Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Shane Patton quits after damning no-confidence vote
Victoria’s chief police commissioner Shane Patton has quit just hours after the Allan government refused to publicly back him in the wake of the damning vote by rank-and-file officers.
Victoria’s chief police commissioner Shane Patton has quit, effective immediately, just hours after the Allan government refused to publicly back him in the wake of a damning no-confidence vote by rank-and-file officers.
Mr Patton announced his immediate resignation in a statement late on Sunday, hours after the state government refused to publicly refute increasing speculation that Labor would not renew his contract in June.
“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 said.
“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.
“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.”
Premier Jacinta Allan and Police Minister Anthony Carbines declined on Sunday to refute increasing speculation that the government had decided not to renew the chief commissioner’s contract when it expires in June.
Mr Patton said it had been a privilege to serve the community and thanked Victorian Police employees for their work in keeping the community safe, as well as his family and friends for their love and support over a lifetime of policing.
“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.”
In a statement last night after Mr Patton revealed his decision, Ms Allan confirmed he had told her he would be quitting immediately.
“Shane Patton started as a police cadet in 1978,” she said. “He went on to lead the force through significant challenges, particularly Covid-19.
“On behalf of the Victorian people, I thank Shane for his long and decorated service and his leadership though challenging times.”
Victoria’s Emergency Management Commissioner, Rick Nugent APM, will serve as acting commissioner until a permanent replacement is chosen. Deputy Commissioner Wendy Steendam will lead the police until Mr Nugent starts.
Victorian Opposition leader Brad Battin accused the government of using Mr Patton as a “scapegoat” for Labor’s mishandling of crime.
“Changing the chief commissioner does not change the laws here in Victoria and it won’t change the crime crisis we have in our state,” he said.
“I don’t agree with every decision he’s made and I’ve been very public on that, but the reality is you can’t just go and use him as the fall guy for your mistakes.”
The escalating political drama follows more than 12,000 police voting on Friday against Mr Patton’s ongoing leadership as they pushed for government action to improve their working conditions.
More than 87 per cent of voting members supported the no confidence motion, with Police Association chief executive Wayne Gatt calling on the government to quickly replace Mr Patton and give the police force a fresh start.
“They don’t blame the chief commissioner for absolutely everything that’s going wrong with crime but it’s the hundred little things that can be fixed that aren’t being fixed that they have a problem with.” Mr Gatt said.
With Labor performing poorly in opinion polls and dealing with the fallout from the massive swing in the Werribee by-election, the state government remains politically vulnerable on the issue of law and order.
Inheriting the top job in June 2020 in the midst of Covid, Mr Patton was faced with Victoria Police’s rapid loss of public confidence.
In his first term as Chief Commissioner, Mr Patton presided over a heavy handed police response to anti-lockdown protests which Victorian County Court Judge Liz Gaynor described as “unjustified violence”.
Following Covid, Mr Patton’s tenure has been marked by a high profile rise in youth crime which has sparked heated debate around the strength of Victoria’s bail laws.
As public satisfaction in policing services dropped, internal struggles prompted industrial action for better working conditions and higher pay which remains unresolved after members rejected a deal last year.
Mr Carbines issued a statement on Saturday acknowledging the member’s no-confidence vote.
“We acknowledge the result of the vote by TPAV and its members and we value the hard work that our police officers and PSOs do every day in keeping Victorians safe,” he said.
“A process is underway for the role of the Chief Commissioner of Police and it would be inappropriate to comment further.”
Earlier, while saying he was “hurt” by the result, Mr Patton indicated he had no intention of resigning and was committed to continue leading the force.
“Members have rightly pointed out a number of issues concerning them including the rising crime rate, police vacancies, and the high number of members on long term leave,” he said.
“On top of that, I recognise the unresolved EBA has caused uncertainty for many members due to the length of the negotiations and fact the first offer was voted down.
“Rest assured my commitment to the role of Chief Commissioner has not wavered and I will continue to lead this organisation.”
Trad’s job pick secret revealed
Former Labor deputy premier Jackie Trad ‘inappropriately interfered’ with a government selection process to hand-pick her own under-treasurer, a secret report by Queensland’s corruption watchdog has found.
Crop owners to criminals at stroke of a pen
Farmers in far west NSW say they have been branded criminals for harvesting their crop in the same way it’s been done for more than a century.