After more than four decades with South Australia Police, Commissioner Grant Stevens is preparing to swap police headquarters for Government House.
Premier Peter Malinauskas announced today that His Majesty King Charles III has approved his recommendation to appoint Commissioner Stevens as South Australia’s 37th Governor.
He will succeed Governor Frances Adamson, whose five-year term concludes today, and will be sworn in on December 9 for a five-year term. The appointment marks the end of his extraordinary 44-year career with SAPOL.
He joined South Australia Police in 1982 and has served as Commissioner since July 2015, making him Australia’s longest-serving current Police Commissioner.
His career has spanned frontline policing, criminal investigations, major crime, intelligence, training and senior executive roles, including time as Assistant Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner.
During his tenure as Commissioner, Stevens led South Australia through some of its most challenging periods, including serving as State Coordinator during the COVID-19 pandemic.
He has also played a national role in policing, chairing the Australia New Zealand Policing Advisory Agency since 2021, while overseeing work addressing organised crime, terrorism, cybercrime, family and domestic violence, sexual offences and road safety.
Premier Peter Malinauskas said Stevens had earned the trust of South Australians throughout his decades of public service.
“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.”
Beyond policing, Stevens chairs the Operation Flinders Foundation, which supports young people facing significant challenges, and has been a strong advocate for cancer research, prevention and treatment as well as organ donation.
Stevens said he was deeply honoured to take on the new role.
“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.”
He said he and Emma were looking forward to meeting people across South Australia and making Government House feel accessible to the wider community.
“We want people across South Australia to feel that Government House is a place for them, and that their experiences, aspirations and contributions matter.”
Stevens will formally step aside as Police Commissioner on October 23, with Deputy Commissioner Linda Williams to become Acting Commissioner.
The State Government will then undertake a full merit selection process to appoint SAPOL’s next permanent Commissioner.
The appointment also brings Governor Frances Adamson’s term to a close after five years in the role.
Adamson took office on October 7, 2021, with the State Government paying tribute to both her and husband Rod Bunten for their service to South Australia.
Stevens will be sworn in as South Australia’s 37th Governor on December 9, 2026.
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