Questions over Victoria Police Commissioner's contract after no confidence vote
Share and Follow

Victoria Police Commissioner Shane Patton’s contract will reportedly not be renewed following a damning vote of no confidence by officers within the force.

Police Minister Anthony Carbines last week indicated Patton’s contract would be extended after saying he “has the government’s confidence and the confidence of police members”.

That remark caused The Police Association Victoria (TPAV) to conduct a ballot to determine whether its members did, in fact, have confidence in Patton.

Victoria Police Commissioner Shane Patton’s contract will not be renewed following a damning vote of no confidence by officers within the force. (Photograph by Chris Hopkins)

“For that comment to come out last week, that 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 yesterday.

Members were asked whether they had confidence in Patton to “lead and manage Victoria Police in the future” and, last night, TPAV 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 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.

“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.”

Today, Patton was reportedly told his five-year contract will not be renewed. 

Carbines, however, has refused 9News requests for an interview.

Patton’s term ends in June and, despite saying the results were “obviously disappointing on a personal front”, he’s not indicated that he will step down.

”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 last night.

Victoria Police Commissioner Shane Patton's contract will not be renewed following a damning vote of no confidence by officers within the force.
TPAV revealed 87.13 per cent of more than 12,000 officers who participated in the survey voted no. (Nine)

Patton joined the force in 1978 and was chief of staff to Simon Overland during Melbourne’s gangland war.

He was promoted to Deputy Commissioner in 2015 and named Chief Commissioner in 2020.

His first major job in the role was enforcing COVID-19 lockdowns and restrictions.

In the years since, Patton has overseen a surge in youth crime and resignations and has also failed to finalise a new pay deal for the past two years. 

“It’s not the pay dispute. It’s the conditions,” David said.

“Crime continues to go up. Morale continues to fall. Recruiting continues to stagnate. Our retention gets worse and worse.”

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum hold private talks with Lord's officials over pitch ahead of crunch third India Test after Edgbaston run-fest

Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum discuss pitch concerns with Lord’s officials before crucial third India Test following high-scoring match at Edgbaston

<!– <!– <!– <!– <!– <!– Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum had…
President Donald Trump has announced a doubling of pharmaceutical tariffs.

Trump warns of increasing taxes on Australia’s second biggest export

The US president said he was looking to announce 200 per cent…

“A bit too Australian”: Discover how altering his speech assisted Mitch in achieving success in the music industry

Mitch Thompson from country/pop act Seaforth sounds straight out of Nashville —…
Samsung Unveils Ultra-Thin Phone & New Watch Health Features

Samsung Introduces a Sleek Foldable Smartphone

New York: Six-and-a-half years since Samsung first unveiled a smartphone with a…
Gregg Wallace

Long-standing TV personality dismissed due to new accusations surfacing

MasterChef UK presenter Gregg Wallace has been fired from the program after…
The Defence Minister has brushed off suggestions Australia's nuclear submarine deal is on shaky ground after concerns were raised in the United States.

Report suggests pushing for significant changes to AUKUS in the US

The Pentagon is reportedly considering adding extra costs and conditions to the…
Glamorous footy presenter lifts the lid on the 'devastating' effect of being 'silently shut out' by TV giants

Charming soccer host reveals the impact of being excluded by TV networks

Footy reporter Tiffany Salmond has claimed her ‘silent shut-out’ by television bosses…

‘Their strength has diminished greatly’: Major obstacles in negotiations for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas

As representatives from Hamas and Israel meet in Qatar to discuss conditions…