Overview
- The appointment was announced by Premier Peter Malinauskas and formally confirmed by King Charles on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, and Stevens is to be sworn in on 9 December.
- Stevens will step down as South Australia Police commissioner on 23 October and Deputy Commissioner Linda Williams will act in the role during the transition.
- Stevens joined the police in 1982 and has been commissioner since 2015, gaining recognition for leadership on organised crime, terrorism, cybercrime, domestic violence, road safety and as state coordinator during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- His personal profile includes the 2023 death of his son Charlie and subsequent advocacy for organ donation, which coverage says has shaped his public service focus.
- The move shifts an operational law‑enforcement leader into a ceremonial and constitutional office that requires political neutrality and could prompt close public attention to police leadership and community programs he champions.