THE police watchdog wants to speak to Chief Commissioner Christine Nixon over her luxury junket to Los Angeles with Qantas.

An Office of Police Integrity spokesman said the office's director Michael Strong would speak to Ms Nixon to seek further information about the circumstances of the trip.

Ms Nixon and her husband John Becquet this week flew to Los Angeles and back to Melbourne on Qantas's new A380 super jumbo, courtesy of Qantas.

Ms Nixon is unrepentant about the trip, saying she took leave from work and went to accompany her husband, a former Qantas executive.

The police manual warns of the dangers of accepting free gifts and directs police not to endorse or recommend services or products.

The OPI spokesman today said Mr Strong would speak to Ms Nixon but a formal interview was not planned.

"He's going to be seeking further information about the circumstances of the flight by the chief commissioner to Los Angeles, obviously seeking for her to spell out the circumstances of that trip,'' the spokesman said.

"It's not a formal interview, no.''

This was likely to happen within the next week, he said.

It was too early to comment on any issues about the trip, he said.

As the Premier and the Police Minister yesterday strongly backed her, the Chief Commissioner declared "I believe what I've done is reasonable and fair.

"I don't owe Qantas anything," she said.

"I understand it's been said it's a very expensive holiday.

"Qantas owns the plane, and Qantas obviously owns part of the hotel as well, so I don't think it was very expensive in that way."

Ms Nixon praised the Qantas jet after joining its inaugural flight.

"We've been asked to be part of an amazing event - the plane was just magnificent," Ms Nixon said.

She and her husband returned to Melbourne yesterday.

They had free accommodation at the Sofitel in Beverly Hills and had private tours of galleries and museums during the all-expenses paid trip.

Ms Nixon told Police Minister Bob Cameron before she left that she was taking leave to accompany her husband.

The minister said yesterday: "She's doing a great job and has the full support of the Government."

A spokeswoman for Premier John Brumby said Ms Nixon was entitled to take leave, and her leave arrangements were a matter for her.

While Ms Nixon retains the backing of the Government, Labor sources told the Herald Sun some people expected her to stand down before her second four-year contract expired next April.

Government sources said if she wanted to stay she would be given a new contract.

Ms Nixon said yesterday she would be happy to discuss the trip with the OPI.

A spokeswoman said: "The Chief Commissioner has been very transparent about this issue, particularly as a number of journalists were also on the flight and she was aware of this prior to taking part."

As she touched down in Melbourne yesterday morning, Ms Nixon said: "I was very aware of what I was doing.

"I had thought about whether or not I should accept this trip, and I understand that some people think it's inappropriate.

"I think it is reasonable that I accompanied my husband, went there for about 20 hours, and have come back on Thursday morning.

"I understand people's concerns but I believe what I've done is reasonable and fair. I don't think I've compromised Victoria Police at all."

Ms Nixon said she had wanted to take the trip because it was a significant occasion for her husband.

Opposition Leader Ted Baillieu said yesterday he would not have taken the trip. "I understand she sought approval from the minister . . . so to that extent you can't argue she's done something wrong.

"But it's not something I would have done," he said.

Former premier John Cain said Ms Nixon should not have taken the trip.

"I've always had a strict view on this, and that view hasn't changed," he said.

"I don't think public office holders should put themselves in a position where they can be compromised. Public office holders are different."

Governor Sir Brian Murray was forced from office during Mr Cain's term in office after accepting free overseas travel from Continental Airlines.

At the time, senior and junior police were taking trips in a fares racket organised by the airline's Melbourne manager.