An investigation into claims the NSW police chief bought alcohol with taxpayer funds has cleared her of serious misconduct but warned she should have disclosed her association with the supplier.
Karen Webb had been under investigation by the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission after it received an anonymous complaint that she failed to declare a conflict of interest over the purchase of bottles of gin.
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In a series of findings released late on Wednesday, the police watchdog said it was satisfied the purchase was in accordance with policies and procedures.
But it found Webb “should have disclosed her association with the supplier when she became aware of the purchase of Commissioner’s Gin”.
NSW independent MP Rod Roberts on Wednesday used parliamentary privilege to allege Webb and her staff had consumed the gin themselves.
Webb rejected the allegation as “completely false”.
“I invite public scrutiny as it is an important part of being NSW Police Commissioner, but these comments are solely intended to damage my personal reputation and have no basis in fact,” she said in a statement.
“The 50 bottles were purchased in accordance with policies and procedures as outlined by LECC. To date, 24 bottles have been distributed as gifts or donated for charity purposes.
“I have not tasted the Commissioner’s Gin and to suggest the bottles were purchased for personal and staff use is incorrect.”
Police Minister Yasmin Catley earlier came to the commissioner’s defence, saying the expenses had been an established practice set by previous police chiefs as gifts to visiting dignitaries and for use at charity events.
“The commissioner ordered bottles of alcohol from the same supplier as the former commissioner did,” she told parliament during Question Time.
“I’m sure all of us have given wine as a gift … it really does seem like quite an ordinary gift to give to me.”
Webb came under fire earlier in 2024 for her handling of an alleged double murder involving a serving officer.
She was accused of taking too long to front the public after the officer was charged, deflecting media scrutiny to her deputy and using flippant language to describe the crimes.
Webb’s decision to part ways with four previous media heads in the space of two years also came under scrutiny, after it was revealed the changes led to almost $700,000 in termination payments.
