Victoria Police Deputy Commissioner Neil Paterson exits, told contract won’t be extended

Victoria Police Deputy Commissioner Neil Paterson has been told his contract will not be renewed by the Allan government, and sources say the crisis gripping the force’s senior ranks is far from over.

Police Minister Anthony Carbines was behind the decision to oust veteran assistant commissioner Neil Paterson, with a further clear-out of the senior ranks of Victoria Police still to come.

Victoria Police Deputy Commissioner Neil Paterson was told on Thursday his contract would not be renewed.

It was due to be renewed later this year.

The Herald Sun can reveal that Mr Carbines made the call not to renew his deal after more than 35 years in the force.

But the news was broken to Mr Paterson by Acting Chief Commissioner Rick Nugent.

Mr Carbines declined to shed light on whether he or Premier Jacinta Allan had spoken to Mr Paterson directly about his axing, but thanked him for his “extensive” service to the force.

“I wish him all the best for the future,” Mr Carbines said in a statement on Friday.

Police Deputy Commissioner Neil Paterson was told his contract would not be renewed. Picture: Ian Currie

The latest ousting comes a week after Shane Patton faced an overwhelming 87 per cent no-confidence vote before stepping down from his position 48 hours later.

That was despite the government pledging to renew his contract for a second five-year term.

Several sources have told the Herald Sun the force’s leadership crisis is far from over, with more high-ranking officers expected to be booted from their positions.

It is understood that like Mr Patton, Mr Paterson had also challenged the government on a range of issues.

Mr Paterson’s key points of contention included pill testing, bail, public drunkenness, the age of criminal responsibility and Melbourne’s controversial safe injecting rooms.

In December, the force’s counter-terrorism boss, deputy commissioner Ross Guenther was told his contract would not be renewed.

Mr Guenther was another who pushed back on government policies and felt their anger after he spoke out about key law and order issues, calling for a summit on crime.

One current officer said he wouldn’t be surprised if more contracts were terminated.

He said he believed Assistant Commissioner Luke Cornelius’ job may be impacted.

He leads the force’s human resources department.

“I heard Cornelius (is) on the chopping block,” he said.

“What I don’t understand is how Carbines and the government are avoiding the bullet.”

Premier Jacinta Allan on Friday refused to disclose who made the call to axe Mr Paterson, saying she wouldn’t provide details about any discussions “out of respect for the office of the chief commissioner”.

Asked whether other top cops could also expect to be sent packing, Ms Allan said the question was an “unnecessary hypothetical” and “speculation”.

“It is clear that we are entering a period ... of transition within the leadership of Victoria Police,” she said.

The Premier, who was in her seat of Bendigo on Friday, thanked Paterson for his service.

“I’d also like to acknowledge the significant period of dedicated service that deputy commissioner Neil Paterson has provided to both Victoria Police, and also to the wider Victorian community,” she said.

“We thank him for his service.”

Acting Chief Commissioner Rick Nugent has been in the role for just a few days. Picture: David Geraghty.

Mr Paterson revealed to Victoria Police staff in an email on Thursday afternoon that the Allan government would not renew his contract in July.

“On Thursday afternoon the acting chief commissioner informed me that the government would not be renewing my contract as a deputy commissioner,” he said.

“I have been committed to serving the Victorian community for over thirty-seven years, by detecting and apprehending offenders, supporting victims and helping those in need of assistance.

“That’s the reason I, and every other police officer, joins policing and turns up every day.”

Mr Paterson thanked his husband and their children for their support.

“They have only known me as a police officer.

“Sometimes policing means you miss important family occasions in service of the community and ensuring the job gets done.”

“Like Chief Commissioner Shane Patton, Victoria Police is an organisation that I, too, have committed my life to, and one that I have the utmost pride in.”

Mr Paterson ended the letter by taking aim at the courts and Victoria’s laws amid the “sad reality” of police having to help more victims than ever.

“This past year has seen significant rises in crime — to record high levels — and I know that many in our community do not feel safe,” he said.

“Our hardworking police officers have never arrested more people or helped more victims — a very sad reality.

“Policing is only part of the justice system, and an effective justice system requires strong legislation and appropriate accountability in the courts.”

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan and Police Minister Anthony Carbines. Picture: Luis Enrique Ascui

Veteran high-ranking police officer Robert Hill will replace Mr Paterson as Regional Operations Deputy Commissioner.

In a statewide email to members on Friday, Mr Nugent said Mr Hill will officially step into the role on March 3.

Before Mr Hill begins, Russell Barrett will stand in for Mr Paterson.

Mr Barrett is currently the Assistant Commissioner of the Southern Metro Region, which covers areas such as Dandenong, Casey and Frankston.

“In Neil’s case, his five-year contract was due for consideration of renewal in July and government advised me that his contract would not be renewed,” Mr Nugent said.

“I know this is a difficult time for Neil and many others, especially as there have been a number of significant announcements in recent times.

“Rest assured I am focused on providing strong leadership during this time and ask that you continue to support each other.”

As the government looks for their next chief commissioner, Mr Nugent will be one of numerous candidates to apply for the top job permanently.

He could be competing against those caught up in the reshuffle.

Mr Hill has been a commissioner since 2012 and has headed the force’s Crime Command, road policing and southern metro divisions.

The government selects a chief commissioner, usually after a nationwide, and even international search.

The role is advertised.

Once appointed, the chief commissioner puts forward their top picks for their deputies to the police minister for government approval before they are offered a contract.

Shane Patton was ousted as the state’s top cop this week. Picture: Nadir Kinani

Mr Paterson was at one stage among the frontrunners to take over the top job from Mr Patton, before Mr Nugent officially stepped into the role this week.

Mr Paterson joined the police 36 years ago and has worked as acting chief commissioner.

He is currently deputy commissioner of regional operations.

Mr Nugent said Mr Paterson had chosen to take leave in the wake of the news and will leave the force in July.

“I would like to thank Deputy Commissioner Neil Paterson for his service to Victoria Police and the community for the past 37 years,” Mr Nugent said.

“Neil has been a strong advocate of many issues and has dedicated so much of his life to policing.”

Mr Paterson is also the subject of an IBAC probe over a road rage incident that took place during school pick-up at Haileybury College’s Melbourne campus in July last year.

His policing career has spanned an array of investigations and departments across metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria.

He worked in the Homicide Squad, Arson Squad’s Road Policing unit, as well as becoming Divisional Commander at Frankston before he was promoted to chief of staff for then chief commissioner Graham Ashton in 2015.

Victoria Police executive is in a bitter standoff over pay with the rank and file. Picture: Diego Fedele

Shadow Police Minister David Southwick said Ms Allan’s decision to sack a second high-ranking police officer in a matter of days meant the government was using senior members as “scapegoats” for their own mismanagement of major crime issues.

“This worsening leadership crisis will do nothing to reopen the 43 closed stations across the state, fill the 1000 frontline vacancies, end Labor’s cycle of offend, arrest, bail repeat or equip police with the powers they need to keep Victorians safe,” Mr Southwick said.

“Labor isn’t serious about community safety.”

Opposition Leader Brad Battin said: “Crime continues to rise in Victoria. Every day, people approach me telling me they feel less safe than ever”.

“Now we see, due to failed leadership from the Police Minister and Premier, more chaos and instability.”

Former homicide detective Charlie Bezzina said the ousting of Mr Paterson was particularly shocking because Mr Paterson was a top contender for the role of chief commissioner.

“It would have been a slap in the face,” the veteran detective told 3AW on Friday.

“Watch this space.”

Originally published as Victoria Police Deputy Commissioner Neil Paterson exits, told contract won’t be extended