Victorian Premier Denies Allegations of Government Conspiracy to Dismiss Top Police Officials
Jacinta Allan refutes claims of political interference in the terminations of senior police leaders amid an IBAC investigation.
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan has categorically rejected allegations that she and Police Minister Anthony Carbines conspired to dismiss senior police officials, Deputy Commissioner Neil Paterson and former Chief Commissioner Shane Patton.
The accusations surfaced as Paterson sought an investigation by Victoria's Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) concerning the circumstances surrounding his departure and that of Patton.
Paterson alleges that the government exerted improper influence over the decisions leading to their terminations and suggested that the appointment of incoming Acting Chief Commissioner Rick Nugent was preordained.
In response to the claims, Premier Allan described the allegations as "absolutely baseless," emphasizing that the assertions are unfounded.
“I want to be really clear, these reports, they’re completely untrue,” Allan said, expressing disappointment over what she perceives as politicization of the anti-corruption commission.
Allan highlighted her commitment to supporting the efforts of Victoria Police and advocated for new bail laws that she aims to pass in the forthcoming parliamentary session.
Rick Nugent, who has taken over the role of Acting Chief Commissioner, also denied the charges brought forth by Paterson, stating that there was no prior discussion regarding his appointment before the weekend following a vote of no confidence in Paterson on February 14.
Nugent stressed that his return to the police force was not contingent on the removal of Deputy Commissioner Paterson.
"There was absolutely no discussion between myself and government about me stepping into the Acting Chief Commissioner role prior to the weekend of 15-16 February," Nugent affirmed, adding that he is prepared to cooperate with IBAC and the Ombudsman as part of the inquiry process.
While it remains at the discretion of IBAC to determine if further investigation will occur, Paterson expressed confidence in the existence of substantial evidence to support his claims.
In the political arena, Liberal leader Brad Battin referred to the allegations as indicative of a broader trend of corruption associated with the Allan Labor government, remarking, "It's not the first time.
This government has had more IBAC investigations than I've probably had breakfasts in the last 12 months."
The accusations surfaced as Paterson sought an investigation by Victoria's Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) concerning the circumstances surrounding his departure and that of Patton.
Paterson alleges that the government exerted improper influence over the decisions leading to their terminations and suggested that the appointment of incoming Acting Chief Commissioner Rick Nugent was preordained.
In response to the claims, Premier Allan described the allegations as "absolutely baseless," emphasizing that the assertions are unfounded.
“I want to be really clear, these reports, they’re completely untrue,” Allan said, expressing disappointment over what she perceives as politicization of the anti-corruption commission.
Allan highlighted her commitment to supporting the efforts of Victoria Police and advocated for new bail laws that she aims to pass in the forthcoming parliamentary session.
Rick Nugent, who has taken over the role of Acting Chief Commissioner, also denied the charges brought forth by Paterson, stating that there was no prior discussion regarding his appointment before the weekend following a vote of no confidence in Paterson on February 14.
Nugent stressed that his return to the police force was not contingent on the removal of Deputy Commissioner Paterson.
"There was absolutely no discussion between myself and government about me stepping into the Acting Chief Commissioner role prior to the weekend of 15-16 February," Nugent affirmed, adding that he is prepared to cooperate with IBAC and the Ombudsman as part of the inquiry process.
While it remains at the discretion of IBAC to determine if further investigation will occur, Paterson expressed confidence in the existence of substantial evidence to support his claims.
In the political arena, Liberal leader Brad Battin referred to the allegations as indicative of a broader trend of corruption associated with the Allan Labor government, remarking, "It's not the first time.
This government has had more IBAC investigations than I've probably had breakfasts in the last 12 months."
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