BREAKING: New SA Governor revealed
Premier Peter Malinauskas has revealed the new Governor of South Australia – as Frances Adamson prepares to leave Government House this afternoon.
Police Commissioner Grant Stevens has been named the next Governor of South Australia, Premier Peter Malinauskas has announced today.
Stevens will succeed Governor Frances Adamson, who is set to be farewelled from Government House this afternoon with her husband Rod Bunten, marking the end of her five-year tenure.
After much speculation over Adamson’s replacement, Malinauskas has said the current police commissioner and Adelaide Football Club board member would be sworn in on December 9 for his own five-year term.
Stevens said today that he had one year and nine months left on his current contract serving as Police Commissioner, a role he was appointed to in July 2015, and “that’s part of the process we need to work through”.
He also said that in the new role he would have to “step aside” from the Crows board and that he was “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”.
Stevens joined South Australia Police in 1982 and his career has included frontline policing, criminal investigations, major crime, intelligence, training and senior executive leadership, including being an Assistant Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner.
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The Governor is appointed by King Charles III on the recommendation of the Premier and the five-year appointment period can be extended by agreement between the Governor and the Premier.
Stevens said today that the Premier had first broached the topic of him taking on the role in September this year and “I walked away from that meeting quite blown away”.
In June this year, the SA Police Union passed a vote of no confidence against Stevens and his deputy, but no action was taken.
It came after an outpouring of public support for Stevens and his wife Emma after their son Charlie tragically died in 2023.
“Grant Stevens has devoted his working life to serving and protecting South Australians. He has led with integrity, sound judgment and an unwavering sense of duty, earning the trust of our community through some of the most challenging periods in our state’s history,” Malinauskas said.
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“He understands South Australia and its people. From frontline policing to leading our response to major emergencies, and through his work helping young people find a better path, his service has always been grounded in a commitment to others.
“I have every confidence Grant will be an outstanding Governor. His ability to connect with people, his steady leadership and his understanding of our community will serve South Australia exceptionally well.
“With Emma by his side, I know they will embrace this opportunity to serve and make an exceptional contribution to South Australia.”
The Governor acts as the representative of the King, performing constitutional, ceremonial, and community duties at the state level which includes signing all Bills passed by the state parliament in order to make them part of the law in SA.
Stevens said that he was deeply honoured by the appointment and the opportunity to serve South Australia in this new capacity.
“I am grateful to His Majesty King Charles III and the Premier for the confidence they have placed in me,” he said.
“Serving the people of South Australia as a police officer has been the privilege of my working life. As Governor, I will bring that same commitment to service, together with a deep respect for the constitutional responsibilities and impartiality of the office.
“South Australia is home to remarkable people who give so much to their communities. Emma and I look forward to meeting people across the State, supporting their efforts and celebrating the achievements that make South Australia such a special place.
“We want people across South Australia to feel that Government House is a place for them, and that their experiences, aspirations and contributions matter.”
Malinauskas said there will be a “global search to get the best possible” SA Police Commissioner but did not provide a timeline for the appointment.
Adamson studied economics at the University of Adelaide, was the first female captain of the boat club in its 103-year history and went on to serve as Australia’s Ambassador to China, having also served twice in the Australian High Commission in London.
In 2016, Adamson was appointed head of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, pursuing Australia’s interests amid a shift in world powers and the COVID-19 pandemic.
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