Simon Overland stands aside ahead of royal commission

Former Victoria Police commissioner Simon Overland has stepped aside as the chief executive of a Melbourne council.

Simon Overland leaves a Whittlesea Council meeting. Picture: Jake Nowakowski.

Former Victoria Police commissioner Simon Overland has stepped aside as the chief executive of a Melbourne council ­because of “health and wellbeing” concerns, just weeks ­before he is expected to face the Lawyer X royal commission.

In a statement released by Whittlesea Council, Mr Overland said he had gone on leave from his $400,000-a-year job because of the increasing “risks to health and wellbeing” caused by the behaviour of “some councillors”. “The situation has been very difficult now for two years, but with recent changes on council, I regrettably find my own health and safety significantly ­affected and, accordingly, as of now, I am taking related leave,” he said. “I am unsure about the timing of my return.

“In the meantime, the City of Whittlesea will be led by the executive leadership team who will continue to drive our core business and key projects to ensure community needs are met.”

Former Victoria Police chief commissioner Simon Overland takes leave ahead of royal commission. Picture: Stuart McEvoy.

The statement made no reference to the royal commission into the use of barrister Nicola Gobbo as a registered police informer, and Mr Overland said the leave was solely about the environment at the council.

Mr Overland has repeatedly been named among senior police figures with knowledge of Ms Gobbo’s use as an informer and has provided a statement to the commission. He is expected to appear before the commission next month.

The commission said on Wednesday that Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton, retired deputy commissioner Sir Ken Jones and former chief commissioner Christine Nixon would also give evidence before the end of the year. Mr Overland was chief commissioner from 2009 to 2011, but his dealings with Ms Gobbo date to 2006 when he was promoted to deputy commissioner.