Jacinta Allan says government had to act on ‘overwhelming’ no-confidence vote in Shane Patton

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan has been questioned over her claim a no-confidence vote in Shane Patton was “unprecedented”, as the Opposition leader lashed her for not speaking to the states’ former top cop over the weekend.

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan has been questioned over her claim a no-confidence vote in Shane Patton was “unprecedented”, as it was revealed she did not speak to the state’s former top cop over the weekend.

Ms Allan on Monday said the government could not ignore an “overwhelming” no-confidence vote in Mr Patton by more than 12,000 police members.

It was her first public appearance since the government withdrew its support for Mr Patton after Friday’s vote in which 87 per cent of participants gave Mr Patton’s leadership the thumbs down.

The government, which had previously said it would offer Mr Patton a second five-year term in June, reversed that stance on Friday, prompting Mr Patton to announce his resignation late Sunday evening.

Ms Allan has said the government could not ignore an “overwhelming” no-confidence vote in Shane Patton. Picture: Luis Enrique Ascui

The call came late on Friday afternoon, less than an hour after police membership had voted.

Ms Allan and Police Minister Anthony Carbines declined to comment on whether they had called Mr Patton personally, instead saying “government officials” had been handling his exit.

“There were a range of discussions between senior government officials following what was an overwhelming vote of Victoria Police members, an unprecedented vote of Victoria Police members. And, that simply couldn’t be ignored. It had to be addressed,” Ms Allan said.

Ms Allan did not deny that Department of Premier and Cabinet secretary Jeremi Moule was the person to be conducting the discussions.

They also declined to comment on whether there was a non-disclosure agreement or whether Mr Patton in would be paid until the end of his agreement which expires mid year.

“It was an overwhelming vote that could not be ignored,” Ms Allan said on Monday.

“It had to be addressed.

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

Flanked by Mr Carbines, Ms Allan said the vote of no confidence had been “unprecedented” and as such required action.

However, when presented with at least one previous example of a no-confidence vote in a police chief commissioner, Ms Allan appeared flustered before pointing to the vote’s participation rate and strong result.

“It is very clear that given both the participation rate and the outcome it is unprecedented,” she said.

Mick Miller, who was chief commissioner from 1977 to 1987, served for another two years in the role after having a no-confidence vote passed against him in the wake of a Royal Commission.

Mr Carbines described the outcome for Mr Patton as “very sad and very disappointing”. Picture: Luis Enrique Ascui

Ms Allan also revealed she had not spoken to Mr Patton over the weekend, saying the last time she spoke to the veteran policeman was last week.

Government representatives had communicated the government's position to Mr Patton over the weekend, she said.

“In respect to the office of the commissioner, we are not going to canvas those discussions,” Ms Allan said.

“There were a range of discussions between senior government officials following what was an overwhelming vote of Victoria Police members, an unprecedented vote of Victoria Police members, and that simply couldn’t be ignored.

“It was addressed through discussions between senior government officials over the course of the weekend.”

Ms Allan rejected claims she was dissatisfied with Mr Patton’s service in the top job.

She said she would “absolutely reject” those claims and said she had “deep respect” for Mr Patton.

Asked if she took responsibility for the disarray among the force’s top brass, Ms Allan said she took responsibility for looking after police members.

“To the men and women of Victoria Police, I say very clearly, I thank them for the work they do every single day, putting themselves on the front line,” she said.

Former Victorian Chief Commissioner of Police Shane Patton. Picture: David Crosling

Despite throwing his support behind Mr Patton’s second term less than two weeks ago, Mr Carbines said it was “critical and important” that the government listened to Friday’s vote of rank and file members.

Mr Carbines, who also went to ground over the weekend, described the outcome for Mr Patton as “very sad and very disappointing”.

“What has occurred here is a very significant and overwhelming vote of police rank and file members decided not to have confidence in the chief commissioner,” he said.

“It is critical and important that the government does not ignore that vote, that if he understands and listens to rank and file police members who have declared no confidence in the chief commissioner.”

Mr Patton sensationally resigned on Sunday evening.

Victoria’s Emergency Management Commissioner Rick Nugent has been appointed acting chief commissioner until a permanent replacement is chosen.

Mr Nugent will take up the role as soon as practicable, after he relinquishes his current position as Emergency Management Victoria’s emergency management commissioner.

In the meantime, Victoria Police Deputy Commissioner Wendy Steendam will lead the organisation until Mr Nugent starts.

Ms Allan said discussions were underway about who would replace Mr Nugent in his current role as the state’s emergency management commissioner.

Mr Nugent will need to be sworn in again as a member of Victoria Police before he steps into the role of chief commissioner.

Opposition Leader Brad Battin on Monday said Mr Patton had been made a “scapegoat” and lashed Ms Allan and Mr Carbines for not speaking to him directly over the weekend.

“I cannot believe that a government would be so weak to not ring the chief commissioner,” he said.

“This is like breaking up over text. That is just appalling.

“It actually makes me angry. This man has dedicated his life to this … You have to give him the respect to call him.”

Mr Battin said Ms Allan should be questioning the future of Mr Carbines.

“Premier Allan should be ashamed of herself that she wants to continue to have someone (Mr Carbines) who is so incompetent in that role,” he said.

More than 12,000 police members voted in a no-confidence motion in Mr Patton’s leadership. Picture: Nadir Kinani

In an earlier interview, Mr Battin said Mr Patton has been made a “scapegoat” for the government’s failure to address an escalating crime crisis in Victoria.

“I think the government have used him as a scapegoat,” Mr Battin told 3AW’s Tom Elliott on Monday.

“I don’t agree with everything Shane’s done, but he’s there for the police force. He’s bled blue since 1978 as a cadet … so I think he’s been very poorly created for someone who’s delivered so much for our community.”

Mr Battin said the withdrawal of support by the government for Mr Patton “underscores the Allan Labor Government’s failure to provide leadership and practical solutions to protect our communities”.

“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.”

“A change in leadership alone will not resolve the systemic issues plaguing law and order in our state.”

Mr Patton released a statement on Sunday night saying: “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”.

“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 forty five years,” Mr Patton said.

“It is with a heavy heart that I have made this decision, however I think it is the right one to allow fresh leadership in the role.”

Originally published as Jacinta Allan says government had to act on ‘overwhelming’ no-confidence vote in Shane Patton