They are fast-tracking this legal amendment to eliminate any uncertainty concerning the authority of someone who is not an Australian citizen in this position.
Premier Jacinta Allan revealed the government discovered the stipulation while sorting through paperwork for the appointment process.
“This law is outdated and misaligned with the contemporary landscape of Victoria, where we aim to draw talent from a global pool,” Allan stated.
The government today sought to pass an “urgent amendment” through parliament to circumvent the problem, Treasurer Jaclyn Symes revealed.
“Certain common law principles suggest there could be complications in appointing a chief commissioner who isn’t an Australian citizen,” Symes explained.
The opposition has criticised the government for failing to properly think through its recruitment process.
“Why would you go on an international search for a new chief commissioner, but not check whether the outcome would be lawful?” Liberal MP David Davis said.
“This is a reflection of their chaotic approach to government, their chaotic approach to legislating.”
Allan maintains Bush, who was New Zealand commissioner of police from 2014 until his retirement in 2020, is “an outstanding appointment” and “the best person for the job”.
