Former Australian Border Force head lashes out at 'scandalmongers'
A high-ranking Australian Border Force officer who quit after allegations he helped his partner gain employment has lashed out at the “scandalmongers’’ and pledged to return to the head position as soon as he is cleared.
Former AFB Commissioner Roman Quaedvlieg maintains he has “not acted inappropriately’’.
“I’m looking forward to an early exoneration and resuming my public service career and contributing to Australia’s national security,’’ Mr Quaedvlieg told The Weekend Australian.
“[This is] critically important, especially at a time where it is being threatened by splintering but still pernicious global ideologies that motivate individuals and groups to commit senseless acts of terrorism on innocent populations.’’
Mr Quaedvlieg was forced to take personal leave amid allegation he helped a junior female staff member, who he was in a relationship with, get a job at Sydney Airport - which he has denied.
He is understood to have denied the allegations against him, arguing he actively removed himself from the process. Mr Quaedvlieg maintains his partner was employed on her own merit.
Mr Quaedvlieg yesterday asked the process to be allowed to run its course “without further speculation’’, which he said "causes unwarranted scrutiny and distress to my family and loved ones, and serves only to gratify the prurient interests of scandalmongers".
"I’ve not acted inappropriately and I’m looking forward to an early exoneration and resuming my public service career and contributing to Australia’s national security which is critically important,” he said in a statement.
Within days of the scandal becoming public, news broke of a second senior ABF officer, assistant commissioner Peter Docwra, being investigated over similar claims.
Assistant Commissioner Peter Docwra - who was head of the ABF's capability division - resigned on Thursday after taking extended leave.
It is unclear the nature of the allegations against Mr Docwra, however it he is reportedly being investigated over claims he had an inappropriate relationship.
The immigration department released a brief statement confirming Mr Docwra's departure.
"The department can confirm that Mr Docwra is no longer an employee of the Australian Border Force," said on Friday.
It is understood the investigation could continue irrespective of his resignation.
"The department does not comment or confirm whether any matter is, or is not, under investigation," the spokeswoman said.
Newsbreak - July 15
