The future leadership of Victoria Police remains in limbo after Acting Chief Commissioner Rick Nugent confirmed he will not apply for the permanent role.
The Age confirmed with two sources on Wednesday that Nugent emailed police members saying he would not seek the top job when applications close on Friday.
Acting Police Chief Commissioner Rick Nugent will not seek the permanent job.Credit: Wayne Taylor.
Nugent, who has previously shied away from the limelight, said he had come to the realisation he could not commit to the 24/7 nature of the job for a full five-year term.
Nugent, who previously served as Victoria’s emergency management commissioner, was appointed interim boss in late February.
On 3AW on Wednesday, Nugent said he’d “stay in the role as long as it’s necessary”.
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“I’ll work with the government on that as well. For me, [that] is absolutely what’s best for the community, but also the organisation,” he said.
“My time is precious to me, and there are other things I want to pursue.”
In a statement released on Wednesday morning, Patton also said it would be hard for him to walk away given the “exceptional support” he’d received in the six weeks since he’d returned to Victoria Police, a factor that made him briefly consider throwing his hat in the ring.
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