Police Chief Faces Mounting Pressure Following No-Confidence Vote

Victoria’s police chief is facing increasing pressure as the majority of members have expressed no confidence in him, leading to reports that he may not remain in his current position.

The result of the vote is now under consideration by the Victorian government, as Commissioner Shane Patton’s term is set to conclude in the upcoming months.

Over half of the 21,715-member Victorian police force indicated that they had lost faith in his ability to effectively lead and manage the force.

In a statement, Police Minister Anthony Carbines noted that the vote results were being reviewed and refrained from making further comments.

“We acknowledge the outcome of the vote by [the union] and its members and appreciate the hard work that our police officers and PSOs undertake daily to ensure the safety of Victorians,” he stated.

“An ongoing process is in place regarding the chief commissioner of police role.”

A secret ballot involving over 14,500 Police Association members revealed that 12,695 workers—equivalent to 87 percent—voted ‘no’ when asked about their confidence in Patton’s future leadership of Victoria Police.

Victoria Police has refrained from publicly addressing media reports claiming Patton’s potential departure from his current role.

This development follows over a year of negotiations regarding a new pay agreement for police, which resulted in numerous stop-work actions and members rejecting a deal endorsed by their own union, the Police Association of Victoria.

Patton expressed personal disappointment with the ballot outcome but hoped progress on the pay agreement would address members’ concerns.

“I want to assure you that my dedication to the role of chief commissioner remains unwavering, and I am committed to leading this organization,” he stated in a Friday declaration.

He had been set to participate in a radio interview on Friday but withdrew at the last minute following the no-confidence vote.

The vote was initiated by rank-and-file officers who had observed colleagues facing challenges and a declining force, according to police union Secretary Wayne Gatt.

“Their decisions were not made lightly, and it’s a tough choice for them, but they are seeking a fresh start,” Gatt remarked.

“They need a change, or else they fear that nothing will improve.”

The vote occurred after Carbines indicated last week that the government was unlikely to re-advertise Patton’s position, which expires in mid-2025, as he expressed confidence in Patton.

“Our members wanted to voice their opinions,” stated Police Association President Karl David.

Opposition Leader Brad Battin conveyed that police were feeling frustrated and asserted that the vote of no confidence essentially targeted Patton, Carbines, and the state government.

“Shane Patton has been used as a political pawn by the Allan Labor government to deflect blame for their missteps,” he informed reporters on Saturday.

“Changing the chief commissioner will not alter the laws in Victoria or resolve the state’s crime crisis.”

In August, Ambulance Victoria Chief Executive Jane Miller resigned shortly after the paramedic union passed a vote of no confidence in the executive board and requested the appointment of new management by the minister.

Senior minister Gabrielle Williams declined to comment on the state government’s confidence in Patton or whether he should step down if the vote did not go in his favor.

A revised pay deal is set to undergo a members’ vote.