BARTLETT MUST ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR POLICE UNCERTAINTY

www.tas.greens.org.au
The Tasmanian Greens today said that the decision to refuse the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) leave to appeal against the dismissal of the case against Mr Jack Johnston puts the pressure on Premier David Bartlett to resolve the uncertainty that he created by deciding to appoint Mr Richard McCreadie as interim Police Commissioner to replace incumbent Mr Darren Hine.

Greens Leader Nick McKim MP said that it could destabilise Tasmania Police for Mr Johnston to be reinstated while allegations of code-of-conduct breaches are still being investigated.

“Mr Bartlett’s actions, including his insistence that allegations of criminal behaviour against Mr Johnston be investigated by Tasmania Police officers, have destabilised Tasmania Police, and it is now up to Mr Bartlett to sort out the mess that he has created,” Mr McKim said.

“The code of conduct allegations apparently stem from Mr Bartlett’s bizarre decision to require Tasmania Police officers to investigate their Commissioner, which was not fair to Mr Johnston, or the officers involved.”

“The priority here is that Tasmania Police continues to provide a high level of service to the Tasmanian community. This should remain at the forefront of Mr Bartlett’s mind as he tries to sort out the mess that he has created.”
Nick McKim MP Greens Leader