Victoria Police Commissioner Shane Patton's contract will not be renewed following a damning vote of no confidence by officers within the force.
Police Minister (Labor government, Victoria) Anthony Carbines, in the first half February 2025, indicated Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Shane Patton's contract would be extended after saying he "has the government's confidence and the confidence of police members".
This remark caused The Police Association Victoria (TPAV) to conduct a ballot to determine whether its members did, in fact, have confidence in Shane Patton. The renewal comment really motivated the members to say 'no, we speak for ourselves'. You don't have the right to cite that confidence," TPAV's senior vice president Karl David said.
Members upon being asked whether they had confidence in their Chief Commissioner Shane Patton to "lead and manage Victoria Police in the future" revealed 87.13 per cent of more than 12,000 officers who participated in the survey voted "no".
"This is a vote of no confidence, not just in Shane Patton, but in the Premier and Police Minister," Opposition Leader (Liberal government, Victoria) Brad Battin said.
"At specific times he should have spoken louder and he should have gone in to bat for the troops he's there to protect. Furthermore stated;
"I want someone who is independent, that is there to work for the men and women they are there to serve and that puts community safety as their top priority."
On the 15th of February 2025, Shane Patton was reportedly told his five-year contract will not be renewed.
In response; Victoria Police chief commissioner Shane Patton has “stepped away” from the role, effective immediately. “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,” Shane Patton 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 45 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."
“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.” “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,” Shane Patton 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."
“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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