The Victorian government is currently in a rush to amend legislation that could hinder the appointment of a former New Zealand police chief as the new chief commissioner of Victoria Police. This urgent change aims to eliminate any uncertainties regarding the authority of non-Australian citizens in such roles.
Premier Jacinta Allan disclosed that the government stumbled upon this regulatory stipulation while reviewing documentation related to the appointment. She described the law as outdated and misaligned with contemporary Victoria, a place where attracting top talent from across the globe is a priority.
To address this concern, the government is attempting to push through an “urgent amendment” in parliament, as revealed by Treasurer Jaclyn Symes. She stated there are common law principles that suggest appointing a chief commissioner who is not an Australian citizen could pose legal issues.
Criticism has emerged from the opposition, questioning the government’s oversight in its recruitment process. Liberal MP David Davis pointedly questioned the rationale behind conducting an international search for a chief commissioner without first ensuring compliance with legal requirements. He labelled the situation as indicative of the government’s disorganised approach to governance and legislation.
Despite the turmoil, Allan has expressed her confidence in the appointment of Mike Bush, who served as New Zealand’s police commissioner from 2014 until 2020, asserting that he is an exceptional choice for the role.