of early 2022.

Ten months into his five‑year term, the husband and father of five was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer that had spread to his liver, bones and brain. He immediately took leave, underwent treatment, and returned to his duties six months later.

In recognition of his service, he was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia in August 2026 for distinguished service to law enforcement, counter‑terrorism and the community.

Colleagues noted that his calm, reliable approach during crises helped build public confidence, and his focus on “keeping communities safer and making people feel safe” guided the police reforms he pursued after the pandemic.