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.
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