The legislation that exists currently for police was updated in 2013 to the Victoria Police Act. The new Act included a number of changes relevant to a new and modern-day police service. However, some changes between the old and new Acts have led to the government of the day in Victoria having far more control over Victoria Police than the community should feel safe about.
Currently, senior police are appointed to their roles by politicians and placed on short-term contracts. The adage ‘you don’t bite the hand that feeds you’ is true… The current Victoria Police Minister meets with the Chief Commissioner on a weekly basis to discuss how policing will affect politics. Our current system supports a senior police force operating from a position of ‘do what’s best for your government and your job security’.
