Former New Zealand Supreme Police Leads Victoria Police to Reveal Plans to Resolve State's “Crime Issues” | Australian Police and Police

Mike Bush, former head of the New Zealand Police Force, has been appointed Victoria's next chief commissioner, pledging to prioritize crime prevention and increase police visibility across the state.

Victorian Prime Minister Jacinta Allan and Police Minister Anthony Carbines announced Tuesday that Bush has awarded a five-year contract to run for the state’s police force starting June 27.

Bush joined the New Zealand Police Force in 1978 and served as Chief Commissioner when he retired from 2014 to April 2020. During his time with the force, he responded to the 2019 Christchurch massacre and the volcanic eruption in the Isle of Wight.

He said he was lured to retire because of “my true passion for the police in my blood” as the Victorian government approached him to apply for a position.

“I've been an adult and have devoted myself to public safety for most of my life. It's very important that people in the community are safe and safe, and police services are at the forefront,” Bush told reporters.

“Those are two great reasons, the third is that Victoria is a wonderful place. Kiwi loves Victoria – I'm not different and I'm honored to be a part of your community and serve you.”

Bush joined the Victoria Police during tough times. Data released in March showed that the state's crime rate rose by 13.2% in 2024, the highest since 2016.

The crimes committed by children aged 10 to 17 have risen to the highest level since the electronic records began in 1993, prompting the government to tighten its bail laws.

Police leaders are also facing drastic changes, with Commissioner Shane Patton being forced to resign after a February no-confidence vote on police.

Former emergency management commissioner Rick Nugent was later appointed as acting commissioner, but the government blinded the government when applying for permanent positions was ruled out in April.

Nugent will leave the troops on Thursday, with Bob Hill's deputy director, Bob Hill, serving as acting chief commissioner until Bush begins.

Allen said Bush will bring “new leadership” to Victoria Police.

“Bush makes the community safer in New Zealand and he will do so in Victoria,” she said.

His 2020 Queen’s birthday honor cited his crime prevention model, which reduced its crime model by 20% between 2010 and 2014.

Bush said he knew about the “crime problems” in Victoria, but they were not unique.

“These crime issues are actually global and are very similar wherever you go, but after the show, that’s not good enough.”

“You have to master these things, preventive mindsets, and the focus of preventing ahead is really important.”

Bush said his attitude would be directed by Sir Robert Peel’s chief, whom the police “exist in preventing crime and harm.”

“There will certainly be more visibility, but we will also be very complex because of how we bring in intelligence and deploy people to solve crime,” he said.

Bush said he has worked closely with Maori, Pasifika, and multicultural and multifaith communities to build trust. He said New Zealand remains one of the few countries where police do not routinely carry guns, retaining long-arm weapons in squad cars for emergency use.

This is the first time that no one who has worked for Victoria Police has been appointed to the top position since 2001, NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Christine Nixon was appointed to work.

Bush acknowledged his “outsider” status and said he was appointed “a honor”.

Opposition police spokesman David Southwick said Bush will need to support Bush with more funding and independence from the government.

“We can't make this work a toxic holy grail,” he said.

Southwick likens recent lapses to the “Music Chair” game and says he hopes “this is lasting.”

Wayne Gatt, the Victorian Secret Police Association, said the appointment would end the “instability” of the unit.