Premier Daniel Andrews and Minister for Police, Wade Noonan, today thanked Chief Commissioner Ken Lay for his great service to the people of Victoria.
Commissioner Lay will step down on 31 January, 2015 after 41 years with Victoria Police, including three years as Chief Commissioner.
The Premier commended Commissioner Lay for his advocacy both for the prevention of family violence and in challenging all men to call out inappropriate behaviour against women.
Mr Andrews also praised Commissioner Lay for helping keep Victoria safe in a period of increased international tension while supporting multicultural communities.
Commissioner Lay’s other achievements include being a stabilising influence within Victoria Police while managing necessary cultural change and his work on tackling bikies and organised crime.
From 31 January, Deputy Commissioner Tim Cartwright will be Acting Chief Commissioner until a replacement is found.
The Victorian Government will immediately begin the recruitment process for a new Chief Commissioner.
Quotes attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews
"Ken Lay has been an outstanding Chief Commissioner, both for the people of Victoria and for the police officers dedicated to protecting us all.’’
"Ken Lay did not seek this most difficult of jobs. He was asked to do it three years ago, and he accepted the challenge. Victoria is grateful that he did.’’
"Deputy Commissioner Tim Cartwright brings great strength and experience in a wide range of operational matters, and will serve Victoria well until a new Chief Commissioner is appointed.’’
Quotes attributable to Minister for Police, Wade Noonan
"Ken Lay has spent his working life serving the community. He has been a dedicated and compassionate leader.’’
"Central to his proud legacy will be his action on family violence. He, above all others, put this squarely on the public agenda.’’
Reviewed 19 August 2020