‘With a heavy heart’: Police chief resigns effective immediately
By Roy Ward
Victoria Police chief commissioner Shane Patton has “stepped away” from the role, effective immediately.
Patton released a resignation statement on Sunday evening, as did the state government, after weeks of speculation about whether he would see out the remaining months of his contract that ends in June.
Victoria Police was plunged into a leadership crisis on Friday after a bruising no-confidence vote by 87 per cent of rank and file officers.
“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,” the outgoing commissioner stated.
Premier Jacinta Allan said Rick Nugent would take the role of acting chief commissioner.
Nugent, who was most recently Victoria’s emergency management commissioner, was considered a leading candidate to replace Patton before Sunday night’s announcement that he would take the job in an acting capacity.
Shane Patton has stepped down as Victoria Police chief commissioner.Credit: Paul Jeffers
He had held senior positions at Victoria Police, including as deputy commissioner, before leaving the force in 2023.
Allan said Nugent would start in the role as soon as practicable, after he relinquishes his emergency services position. Until Nugent can take over the role, Deputy Commissioner Wendy Steendam will fill in.
Patton departs Victoria Police with a legacy of bitterness among its 17,700 members, in part because of a long-running pay dispute. Another vote on a new enterprise bargaining agreement is set for February 24.
The police union’s first attempt to present an agreement was voted down by members as inadequate in July 2024, the culmination of a nearly two-year negotiation process with Victoria Police and the state government.
Patton said he remained proud of his service as a policeman.
“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,” he 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.
“To the Victorian community, I thank you for giving me the privilege to have served you, this is the reason I and all police officers turn up each day.
“To every employee of Victoria Police, police officers, protective services officers, police custody officers and public servants, I say thank you. Thank you for everything you do, every day in this great organisation in keeping the community safe.
“I also thank my family and friends for their love and support over a lifetime of policing.”
Allan praised Patton’s commitment to his role and also thanked his replacements for stepping up.
“Shane Patton started as a police cadet in 1978. He went on to lead the force through significant challenges, particularly COVID-19,” Allan said.
“On behalf of the Victorian people, I thank Shane for his long and decorated service and his leadership through challenging times.
“Deputy Commissioner Wendy Steendam AM will lead the organisation until Rick Nugent starts, and I thank her for agreeing to this.
“I will always value the work our police officers do, and I will always back them.”
Patton thanked his executive command team for their commitment to their roles.
“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. I was fortunate to have done so, and for that I am very thankful,” he said.
“At the many graduation parades I attend, I often say that policing has often been described as having front-row seats to the greatest show on earth, and that is true. It is a fantastic job, rewarding, challenging and one that provides a second family, a family of blue. One that I will miss immensely.
Premier Jacinta Allan with Shane Patton at a media conference after the arson attack on the Adass Israel Synagogue in December.Credit: Eddie Jim
“The organisation is so well-supported by the community and amazing partners such as Victoria Police Legacy, the Blue Ribbon Foundation, Blue Light Victoria and Police Veterans Victoria who all contribute to making Victoria Police employees feel supported and privileged to serve.”
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