Less than two months later, Nugent said he would not seek a long-term role, saying, “Life is short and I have other passions to pursue.”
Victoria’s representative committee chair Rick Nugent announced he would not apply for a permanent position, citing the strict nature of the role and his desire to pursue other opportunities.
He will now continue his role until the exchange is appointed.
Nugent took on the role on February 16th, following the departure of Shane Patton, who was banished after an unconfident union-led vote by Rank and File officers.
Less than two months into his job, Nugent revealed at ABC Radio Melbourne that he had not seen serving the five-year term required for a permanent chief commissioner.
“I don’t know I can do it for five years,” he said. “Life is short and I have other passions and opportunities that I want to pursue.”
Deny allegations of political interference
Nugent’s decision comes in speculation about political interference within the leadership of the Victoria Police Department.
The Independent, Broadcast Anti-Corruption Committee (IBAC) is investigating allegations that Prime Minister Jacinta Allan, Police Minister Anthony Calvins and Nugent were involved in the removal of Patton and his deputy department, Neil Patterson.
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However, Nugent firmly denied these claims, saying that his departure was based solely on personal reasons.
“In the end, I look forward to meeting with IBAC and knowing that no matter what the allegations are,” he said.
“Some things have been pretty unforgiving since I got caught up in that role, but sometimes that’s what comes with senior leadership roles.”
Alan confirmed that he would remain in the role until a successor was found.
“He will continue to act in that role. He is the right person to continue to act in that role as we go through the process,” she thanked reporters for his service.
Opposition demands an investigation
Federal opposition leader Peter Dutton criticized the Victorian government and claimed he was struggling to secure Nugent as a permanent police chief.
“It’s a sign that the government is in real trouble and the wheels are falling,” Dutton told ABC Melbourne Radio, suggesting that Nugent is “not encouraged to stick.”
Meanwhile, Shadow Police Minister David Southwick criticized the government for handling police leaders, saying it was “in crisis.”
He called for a completely independent investigation of the appointment process to ensure that it is not affected by the government.
“How can we resolve the crime crisis if Labour cannot maintain its supreme committee?” Southwick posted on X, further calling for the Carbines Police Minister to step down and Prime Minister Alan to take responsibility for the Victoria Police.
A surge in crime promotes concern
Victoria is working on a significant increase in crime, with 578,762 crimes recorded in September 2024, an increase of 13.4% from the previous year.
Property crimes, particularly theft from cars, have skyrocketed to record highs of 68,042 crimes.
Public concerns about safety have raised questions about the stability of the Victoria Police’s leadership and the government’s ability to effectively deal with the state’s crime crisis.
