Latest news with #VictoriaPoliceAct
RNZ News
06-05-2025
- Politics
- RNZ News
Former NZ Police Commissioner Mike Bush lands top job at Victoria police, Australia
Mike Bush. Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone Former New Zealand Police Commissioner Mike Bush has landed the top job at Victoria Police in Australia, with the state's Premier saying he's the right person for the job. Victoria Premier Jacinta Allan and Police Minister Anthony Carbines confirmed Bush would be the next Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police from 27 June 2025. He had been appointed on a five year term, as is standard under the Victoria Police Act. Bush's appointment followed an extensive recruitment process that spanned local, interstate and international police organisations, they said. "We've picked the right person for the job," Allan said. "He made the community safer in New Zealand and he'll make the community safer in Victoria." Carbines said he looked forward to working with Bush who brought decades of experience to the role. Before Bush begins his term, Deputy Commissioner Robert Hill will serve as acting Chief Commissioner, with current acting Chief Rick Nugent to depart on Thursday. Bush was New Zealand's Police Commissioner between 2014 and 2020, when he retired after more than 40 years in the service . During his term as Commissioner he oversaw the police response to the Christchurch mosque attacks, the Whakaari / White Island eruption and the Covid-19 pandemic. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
NZ Herald
06-05-2025
- Politics
- NZ Herald
Former NZ Police Commissioner Mike Bush confirmed as top cop in Victoria, Australia
'Mike Bush will bring new leadership to Victoria Police. He made the community safer in New Zealand and he'll make the community safer in Victoria.' The minister said 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.' Bush's appointment follows an 'extensive recruitment process' spanning 'local, interstate and international police organisations'. 'During his time leading New Zealand Police, Mr Bush 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,' said a statement from Allan's office. 'Mr Bush also recently supported the Fiji Government to reform the country's police organisation and is a proud ambassador for organisations that support the welfare and wellbeing of police and first responders.' Until Bush begins his term, Deputy Commissioner Robert Hill will serve as Acting Chief Commissioner. Under the Victoria Police Act, the Chief Commissioner is appointed by the Governor in Council for a five-year term. Bush is expected to speak about the appointment later today. Earlier this year, Chief Commissioner Shane Patton left the role after a vote of no confidence from police. Acting Chief Commissioner Rick Nugent has been at the helm during the search for a new top cop. He finishes on Thursday this week. Bush was commissioner for New Zealand Police from 2014 until 2020. Before that, he was the District Commander for the Counties Manukau District. In the last 13 months of his role with the police, Bush was at the forefront of the terror attacks on the Christchurch mosques, the White Island eruption, and the Covid-19 pandemic. In the 2020 Queen's Birthday Honours, Bush was promoted to Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to the New Zealand Police and the community. After leaving the police, Bush established himself as a private investigator running his own international consulting firm - Bush Consulting International - specialising in leadership consulting, risk management and security.
Herald Sun
04-05-2025
- Politics
- Herald Sun
Tracy Linford and Mick Willing firm as favourites in race for Victoria's police chief job
Don't miss out on the headlines from National. Followed categories will be added to My News. Victoria's new top cop is odds-on to be a woman. Sources with knowledge of the race to become Victoria Police's next chief commissioner believe two candidates – Tracy Linford and Mick Willing – are the top contenders. It can also be revealed that the outgoing Deputy Commissioner Neil Paterson has been interviewed for the chief commissioner role. Mr Paterson was told in February the Allan government would not be reappointing him. An announcement on Victoria's chief commissioner is set to be made as early as next week. Deputy Commissioner Linford, who has been on leave from the Queensland Police service, cut her teeth as a Victorian cop. As a detective in Victoria, Ms Linford rose through the ranks to become an assistant commissioner before leaving for Queensland in 2015. During her time there, Ms Linford has headed up intelligence, counter-terrorism and major events portfolios. Her other experience in her 37-year career includes general duties, investigations and countering serious organised crime. Ms Linford, who was awarded the Australian Police Medal in 2014, has been on leave from Queensland's force. 'She's a good person and good copper. Very astute and she fights for what she believes in,' a source said. If Ms Linford wins the position, she will be Victoria's second woman to become chief. Former chief commissioner Christine Nixon was Victoria's first female top cop from 2001 to 2009. Another veteran cop, former NSW deputy commissioner Mick Willing, is being touted as a contender. Mr Willing's 31-year law enforcement career came to a sudden end in 2022 when his new boss, NSW Commissioner Karen Webb, tore up his contract. He had been considered former NSW premier Gladys Berejiklian's 'preferred candidate' for commissioner before she resigned her post. It's understood Mr Willing is keen to make a comeback to policing after time away from law enforcement helping first responders deal with mental health issues. Mr Willing has also spoken openly about his own demons after his career ended. Pundits say a star performer from the federal police was asked to apply but declined. Australian Federal Police Deputy Commissioner Krissy Barrett, who has spent her 23-years with the feds, has managed the national security portfolio since 2024. Prior to her promotion, Ms Barrett headed the AFP's counter-terrorism and special investigations, including foreign interference and espionage. Although several serving Victorian cops have put up their hand to lead the force, none is considered likely to get the nod. The Allan government's committee will make a recommendation to Police Minister Anthony Carbines. The Victoria Police Chief Commissioner is appointed by the Governor in Council under the Victoria Police Act for a five-year term. Acting Chief Commissioner Rick Nugent is expected to leave the force soon after a permanent chief is named. Mr Nugent replaced Chief Commissioner Shane Patton in February, who was informed his contract would not be renewed after rank and file police members took a vote of no confidence in him. Mr Patton took leave after being told of the government's decision not to reappoint him. His contract expires on June 30. Mr Nugent, who left Emergency Management Victoria to take the acting role at Victoria Police, opted out of applying to lead the force after less than two months in the seat.
