Shane Patton has resigned as Victoria’s police chief commissioner after an overwhelming vote of no confidence from officers, marking the end of his 45-year career in the force.
The now former commissioner stepped down on Feb. 16, days after 87 percent of officers declared they had lost confidence in his leadership, largely due to a long-running pay dispute with the state Allan Labor government.
In a statement, Patton described the decision as difficult but necessary.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
Premier Jacinta Allan acknowledged Patton’s departure, thanking him for his service and leadership during difficult times.
“On behalf of the Victorian people, I thank Shane for his long and decorated service and his leadership through challenging times,” Allan said.
No-Confidence Vote Ends Patton’s Tenure
Patton’s departure follows a secret ballot organised by the Police Association of Victoria, where more than 14,500 officers participated. Of those, 12,695 (87 percent) voted “no” when asked if they had confidence in his ability to lead and manage the force.This was one of the strongest no-confidence votes in Victoria Police history, and was seen as a clear rejection of Patton’s leadership and the government’s handling of police pay negotiations.
The pay dispute had led to more than a dozen stop-work actions, and members ultimately rejected an offer that had been negotiated by their own union.
Following the ballot, Patton admitted the result was personally disappointing but remained committed to his role at the time.
“Rest assured my commitment to the role of chief commissioner has not waivered, and I will continue to lead this organisation,” he said in a statement on Feb. 14.
However, Patton later withdrew from a scheduled radio interview, adding to speculation about his position before his resignation announcement.
Police Minister Carbines said the government respected the outcome of the vote but refrained from commenting further.
“We acknowledge the result of the vote and we value the hard work that our police officers and PSOs do every day in keeping Victorians safe,” he said.
Opposition Leader Brad Battin criticised the Allan government’s handling of the situation, arguing the no-confidence vote was a rejection of not only Patton but also the police minister and the state government.
“Shane Patton has been used as a political football by the Allan Labor government as a scapegoat for the mistakes they’ve made,” Battin said.
New Leadership for Victoria Police
With Patton’s resignation effective immediately, the Victorian government has appointed Rick Nugent as acting chief commissioner of Victoria Police.“Rick Nugent will serve as acting Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police until a permanent replacement is chosen,” Allan confirmed.
Nugent, who is currently Victoria’s emergency management commissioner, will begin his new role as soon as practicable after relinquishing his current duties.
Until Nugent formally takes over, Deputy Commissioner Wendy Steendam will lead the force.
