New police chief talks tough on repeat bail offenders
Victoria’s new acting police chief, Rick Nugent, has expressed concern about the number of times bail is being granted to repeat offenders and warned it was putting communities across the state at risk.
Nugent said he had spoken to Police Minister Anthony Carbines and was assured the state government would tighten bail laws as part of a fresh review of the legislation announced earlier this month.
Acting Police Chief Commissioner Rick Nugent in 2021, during his time as deputy commissioner.Credit: Scott McNaughton
“It is clear that bail laws in this state need to be strengthened. I have spoken with the minister yesterday, who confirmed they are undertaking a review and will make some changes to better protect the community,” the interim Chief Commissioner said.
“So at what point is there too many counts of bail, and the risk to community safety is obviously a key component element of that decision-making.”
Nugent faced the media for the first time on Thursday since taking the top job, following former chief Shane Patton’s abrupt resignation after an overwhelming vote of no-confidence in his leadership.
Nugent said increasing trust in the police, getting the force back on budget and improving officer morale were among his priorities.
Finalising the police enterprise bargaining agreement (EBA) due to be voted on at the end of the month is also at the top of the list. The protracted 18-month process has riven the force and irrevocably damaged Patton’s relationship with many rank-and-file officers. The proposed agreement will be voted on next Monday.
“We’re right in the middle still of an enterprise bargaining agreement that means a lot to the members, as it should do, so that’s a key focus of me, to ensure that we get that EBA agreed to,” Nugent said.
“I do understand from the members that I’ve spoken to that they are really keen for it to be over. I’ve looked at the agreement. I’ve spoken to [Police Association of Victoria secretary] Wayne Gatt. I think it’s a good deal.”
Shane Patton resigned as chief commissioner on Sunday night.Credit: Paul Jeffers
He also vowed to fast-track recruitment, with more than 1000 vacancies and about 650 officers on long-term sick leave.
Nugent has stepped into the role almost 37 years since he graduated from the police academy. He faces the daunting challenge of navigating expected cutbacks in the force’s next budget and growing unrest in the ranks.
A former Victoria Police deputy commissioner, he tossed his hat into the ring to become chief commissioner in 2020, the year Patton was picked for the role, and will be in the running to take the job permanently in the coming months. Nugent resigned from the force in 2023 to take on the role of emergency management commissioner.
“I must admit, when I went to work on Friday morning in my white shirt as the emergency management commissioner, I would not have thought in a million years that I would be back in the blue shirt by the next Wednesday,” Nugent said.
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