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South Australia Police Commissioner Grant Stevens Appointed as State Governor - Adelaide, SA
Smart summary
Long-serving police commissioner will become South Australia’s 37th Governor in December
South Australian Police Commissioner Grant Stevens has been appointed as the state’s next Governor, with his five-year term scheduled to begin on 9 December 2026.
The appointment was announced by South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas on Tuesday, 6 October. Stevens will become South Australia’s 37th Governor, replacing outgoing Governor Frances Adamson. He is expected to step down as Police Commissioner on 23 October 2026, bringing his long career with South Australia Police to a close.
Stevens has served as South Australia’s Police Commissioner since 2015 and has spent decades working in policing. He joined South Australia Police in 1982 and rose through a number of senior positions before becoming the state’s top police officer.
The appointment marks a major transition for both South Australia’s government and its police service. As Governor, Stevens will take on the constitutional and ceremonial responsibilities of the state’s highest vice-regal office, representing the Crown and carrying out official duties across South Australia.
Premier Malinauskas praised Stevens' leadership and integrity while announcing the appointment. The decision follows months of speculation about who would replace Frances Adamson when her term ends.
Stevens and his wife, Emma Stevens, have spoken about the personal significance of the appointment. Their youngest son, Charlie, died in a car crash in 2023 at the age of 18. According to reports surrounding the announcement, Charlie had previously spoken about wanting to live at Government House one day after meeting the then-Governor at the Royal Adelaide Showgrounds.
The family said they would carry Charlie’s memory with them when they move into Government House. The appointment therefore has a particularly emotional significance for Stevens and his family, alongside its importance as a major public-service transition.
Before beginning his new role, Stevens will leave several positions connected with his current public-service and community responsibilities. He is also expected to resign from board positions with the Adelaide Crows and Operation Flinders so he can concentrate on his responsibilities as Governor.
His departure from South Australia Police will also begin the process of selecting the state's next police commissioner. Stevens has led SAPOL through major policing challenges during his tenure and has been one of the state's most prominent public figures.
The Governor's role includes representing South Australia at official events, receiving visiting dignitaries, supporting community organisations and carrying out constitutional duties. Stevens' appointment means his career will move from leading the state's police force to serving as its constitutional representative.
StevensPoliceSouthGovernorState
South Australian Police Commissioner Grant Stevens has been appointed as the state’s next Governor, with his five-year term scheduled to begin on 9 December 2026.
The appointment was announced by South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas on Tuesday, 6 October. Stevens will become South Australia’s 37th Governor, replacing outgoing Governor Frances Adamson. He is expected to step down as Police Commissioner on 23 October 2026, bringing his long career with South Australia Police to a close.
Stevens has served as South Australia’s Police Commissioner since 2015 and has spent decades working in policing. He joined South Australia Police in 1982 and rose through a number of senior positions before becoming the state’s top police officer.
The appointment marks a major transition for both South Australia’s government and its police service. As Governor, Stevens will take on the constitutional and ceremonial responsibilities of the state’s highest vice-regal office, representing the Crown and carrying out official duties across South Australia.
Premier Malinauskas praised Stevens' leadership and integrity while announcing the appointment. The decision follows months of speculation about who would replace Frances Adamson when her term ends.
Stevens and his wife, Emma Stevens, have spoken about the personal significance of the appointment. Their youngest son, Charlie, died in a car crash in 2023 at the age of 18. According to reports surrounding the announcement, Charlie had previously spoken about wanting to live at Government House one day after meeting the then-Governor at the Royal Adelaide Showgrounds.
The family said they would carry Charlie’s memory with them when they move into Government House. The appointment therefore has a particularly emotional significance for Stevens and his family, alongside its importance as a major public-service transition.
Before beginning his new role, Stevens will leave several positions connected with his current public-service and community responsibilities. He is also expected to resign from board positions with the Adelaide Crows and Operation Flinders so he can concentrate on his responsibilities as Governor.
His departure from South Australia Police will also begin the process of selecting the state's next police commissioner. Stevens has led SAPOL through major policing challenges during his tenure and has been one of the state's most prominent public figures.
The Governor's role includes representing South Australia at official events, receiving visiting dignitaries, supporting community organisations and carrying out constitutional duties. Stevens' appointment means his career will move from leading the state's police force to serving as its constitutional representative.
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