Sue Neales Mercury Saturday Aug 16
FORMER premier Paul Lennon has emerged as the central figure in the shock standing aside of Tasmanian Police Commissioner Jack Johnston. Read more here
Matthew Denholm Australian Saturday
TASMANIAN Director of Public Prosecutions Tim Ellis is overseeing a police investigation into alleged criminal conduct by police commissioner Jack Johnston, as the Premier promises a “suite” of reforms to clean up the state’s image. Read more here
Sue Neales Mercury Friday Aug 15
Detectives are investigating whether Mr Johnston may have committed a crime under Section 110 of the Criminal Code, by disclosing information or contents of a document which he had a duty to keep secret. It is believed the allegations are linked to a Criminal Investigation Bureau probe led by Commander Colin Little into suggestions of political interference surrounding government senior legal appointments. One of the matters under investigation is the “Shreddergate affair”, when former attorney-general Steve Kons shredded a Cabinet recommendation that lawyer Simon Cooper be made a magistrate, after being phoned by former Premier’s Department chief Linda Hornsey. Another issue being investigated is whether the Lennon government promised a senior legal appointment to Tasmanian barrister and QC Stephen Estcourt in return for favours. Read more here
