Victoria state police commissioner Christine Nixon has caused a commotion by offering to lead a group of gay and lesbian officers in next year's Melbourne gay parade. She also announced that police officers will be allowed to wear their uniforms in the parade.

Nixon is Australia's first ever female police chief. She was appointed by the Victorian state government in early 2001. She has been credited with helping change the homophobic views and practices of the New South Wales police.

The announcement has received mixed reactions. One Labor state group that was working for the advancement of gay rights applauded it as being enlightened and a big move towards gay equality and acceptance. Traditionalists, however, are outraged, claiming that such a move would undermine and damage the credibility of the police.