Stuart Bateson dedicated 33 years to Australian law enforcement. In 2017, he received the Australian Police Medal for distinguished service, acknowledging his steadfast commitment to public service and community safety.
Throughout his career, Stuart held various crucial roles within Victoria Police, demonstrating versatility and adaptability in the face of evolving challenges. He transitioned from serving on the front lines as a patrol officer to leading specialised units investigating homicides, organised crime, and terrorism. His twelve years with the Homicide Squad equipped him with extensive experience investigating suspicious deaths and preparing briefs of evidence for prosecution in the Supreme Court of Victoria.
Upon his promotion to Commander, Stuart’s most notable achievements included:
➖ Implementing innovative community outreach programs, including the Community Liaison Officer Program, designed to build understanding and trust with traditionally marginalised communities.
➖ The formation of award-winning partnerships with academic and public health institutions to mitigate the impact of family violence and drug harm.
➖ The implementation of employee consultative committees designed to amplify the voices of employees from various backgrounds, identities and experiences to create an environment where everyone has an opportunity to succeed.
➖ The introduction of Family Wellbeing Seminars to help Victoria Police families recognise signs of trauma and proactively plan for their wellbeing.
Since retiring from law enforcement, Stuart has specialised in designing customised training seminars for professionals. The workshops generally cover vital topics, including investigation management, evidence gathering, investigative interviewing, operational safety and employee resilience and wellbeing. He also works as a volunteer peer support officer with Police Veterans Victoria.
Stuart holds a Master of Business, a Graduate Diploma in Counselling and a Graduate Certificate in Applied Management. He is a Rotary Peace Fellow, graduating from Chulalongkorn University, Thailand, in 2013.
Recent International Experience
Nov 2024 Member of an expert group to inform the revision of the UNODC training manual for
law enforcement officials on HIV service provision for people who inject drugs.
Oct 2024 Delivery of online trauma and resilience workshops for the Alliance for Middle East Peace.
Sept 2024 Keynote presentation: International Judicial Forum, global policing responsibilities for the protection of children. Phnom Penh, Cambodia
April 2024 Inducted into the Oceania cohort of Positive Peace Activators.
Education
2022 Graduate Diploma in Counselling – Australian College of Applied Psychology.
2011 Masters of Business – University of Newcastle, New South Wales.
2011 Graduate Certificate of Applied Management – Australian Institute of Police Management.
2001 Graduate Certificate Fraud Investigation – La Trobe University, Melbourne.
2000 Bachelor of Policing (Investigations) – Charles Sturt University, New South Wales.
Professional Awards
2018 Commendation – for outstanding leadership and dedication to duty on 20 January 2017 in responding to an incident where an offender had deliberately driven a vehicle at high speeds through pedestrian traffic in Bourke St, Melbourne, resulting in the deaths of six people and the severe injury of numerous others.
2017 Leadership in the Public Sector Award – Risk Management Category – ‘Enhancing responses to family violence project’.
2017 Gold Medal Australian Crime and Violence Prevention Awards ‘Enhancing responses to family violence project’.
2016 Australian Police Medal awarded for distinguished service to law enforcement.
2006 Chief Commissioner’s Certificate: For leadership, outstanding commitment to duty, dedication, teamwork, patience, perseverance and investigative skills as a member of the Purana Task Force.
2003 Highly Commended Certificate: For conspicuous service, commitment to duty, dedication, teamwork and excellent investigative skills as a member of the Lorimer Task Force.
1992 Victoria Police Valour Award.
