Stevens, Cmmr G.J.

The Hon. D.G.E. HOOD (15:50): I rise today to recognise and honour our Police Commissioner Grant Stevens, a man whose steadfast leadership and dedication to South Australia has always been exemplary but has been especially evident and appreciated in more recent times.

It is difficult to believe that it has now been almost one year since we learnt of the tragic passing of Commissioner Stevens' beloved son, Charlie. It was not only an incredible shock to the police community in our state to learn of Charlie's untimely death in a hit-and-run accident when he was out enjoying the schoolies week celebration on the south coast, as most high school graduates do, but also to the wider South Australian community, which has become familiar with our police commissioner over the past nine years that he has fulfilled that role.

Last week, we of course learned the fate of the driver who killed Charlie, Mr Dhirren Randhawa, who fled the scene after striking Charlie with his vehicle and leaving him with an irreversible brain injury that later caused him to die. As members would be aware, Randhawa pleaded guilty to aggravated driving without due care and leaving the scene of an accident after causing death.

Randhawa has now rightly lost his driver's licence for 10 years, and although he was sentenced to one year in prison he will walk free, given the sentence was suspended upon the 19 year old entering into a $1,000 good behaviour bond. Although there would be no penalty great enough to compensate for the loss of a child, the consequences of such deadly conduct on our roads should still serve as a deterrent, and this sentencing outcome, in my opinion, does not serve as a sufficient deterrent.

After learning of Randhawa's fate, Police Commissioner Grant Stevens displayed his characteristic dignity, diplomacy and grace outside of the court. In the face of the unimaginable anguish of losing a son, Commissioner Stevens has continued in his unwavering service to our state, leading our police force with integrity, compassion and commitment.

It was therefore not at all surprising to hear the recent announcement that Commissioner Stevens has been nominated for the 2025 Australian of the Year Award. He, along with his wife, Emma, have demonstrated immense bravery in the wake of Charlie's death through using their experience as an opportunity to advocate for positive change during their deep bereavement. For instance, they brought awareness to the need for organ donation and greater youth engagement, and they also called for donations towards Operation Flinders in lieu of laying flowers. I am aware that this particular appeal has resulted in some $217,000 being raised for the organisation to support at-risk young people, which is an incredible achievement. These actions are indeed commendable.

I am sure all South Australians would agree that the police commissioner's nomination for Australian of the Year is a fitting tribute, one that aptly acknowledges his dedication, sacrifice and exemplary service to our state. Throughout a number of crises South Australia has endured, from devastating bushfires to the recent COVID-19 pandemic, Commissioner Stevens has never failed to be an admirable leader in his endeavours to ensure the safety and wellbeing of South Australians.

His leadership has been marked by not only an unwavering resilience but by an empathy that reflects his genuine care for the people he serves. It is a recognition of his exceptional career and, equally, of his personal strength in what were undoubtedly the most difficult, challenging and devastating moments of his life.

In paying tribute to Commissioner Stevens today, I take this opportunity to extend my sincerest condolences to him and his family. May they find some comfort in knowing that, through their efforts, Charlie's legacy will continue to benefit and touch the lives of many South Australians. We owe him and his family a great deal.