Incoming Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police Mike Bush and Premier Jacinta Allen at the announcement of Mr Bush’s appointment. Photo: Jacinta Allen Facebook.
The Victorian Government has announced it has appointed Mike Bush to be the next Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police.
Premier Jacinta Allan and Minister for Police Anthony Carbines made the announcement on 6 May, saying Mr Bush will take over the role from 27 June.
Mr Bush will replace outgoing chief commissioner Shane Patton who resigned in February after a no-confidence vote in his leadership from his officers. The vote followed a protracted pay dispute between the Police Association of Victoria (TPAV) and the State Government.
Mr Patton had previously been expected to continue into a second five-year term as Chief Commissioner, but since February his role has been filled by Chief Rick Nugent who will depart the position on 8 May. Deputy Commissioner Robert Hill will now serve as Acting Chief Commissioner until Mr Bush commences work.
Mr Bush’s appointment follows a recruitment process that spanned local, interstate and international police organisations.
He has more than 40 years of operational and strategic police experience under his belt, including six years as commissioner and chief executive of New Zealand Police. During that time the government says he oversaw a significant transformation which saw more public trust and confidence in police, lower crime rates, a bigger focus on early intervention, and better staff culture.
Mr Bush also recently supported the Fiji Government to reform the country’s police organisation, and is an ambassador for organisations that support the welfare and wellbeing of police and first responders.
Under the Victoria Police Act, the Chief Commissioner is appointed by the Governor in Council for a five year-term.
Premier Allan said the government had picked the right person for the job.
“Mike Bush will bring new leadership to Victoria Police,” she said. “He made the community safer in New Zealand and he’ll make the community safer in Victoria.”
Minister Carbines added, “Mike Bush brings more than 40 years of experience to this role. I look forward to working with him to deliver for Victoria Police members and keep Victorians safe.
“Shane Patton led Victoria Police members through challenging times and dedicated his life to that service. I thank him, and I also thank Rick Nugent and Robert Hill for stepping up to lead the force in an acting capacity.”
