Victoria’s Acting Chief Commissioner Rules out Permanent Role

Less than 2 months in, Nugent said he won’t seek the role long-term, saying, ‘Life is short, and I have other passions to pursue.’

Victorian Police Acting Chief Commissioner Rick Nugent speaks to the media during a press conference in Melbourne, Australia on July 24, 2020. Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images

Victoria’s Acting Chief Commissioner Rick Nugent has announced he will not apply for the permanent position, citing the demanding nature of the role and his desire to pursue other opportunities.

He will now continue in the role until a replacement is appointed.

Nugent took on the role on Feb. 16, following the departure of Shane Patton, who was ousted after a union-led vote of no confidence by rank-and-file officers.

Less than two months into the job, Nugent revealed on ABC Radio Melbourne that he does not see himself serving the full five-year term required of a permanent chief commissioner.

“I just don’t know that I have it in me to do the five years,” he said. “Life is short, and there are other passions and opportunities that I wish to pursue.”

Denying Political Interference Allegations

Nugent’s decision comes amid speculation about political interference within the leadership of Victoria Police.

The Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) is investigating allegations that Premier Jacinta Allan, Police Minister Anthony Carbines, and Nugent were involved in the removal of Patton and his deputy, Neil Paterson.

However, Nugent firmly denied these claims, stating his departure was based solely on personal reasons.

“Ultimately, I look forward to meeting with IBAC and going through whatever the allegations are, because I know I haven’t done anything wrong,” he said.

“Some of the stuff has been fairly relentless since I came into the role, but occasionally that’s what comes with senior leadership roles.”

Allan confirmed he would remain in the role until a successor is found.

“He will continue to act in the role. He’s the right person to continue to act in the role whilst we go through that process,” she told reporters, thanking him for his service.

Opposition Demands Investigation

Federal Opposition Leader Peter Dutton criticised the Victorian government, claiming it struggled to secure Nugent as a permanent police commissioner.

“It’s a sign that the government’s in real trouble, and the wheels are falling off,” Dutton told ABC Melbourne radio, suggesting Nugent had not been “encouraged to stick around.”

Meanwhile, Shadow Police Minister David Southwick criticised the government’s handling of police leadership, saying it was “in crisis.”

He called for a full, independent investigation into the appointment process to ensure it remains free from government influence.

“If Labor can’t keep their chief commissioner, how can they fix the crime crisis?” Southwick posted on X, further calling for Police Minister Carbines to resign and for Premier Allan to take responsibility for the state of Victoria Police.

Crime Surge Fuels Concerns

Victoria is grappling with a significant rise in crime, with 578,762 offences recorded in the year to September 2024—a 13.4 percent increase from the previous year.

Property crimes, particularly theft from motor vehicles, have surged to a record high of 68,042 offences.

With public concern over safety on the rise, questions persist about the stability of Victoria Police’s leadership and the government’s ability to address the state’s crime crisis effectively.