The Malinauskas Labor Government is moving to guarantee certainty and continuity in South Australia’s police service, reappointing Grant Stevens for a further five years as the Commissioner of Police.
The contract extension will see Mr Stevens lead the force until July 2028.
Mr Stevens was initially appointed to the position of Commissioner in 2015 for a period of five years. In 2020, he was reappointed for a further three years.
His most recent term has been highly eventful.
As State Coordinator during the COVID-19 Emergency Declaration for a period of 793 days, Grant Stevens made hugely consequential decisions which successfully helped steer the state through the pandemic.
Mr Stevens reprised the role of State Coordinator during the recent River Murray flood emergency.
With 41 years of general and specialist policing experience and over 17 years as a member of SAPOL’s senior executive, Grant Stevens has personally led and delivered some of SAPOL’s most significant programs including outlaw motorcycle gang enforcement, specialist sexual crimes investigation, and service reform initiatives around frontline service delivery and demand management.
He is also committed to improving employee wellbeing, gender equity and the elimination of discrimination and harassment in the workplace.
Quotes
Attributable to Peter Malinauskas
South Australians owe a debt of gratitude to Grant Stevens.
Through his long and distinguished policing career, he has always put the safety of South Australians first.
As Police Minister, I was highly impressed by his skilful, trustworthy, strong and compassionate leadership.
Every South Australian gained insight into those qualities as the Commissioner played a significant role successfully steering the state through COVID, fires and floods.
We are very fortunate to have Mr Stevens in this role for a further five years.
Attributable to Joe Szakacs
South Australians came to know Mr Stevens well during his leadership as COVID State Coordinator and have developed a great sense of trust and respect for him.
We want South Australians to feel safe with who leads our Police, and we trust Mr Stevens is the best candidate to continue the selfless task of leading SAPOL.
Attributable to the Commissioner of Police, Grant Stevens
It is an honour to continue serving the South Australian community as Police Commissioner.
South Australia is my home - I was born here and grew-up here and I often reflect on how fortunate I am to be able to do what I do each day.
It’s a privilege to lead an organisation made of highly professional, dedicated and motivated employees.
South Australians have been very supportive of me over the last 7 years, particularly during COVID and I look forward to that continuing support as we tackle the challenges facing policing and community safety.
