Axed deputy cop Neil Paterson calls for independent panel to assess top police role

See why exiled deputy commissioner Neil Paterson wants an overhaul of the panel choosing Victoria’s next police chief.

Exiled top cop Neil Paterson has called for an overhaul of the panel choosing Victoria’s next police chief commissioner as interim boss Rick Nugent looms as an “unbackable” favourite.

Mr Paterson, who is on leave after being informed by Mr Nugent that the Allan government would not be reappointing him, believes an “independent’’ selection committee comprising an interstate police commissioner, a retired Supreme Court judge, an Indigenous person and a community representative is warranted.

“The process should be at arm’s length from government, especially considering recent events,” Mr Paterson said.

“It must be independent.

“Really, the government should be taking the advice of an independent panel rather than applying politics to the process.

“It really shouldn’t involve senior public servants given the politicisation of the public service.”

Exiled Victorian Police Deputy Commissioner Neil Paterson. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Ian Currie

Mr Paterson filed a complaint with anti-corruption body IBAC earlier this month about the circumstances of his non-reappointment with Victoria Police.

The government-appointed selection panel will likely include department of premier and cabinet secretary Jeremi Moule, justice and community safety department secretary Kate Houghton, an interstate commissioner and an eminent community representative.

The field for the Chief Commissioner will not be large, experts believe.

Premier Jacinta Allan said she had no appetite to change the way that a chief commissioner is appointed in Victoria.

“Let’s be clear - the appointment of a Chief Commissioner is a government appointment,” she said.

“That has been the centuries old tradition of how Chief Commissioners are appointed.”

Ms Allan said the process to appoint a new Chief Commissioner was still underway.

One veteran observer of command matters said Mr Nugent would be the hottest of favourites, with his main opposition – if he was interested – perhaps coming from Western Australia Police Commissioner Col Blanch.

Victoria Police Deputy Commissioner Rick Nugent. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Daniel Pockett

That source said Mr Blanch, who left Victoria Police decades ago as a senior detective, would be well credentialed.

But he said he doubted Mr Blanch would move because he is believed to be enjoying the WA job, which does not come with some of the challenges dogging Victoria.

Mr Blanch is in charge of just under 10,000 staff, about half the size of Victoria’s force.

“He would be a good choice. He’s very popular. He’s very hard,” the source said.

Under his leadership he has transformed the organisation’s information technology, ensuring its first responders have the capability at their fingertips to solve crime faster.

Among its rollout of modern tools, WA cops were issued iPhones in 2019 to allow them to perform identity checks, access the police database, capture evidence and report crime.

The source said it seemed Mr Nugent had the inside running after being endorsed by the government with his appointment in an interim capacity for the job.

Former Chief Commissioner Shane Patton. Picture: NewsWire / Nadir Kinani

This was despite his being outside the organisation at the time the Allan government axed Shane Patton after initially telling him he would get another five years in charge.

Mr Nugent’s perceived support from government had the potential to scare off other candidates, the source said.

“Rick is unbackable,” he said.

Mr Nugent was a Victoria Police deputy commissioner before taking the top job at Emergency Management Victoria in 2023.

The government considers Mr Nugent a safe pair of hands and he is capable in front of the media.

Although Mr Nugent is the hot favourite to be selected after applications close on April 4, there are other serious contenders.

Those within Victoria Police ranks who may apply include deputy commissioners Wendy Steendam and Robert Hill, although it is thought to be unlikely.

Others in the executive command team including Libby Murphy, Chris Gilbert and Russell Barrett could consider applying.

Victoria’s chief commissioner is paid between $650,000 and $750,000 a year.

Originally published as Axed deputy cop Neil Paterson calls for independent panel to assess top police role