Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton to take sick leave

VICTORIA Police Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton has made a shock announcement, revealing he is taking up to six weeks off work on sick leave, dealing with a “fatigue related illness”.

Graham Ashton is taking time off for a fatigue related illness.

VICTORIA Police Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton is expected to be off work for the rest of the year on sick leave.

Mr Ashton made the surprise announcement that he had become physically and mentally run-down and needed a break.

“Based on medical advice, I will be taking a period of sick leave to deal with a fatigue-related illness,” Mr Ashton said.

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“Unfortunately I have ­allowed myself to become run-down, both physically and mentally and now need to take a short break to recover.

“I have not had to manage a condition like this before, but I expect to take approximately three to six weeks off duty.”

Police Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton is stepping away for a period of sick leave. Picture: Alex Coppel.

Mr Ashton has been vocal in encouraging staff to speak up when they are struggling and ask for support as soon as they can.

“I have been heartened to see this increasingly occurring across the force,” he said.

“In this regard, it is important that I therefore walk the talk, and now take the necessary time to deal with my ­fatigue issues.

Deputy Commissioner Andrew Crisp will take over the top job in Mr Ashton’s ­absence, until December 3.

The post will then be filled by Deputy Commissioner Shane Patton.

“I very much look forward to returning to work as soon as possible,” Mr Ashton said.

Mr Ashton was appointed in 2013 to replace Ken Lay, who retired for family reasons.

He announced in June this year that he would only serve one five-year term in the chair, then hand over the reins.

The Ashton announcement was one of two shocks to the state’s justice system yesterday.

Corrections Victoria Commissioner Jan Shuard’s resignation was revealed soon after.

Ms Shuard was appointed to the post in 2012.

Corrections Minister Gayle Tierney said: “Jan has displayed tremendous leadership over the last five years, successfully leading Corrections Victoria through a period of considerable change, including the expansion of the prison system in Victoria.”

Ms Shuard will finish on January 11.

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