Grant Stevens: Two years of challenges have brought us closer together. 2022 is a year of promise

The state’s top cop, and the most powerful person in SA’s response to Covid, says 2022 hasn’t started like he thought it would. But he has a message for the state.

Well, I didn’t expect 2022 to start like this! Working from home having tested positive for Covid-19.

Having said that, we should all be prepared for the impact of Omicron and the best thing we can do is to get vaccinated.

And if you are eligible – get the booster.

I am thankful I went back for the booster straight away because that may just be the difference between having only mild symptoms and potentially being very ill, requiring more support from SA Health.

Like most South Australians, I am acutely aware of the impact the current restrictions are having on the whole community.

The hospitality and fitness sectors, in particular, but there are so many more businesses and families that are hurting as a result of the pandemic.

The wisest thing we can do is follow the health advice to minimise the spread of the virus.

We had a sound evidence-based strategy for Delta to open our borders in November with a plan to remove almost all restrictions. But that was not to be.

Instead, we have implemented a plan to deal with a new threat – Omicron.

We need to ensure those in our community who require medical assistance and support can receive it.

We also need to recognise that letting Omicron run unchecked through our communities will have a disproportionate impact on the vulnerable and it will have a devastating impact on business and the economy.

SA Police Commissioner Grant Stevens. Picture: Emma Brasier

As much as people may question the decision to open borders – this variant was coming whether we did so or not.

As much as we all hoped to move past Covid-19, it continued to be the dominant issue of 2021, which has seen the continuation of the longest Major Emergency Declaration in our state’s history.

While the Covid-19 response has been led by SA Health and support agencies, it is important to acknowledge the sacrifice and support of all South Australians.

I have continued to be impressed by regional communities who have embraced the challenges of Covid-19 while welcoming our first responders as they deployed to their communities.

I understand these decisions have impacted on every South Australian, and this is never lost on me.

Despite such a difficult start to 2022, I know we will get past this and we will get back on track to opening up our communities and businesses again.

2021 saw other significant events.

This included seizing $5.6m of fantasy, equating to 800,000 doses – the largest seizure of fantasy in SA.

Operation Ironside showed the depth of SAPOL’s capability with more than 460 members, working with other jurisdictions, in an unprecedented international operation targeting outlaw motorcycle gangs and organised crime. That international day of action had a profound and lasting impact on serious and organised crime.

And there is more to come from the Ironside investigation.

Another important achievement was the successful prosecution of Matthew Donald Tilley, for the murder of Suzanne Poll, after almost three decades.

South Australia Police do not give up.

It also reflects on those people who have been killed or seriously injured on our roads in 2021.

Road safety continues to be as significant focus for SAPOL and we have played a lead role in the introduction of new legislation targeting extreme speed driving. It is timely over Christmas, the new-year period and the rest of the school holidays to remind everyone to use our roads safely and understand the consequences of poor decisions, complacency or inattention.

We must think, not just about our own safety, but also the safety of those we care about and everyone else who deserves to go home to their families. Too many people die on our roads and they shouldn’t.

2022 is a year of promise.

The challenges of the past two years have brought us together as a community and this will stand us in good stead for the future.

It is my goal to build on the resilience, professionalism and commitment of every employee of SAPOL and to capitalise on the enhanced trust and confidence the South Australian community has in its police service.

I want to acknowledge the strong community spirit throughout SA and I thank all you for your support of SAPOL.

I wish you all a safe and healthy 2022.

Grant Stevens is SA’s Police Commissioner and state Covid co-ordinator