Some media organisations have chosen to report today that the State Government ‘bypassed’ the Crime and Misconduct Commission when extending the Police Commissioner’s contract.
This information was published despite the CMC providing several journalists with the following statement:
‘Several meetings have taken place between the CMC and the state government with regards to the Police Commissioner’s reappointment. As a result, there are new conditions which ensure that his performance, and the performance of any future Police Commissioners, is managed and measured. Essentially, the CMC has requested that performance measures are included in the contract.’
It is disappointing that some journalists chose to ignore the CMC’s statement and misrepresent the CMC’s relationship with the State Government.
As indicated by the statement released yesterday regarding the Police Commissioner’s reappointment, the CMC clearly had a role to play.
While under legislation the State Government was not obliged to obtain the CMC’s agreement when renewing the Police Commissioner’s contract, the Police Minister and the Department of Premier and Cabinet chose to consult with the CMC as it was in the public interest to resolve the appointment.
--ENDS--
