ADELAIDE — Police Commissioner Grant Stevens has been named the 37th Governor of South Australia, Premier Peter Malinauskas announced today, marking a significant transition in the state’s vice-regal leadership.
Stevens, who has led the South Australia Police since July 2015, will succeed outgoing Governor Frances Adamson. Adamson is set to be farewelled from Government House this afternoon alongside her husband, Rod Bunten, concluding her five-year tenure.
The appointment ends months of speculation regarding who would replace the former diplomat. Governor-designate Stevens is scheduled to be sworn in on December 9 for a five-year term. Speaking at today’s announcement, Stevens admitted the offer came as a surprise when it was first broached by the Premier in September.
“I walked away from that meeting quite blown away,” Stevens said.
The transition will require significant adjustments for the career officer. With one year and nine months remaining on his contract as Police Commissioner, Stevens noted that he and the government are currently navigating the process of his departure from the force. Additionally, he confirmed he will step down from his position on the Adelaide Football Club board.
“I am deeply disappointed about that, but I think there are more opportunities for me to support South Australia as the Governor than as a member of the Adelaide Crows Board,” he said.
Stevens’ decades-long career in law enforcement began in 1982. Throughout his tenure, he has navigated the state through some of its most volatile periods, including the COVID-19 pandemic. His personal life was also marked by profound tragedy in 2023, when his 18-year-old son, Charlie, died following a hit-and-run incident—an event that drew a massive outpouring of public sympathy and support for the Commissioner and his wife, Emma.
The appointment comes despite a turbulent mid-year period for the Commissioner, during which the SA Police Union passed a vote of no confidence in him and his deputy. No formal action was taken following the vote.
Premier Malinauskas praised Stevens’ integrity and commitment, describing him as a leader who has earned the community’s trust through “sound judgment and an unwavering sense of duty.”
“He understands South Australia and its people,” the Premier said. “I have every confidence Grant will be an outstanding Governor.”
The Governor serves as the representative of King Charles III, performing essential constitutional, ceremonial, and community duties, including the signing of all Bills passed by state parliament. As for the vacancy at the head of the police force, Premier Malinauskas stated that a “global search” will be launched to find a successor, though no specific timeline was provided.
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