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Victoria Police Chief Defends Helicopter Use After New Flight Details Emerge

He maintains the Hobart trip added only minor costs, with no effect on police capacity.

Overview

  • Mike Bush rejects suggestions he misled the public, saying he has boarded the Air Wing helicopter twice in total.
  • He says the July 29 flight was an operational familiarisation with the Air Wing and specialist units.
  • He reiterates his apology for the October 20 Hobart conference trip, calling it the wrong decision.
  • Victoria Police says the Hobart travel fell within contracted flying hours, added small accommodation costs after a mechanical issue, and did not affect operational capacity.
  • Police confirm his wife took a separate 10-minute flight on June 28 after an invitation from a senior Air Wing member, as the opposition presses for fuller transparency on costs and impact.