politics
More than 120 crown prosecutors issue statement supporting director of public prosecutions
More than 120 crown prosecutors released a joint statement backing the director of public prosecutions after a parliamentary inquiry report found she authorised a media leak and gave false evidence. The attorney-general declined to remove the director, describing the findings as unfounded.
Jul 8, 2:48 AM·1m read1 source
Audio version
Tap play to generate a narrated version.
Developing·Limited corroboration so far. This page will refresh as more sources emerge.
The inquiry's 4-3 majority found the director authorised a leak from her office to radio station 2GB and gave false evidence about the matter to the committee. The statement, issued by senior crown prosecutor Brett Hatfield SC on behalf of the prosecutors, described the director as a person of the highest integrity and professional ethics.
Attorney-general response The attorney-general told the ABC he believes the director's sworn testimony that she did not authorise the leak and declined to remove her from office. He referred to the committee's findings as unfounded.
Former director and professional bodies Former director of public prosecutions Nicholas Cowdrey, who held the office for 16 years, said the inquiry was outrageous and the findings would not hold up in court. The NSW Bar Association and the Law Society issued a statement calling for the office of the director of public prosecutions to remain independent of parliamentary oversight.
The Public Service Association, which represents legal and court sector workers, also defended the director. Eight other Commonwealth, state and territory directors of public prosecutions wrote to the attorney-general ahead of the report's release, reiterating their support.
