Police Commissioner Grant Stevens has been named the 37th Governor of South Australia, Premier Peter Malinauskas has announced.

Stevens will succeed Frances Adamson, who was to leave Government House in Adelaide on Tuesday afternoon with her husband Rod Bunten, marking the end of her five-year tenure.

After much speculation over Adamson’s replacement, Malinauskas has said Stevens, who is also an Adelaide Football Club board member, would be sworn in on December 9.

Stevens said he had a year and nine months left on his contract as the state’s police chief, a role he was appointed to in July 2015.

“That’s part of the process we need to work through,” he said.

Stevens said it was “deeply disappointed” that he would also have to leave the Crows board to take up his new role.

“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 joined South Australia Police in 1982 and his career has included frontline policing, criminal investigations, major crime, intelligence, training and senior executive leadership.

The governor is appointed by the King on the recommendation of the premier. The five-year appointment can be extended by agreement between the governor and the premier.

Stevens said on Tuesday that Malinauskas first broached the topic of him taking on the role in September.

“I walked away from that meeting quite blown away,” he said.

In June, the SA Police Union passed a vote of no confidence in Stevens and his deputy, but no action was taken.

It following an outpouring of public support for Stevens and his wife Emma after their son 18-year-old Charlie tragically died after a hit-and-run 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.

“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 is the official representative of the King, with constitutional, ceremonial, and community duties that include signing all bills passed by the state parliament before they become law.

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.”

Malinauskas said there would be a “global search to get the best possible” replacement for Stevens as police commissioner but provided no provide a timeline for the appointment.

Adamson declined an offer to continue in the role. She was appointed by former Liberal Premier Steven Marshall who recognised her widespread achievements.

Republished from InDaily