NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb backflips on controversial media chief appointment
NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb has backflipped on her decision to appoint a former Channel 7 producer as her chief media adviser.
Veteran journalist Steve Jackson was only hired 10 days ago following the departure of Webb’s previous adviser, but on Thursday NSW Police revealed the appointment would not go ahead.
Ms Webb previously said Mr Jackson would take on the role on a “temporary” basis until formal recruitment processes were completed.
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READ NOWHowever, in a statement released on Thursday, Ms Webb reneged on her controversial decision.
“The NSW Police Force has ceased the temporary appointment for the role of the executive director, public affairs branch,” the statement said.
“To best serve the interests of the NSW Police and community, the executive director, public affairs branch needs to be able to fulfil the duties of the role free from external distractions and ongoing media attention.
“The current arrangements for the role will continue for the time being”
Ms Webb has recently faced criticism over her public comments following the alleged murders of Jesse Baird and Luke Davies by a NSW police officer, whereby she referred to the alleged murders as a “crime of passion” and quoted Taylor Swift during a press conference on the couple’s death.
Mr Jackson was previously a producer on the Channel 7 Spotlight program.
Originally published as NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb backflips on controversial media chief appointment
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