FORMER New Zealand Police Commissioner Mike Bush has been appointed to lead Victoria Police as its new Chief Commissioner.

His appointment, formally announced by the state government on Tuesday, follows an extensive recruitment process after Shane Patton left the position following a vote of no confidence from police officers earlier this year.

Mr Bush has 40 years of police experience under his belt, including six years in the top job for New Zealand Police.

During his time leading the New Zealand force, Mr Bush helped New Zealanders through disasters and times of immense trauma including the Christchurch terror attack in 2019, when a gunman shot 51 people dead at two mosques and the Whakaari White Island eruption the same year.

Rick Nugent, who took over as Acting Chief Commissioner on 16 February, will depart from the role on Thursday, with Deputy Commissioner Rob Hill to serve as Acting Chief Commissioner until Mr Bush begins his term on 27 June.

Premier Jacinta Allan said the state government had picked the right man for the job.

“He made the community safer in New Zealand and he’ll make the community safer in Victoria,” she said.

A Victoria Police spokesperson said the force looked forward to Mr Bush’s appointment in June.