Mike Bush sworn in as Victoria Police’s new chief commissioner

Mike Bush has revealed his key priorities as he was officially sworn in as Chief Commissioner, promising to tackle the state’s out-of-control crime wave and restore the public’s faith in the force.

New Police Commissioner Mike Bush with Premier Jacinta Allan and Police Minister Anthony Carbines on Friday. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

• Top cop’s task goes beyond fighting crime

The state’s new top has vowed to take down and dismantle organised crime figures who inflict “so much harm” as he was officially sworn in as Chief Commissioner.

Mike Bush officially became Victoria Police’s 24th Chief Commissioner on Friday before outlining his key priorities for the embattled force.

Mr Bush, who led the New Zealand Police force between 2014 and 2020, said tearing down organised crime and fixing critical police shortages were two of his main objectives.

Mr Bush said his 40-plus years in policing would assist him in driving down Victoria’s disastrous crime rate.

He said organised criminals were directly in his sights.

Mike Bush has officially been sworn in as Chief Commissioner. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

“There’s too much crime. There’s too much youth crime. Organised crime drives so much harm in our communities. We’ve got to find a way to work with others to get ahead of it,” he said.

“We should not tolerate organised crime. People who do this thing cannot survive if you take two things away from them simultaneously; their liberty and their assets.

“And it must be done together. Because if they continue to have one of those, they continue to be powerful and influential.

“We’re going to work together to ensure we deprive them of both of those things simultaneously.”

Police Commissioner Mike Bush is joined by Premier Jacinta Allan and Police Minister Anthony Carbines. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Organised criminals have wreaked havoc in Victoria for the past two-to-three years, inflicting serious physical and financial damage on everyday Victorians.

There have been 138 arson attacks linked to the illicit tobacco trade and organised crime figures have reportedly infiltrated the building industry.

Middle Eastern organised crime crews, especially those pulling the strings from overseas, pose as one of Mr Bush’s most challenging jobs.

The veteran officer is also tasked with bringing the state’s overall crime rate down, which rose more than 17 per cent over the past year.

Car thefts rose 47 per cent, arson attacks jumped 33 per cent, aggravated burglaries increased 27 per cent and family violence incidents are again at an all-time high.

Mr Bush said he also wanted to instil further trust in the police force.

Mr Bush speaks to members at the Victorian Police Academy chapel. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

He said the public’s perception of Victoria Police wasn’t good enough at the moment.

“It’s not where it should be,” he added.

“My mission is to ensure that the public and the community do have complete faith in Victoria Police.

“That’s really easy to say. How do you do that? You do that by firstly, operational excellence. You make sure that the policing service that we deliver to everyone is the best.

“We also do it by ensuring that we behave the way police officers should.”

Mr Bush on Friday attended a “powhiri”, a traditional Maori ceremony welcoming the new top cop and his family to the force.

Premier Jacinta Allan said the welcoming ceremony was entirely appropriate.

She confirmed those who participated in the ceremony from New Zealand paid their own way.

Premier Jacinta Allan said she was delighted with Mr Bush’s appointment. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

“The costs were modest. The travel costs, I’m advised, for the New Zealand participants were covered by those individuals,” she said.

“It was a moving ceremony because it was all about transferring Mike and his family from the care of one nation and one culture to another.”

Ms Allan said she was delighted with the appointment of Mr Bush.

“Mike Bush is an outstanding leader, he’s the best person for the job,” she added.

“Victoria should be very proud that we secured the best leader for the best police force in our nation.”

Police Association Victoria secretary Wayne Gatt said he backed Mr Bush to “win back Victoria”.

“He’s regarded as a leader who listens to his troops, who connects with community and has been known to prioritise prevention as the greatest weapon against crime,” he said.

“We think, given the challenges we currently face in policing in this state, that these virtues will be invaluable in the fight to win back Victoria.”

Originally published as Mike Bush sworn in as Victoria Police’s new chief commissioner