Victoria Police Chief Apologises for Helicopter Trip

Victoria chief commissioner Mike Bush apologised after using a Victoria Police Air Wing helicopter to fly from Melbourne to Hobart to attend the Australian and New Zealand Police Commissioners Forum, saying it was “the wrong decision” and that he should have looked harder for a commercial flight. The secondary helicopter—primarily used for training and as a backup—was used because the fixed‑wing aircraft was deemed unviable due to strong Tasmanian winds; Bush travelled with his staff officer and New Zealand commissioner Richard Chambers. Police said the flight fell within contracted monthly flying hours so it incurred no extra cost and did not affect operational capacity, but the helicopter suffered a mechanical issue and was temporarily grounded before returning to Melbourne. Critics highlighted the poor optics and estimated police helicopter operating costs (about $10,000 an hour), after which Bush returned on a commercial flight and vowed not to repeat the mistake. Bush, who became chief commissioner in June, called it his first mistake amid a challenging period for the force.