VICTORIA Police is likely to undergo a major change in how it manages its road safety unit in a bid to lower the road toll, following the resignation of Deputy Commissioner Kieran Walshe.
Mr Walshe, a 44-year veteran of the force, announced his retirement yesterday but will not step down until mid-year.
Chief Commissioner Ken Lay said his highly decorated deputy had done a tremendous job in delivering last year's record low road toll.
He described Mr Walshe, who oversees areas including road and regional policing, as a "great man" who had enjoyed a stellar career at Victoria Police, denying his departure was linked to critical findings against him in an Ombudsman's report last year that prompted the resignation of former chief commissioner Simon Overland.
But Mr Lay said the departure gave Victoria Police an opportunity to give whoever replaces Mr Walshe as the state's top road cop responsibility for road safety and nothing else, allowing them to focus entirely on the critical area.
In recent years, Mr Lay said, that role had been combined with oversight of other roles. "I suspect I'll actually separate it from the regions role [and others] to have a senior executive with . . . responsibility [for that alone]," he said.
"I like the model where there is a senior executive that can just absolutely focus on road safety and road policing and engage in it.
"Kieran has done a mighty job in his portfolio. But I think to be the absolute very best we can be . . . there's an opportunity to rethink that."
Mr Lay said Mr Walshe, who joined the police force as a 16-year-old in 1968, was leaving to spend more time with his family.
Mr Walshe echoed this and said he would would take a holiday before tackling a growing list of household jobs.
He said his departure was delayed because of the turmoil that surrounded Mr Overland's exit from the force.
"I thought it was important that we had some stability, we had some very unfortunate things occur last year.
"Simon was a very honourable man . . . who was leading this organisation in the right direction.
"That was unfortunate for Simon to depart, but I felt it was important for me to be here."
Mr Walshe, 60, said he had no regrets from his career and was most proud of his work on Black Saturday and in counterterrorism.
Police Association secretary Greg Davies described Mr Walshe as a practical policeman and lauded his work in a range of areas, including the ethical standards department.
Frequently Asked Questions about this Article…
Who is Deputy Commissioner Kieran Walshe and why is he retiring from Victoria Police?
Kieran Walshe is a long-serving Victoria Police deputy commissioner and a 44-year veteran of the force. He announced his retirement, saying he wants to spend more time with his family; he will not step down until mid-year and plans to take a holiday and tackle household jobs before fully retiring.
What areas did Kieran Walshe oversee at Victoria Police?
Mr Walshe oversaw key areas including road policing and regional policing, and he was credited with work that helped deliver last year’s record low road toll.
Did the Ombudsman’s report or Simon Overland’s resignation cause Walshe’s departure?
Chief Commissioner Ken Lay denied that Mr Walshe’s departure was linked to critical findings in the Ombudsman’s report that prompted former chief commissioner Simon Overland’s resignation. Mr Walshe said his own departure was delayed because of the turmoil around Mr Overland’s exit, but he is retiring for family reasons.
How might Walshe’s retirement change Victoria Police’s approach to road safety?
Chief Commissioner Ken Lay said the vacancy creates an opportunity to rethink the portfolio, likely separating road safety responsibility from regional duties so a senior executive can focus exclusively on road safety and road policing.
What achievements from Walshe’s career does the article highlight?
The article notes Mr Walshe was praised for delivering a record low road toll last year and said he was most proud of his work on Black Saturday and in counterterrorism. Police Association secretary Greg Davies also lauded his practical approach and work in ethical standards.
When did Kieran Walshe start his career with Victoria Police and how long has he served?
Mr Walshe joined Victoria Police as a 16-year-old in 1968 and is described in the article as a 44-year veteran of the force.
What did Chief Commissioner Ken Lay say about Walshe and the future leadership model?
Mr Lay called Mr Walshe a "great man" who had enjoyed a stellar career and said he suspects the force will separate road safety from regional responsibilities so a senior executive can focus solely on road policing and safety.
What are Walshe’s immediate plans after announcing his retirement?
Mr Walshe said he will take a holiday first, then tackle a growing list of household jobs, and spend more time with his family after stepping down.
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