Victorian police commissioner Shane Patton resigns after no confidence vote

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan said a crushing vote of no confidence in the state’s top cop “could not be ignored”, following Shane Patton’s resignation on Sunday night.

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan says an “overwhelming” vote of no confidence in police commissioner Shane Patton could not be ignored, following the announcement he would “step away” from the role immediately.

Mr Patton said he had made the decision with a “heavy heart” in a statement released late on Sunday night.

“I have this evening advised government that given the current circumstances surrounding my position I have decided to step away from the role effective immediately,” he wrote.

Shane Patton has stepped down from his role as chief police commissioner after a union poll revealed 87 per cent voted no confidence in his leadership. Picture: NewsWire / Luis Enrique Ascui

“Victoria Police is an organisation that I have committed my life to and one that I have the utmost pride in, having served the community in it for over 45 years.

“To have been given the opportunity to lead a police organisation such as Victoria Police is an absolute privilege and one very few people have.

“It is a fantastic job, rewarding, challenging and one that provides a second family, a family of blue. One that I will miss immensely.”

Mr Patton thanked his colleagues, family, friends and executive command team for their support.

Ms Allan said an “unprecedented” vote of no confidence in the former top cop had to be addressed.

“It was an overwhelming vote that could not be ignored,” she said in a press conference on Monday morning.

“It sent a very clear message that Victoria police members were looking for a fresh start.”

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan and Police Minister Anthony Carbines addressed Shane Patton’s resignation in a press conference on Monday. Picture: NewsWire / Luis Enrique Ascui

Ms Allan maintained she had “deep respect” for Mr Patton and would “absolutely reject” claims she was dissatisfied with his service.

She said she took responsibility for looking after police members and wanted to “back the work” of Victoria Police.

“Those men and women need to have confidence in their command structures,” she said.

“But the overwhelming response … could not be ignored.”

Police Minister Anthony Carbines agreed it was a “very significant and overwhelming” vote of police rank that had to be taken seriously.

“It is critical and important that the government does not ignore that vote …” he said.

The decision comes amid a Victoria Police leadership crisis, with a union poll of more than 14,500 officers revealing 87 per cent voted no confidence in Mr Patton’s leadership on Friday.

Despite the overwhelming result, Mr Patton told the ABC he had no intention of resigning shortly after the vote.

“I’ve grown up in this job. I love this job, and all of the members in it, all I can say is, you know, I hear their concerns,” he said.

“They’re absolutely concerns of myself and the concerns of executive command and the command team, and we’ll continue to do everything we can to address those issues, and I’ll continue to lead the organisation.”

Victorian Police staged a walkout protest at Victorian Police Academy in Glen Waverley in November over ongoing industrial relations pay disputes. Picture: NewsWire / Nadir Kinani

Police Association of Victoria president Karl David urged Mr Patton to step down, arguing there needs to be “changes at the top with a fresh direction”.

“Our members have spoken emphatically. They do not have confidence in the chief commissioner to manage and lead Victoria Police in the future,” he said.

Ms Allan said Rick Nugent would take over as acting chief commissioner as soon as practicable, with Deputy Commissioner Wendy Steendam AM to lead the organisation in the interim.

Mr Nugent was considered a leading candidate to replace Mr Patton, having held senior positions at Victoria Police, including as deputy commissioner, before leaving in 2023.

He is expected to take over the role when he relinquishes his position as Victorian emergency management commissioner.

Opposition Leader Brad Battin and opposition police spokesman David Southwick said Mr Patton’s resignation would not address Victoria’s “escalating” crime crisis in a joint statement released on Monday.

Opposition police spokesman David Southwick said Mr Patton’s resignation would not solve Victoria’s crime crisis. Picture: NewsWire / Diego Fedele

“Instead, it underscores the Allan Labor government’s failure to provide leadership and practical solutions to protect our communities,” the statement said.

“The dismissal of the Chief Commissioner is also not going to change many of the frustrations that our officers are experiencing when the criminals they arrest are released hours later or the resources they need to do their jobs are not forthcoming.”

Mr Battin and Mr Southwick said tackling “critical challenges”, including strengthening bail laws, filling police vacancies and reopening police stations, was key to restoring community safety.