NSW Police Commissioner Gin: NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb has announced there will be a “comprehensive review” of gift policies following allegations of misconduct.
New South Wales Police Commissioner Karen Webb has called for a “comprehensive review” of the force’s gift policy following allegations that he used taxpayers’ money to buy more than 100 bottles of gin and drank some of them himself.
In a speech under parliamentary privilege on Wednesday afternoon, independent congressman Rod Roberts accused the state’s top police officer of buying more than 100 bottles of gin with taxpayers’ money and drinking some of them himself along with his staff.
“I have very good informants within the New South Wales Police and members of the Bar Association outside who have told me that Commissioner Webb bought more than 100 bottles of gin and he said he used that gin and this morning Ben Fordham said on the radio, ‘I used that gin as a gift for high-ranking visitors,'” Roberts said.
“Okay, that’s not true. And it was used by the commissioner himself and some of his staff.
“And I demand documents to find out where this gin was distributed. Tax money is at stake.”
Ms Webb has denied the allegations and an investigation by the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission found no evidence of serious wrongdoing.
Ms Webb said on Friday she had called for a “comprehensive review” of the New South Wales Police Service’s gift policies, which should be completed in the coming weeks.
The Commissioner’s purchase of gin for visiting commissioners and dignitaries from other jurisdictions was a New South Wales Police tradition started by Ms Webb’s predecessor, former Police Commissioner Mick Fuller.
“I want to reiterate that purchasing alcohol for ceremonial gifts and charitable donations has been a tradition I have continued as commissioner and that I continue to work with the same supplier as before,” Ms Webb said in a statement on Friday.”
Ms Webb also said she had told Police Minister Yasmin Catley that her office would no longer distribute bottles of gin.
“On Wednesday I made a statement regarding the initial order of 50 bottles of Commissioner Gin.”
“After reviewing inventory and the gift list for the last 24 hours, I can confirm that 32 bottles were given out as gifts or donated to charity.
“I have asked that the remaining 18 bottles be donated to Police Legacy for charitable purposes.”
The check on Wednesday revealed that a second order of 50 bottles had been received, which had not yet been paid for and is now being refunded.
The police chief explained that he had not been aware that the producing company was Hope Estates before the first order.
“I fully accept that I should have told the Hope family about my relationship when I found out about it.”
The Law Enforcement Conduct Commission investigated the case and found no evidence of serious misconduct.
“My focus will always be to serve the people of NSW by focusing on my key priorities – reducing crime, connecting with our community and supporting victims.”
