DPP backs investigative body

Michael Stedman Mercury

DIRECTOR of Public Prosecutions Tim Ellis has thrown strong support behind an independent investigative body for the state. Mr Ellis this morning gave evidence to the Joint Select Committee on Ethical Conduct. He is now reviewing evidence briefs to determine whether charges can be laid in relation to allegations of interference in the appointment of a magistrate and allegations lawyer Stephen Estcourt was offered the position of Solicitor General in return for certain favours. Mr Ellis said any new investigative body should have the power to not only initiate investigations into criminal conduct but report on failures of governance and due process. “There is also something to be said in not only investigating conduct but reporting on it even if it falls short of criminal conduct,” Mr Ellis said. “Whether of not there has been criminal conduct in the investigations that have come to me, it appears there has been an appalling failure of process in both nominated appointments. Mr Ellis also reinforced his view about the lack of independence between the police and executive government. Read more here

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