Two Kiwis step into top Victorian jobs, with one position a headache for Allan government

New Zealand’s Covid-19 response leader will become Victoria’s top health official, as the Allan government scrambles to legalise the appointment of another Kiwi to head police.

Victoria’s next chief health officer Caroline McElnay. Picture: Getty Images

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A seasoned pandemic veteran and public health leader from New Zealand will take the reins as Victoria’s next chief health officer, becoming the second Kiwi to step into a top position in one of the state’s most scrutinised roles.

Caroline McElnay QSO, who steered New Zealand through the Covid-19 pandemic alongside then-prime minister Jacinda Ardern, has been appointed by the Victorian government following a global search. She will commence the role in August.

It follows the resignation of Clare Looker from the top job.

Having served as director of public health for New Zealand between 2017 and 2022, Dr McElnay led key responses to measles outbreaks and the Covid-19 pandemic, becoming a familiar face in daily briefings to the nation.

She will provide expert clinical and scientific advice on issues impacting public health and oversee a variety of statutory functions under health and food-related legislation.

The role also includes informing and engaging with Victorians about public health issues and seasonal conditions that may ­affect their health and safety, such as flu, RSV, measles, extreme heat and mosquito-borne diseases.

Her appointment comes as doubts were cast over incoming Victoria Police commissioner Mike Bush, who was also snapped up from New Zealand following a global search. Treasurer Jaclyn Symes said the government would ram through an urgent amendment to ensure Mr Bush was eligible for the job.

Victoria’s new police chief commissioner Mike Bush. Picture: Ian Currie/NewsWire

She said there was concern the changes were for “the avoidance of doubt” because Mr Bush was not an Australian citizen.

“As leader of the house, it’s been brought to my attention that we are seeking to pass an urgent amendment today,” she said.

“There is some common law principles that suggest there might be an issue for appointing a chief commissioner that is not an Australian citizen, that is not definitive, but to ensure there are no issues, no challenges, it’s something we should fix.

“I’d expect all members of parliament to support that, given I think there’s broad support for the appointment.”

The Allan government now faces a tight deadline to push legislative changes through the lower house in the next sitting week, with just 10 days remaining before Mr Bush is to take office on June 27.

The amendment to the Victoria Police Act 2013 aims to allow New Zealand citizens to serve as chief commissioner or deputy commissioners of police.

The rushed changes are designed to accommodate the incoming police chief, following the abrupt departure of his predecessor after just weeks in the role.

The troubled police force has cycled through three acting or chief commissioners in as many months.