‘Comprehensive review’ after gin saga

NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb has asked for a “comprehensive review” of force gift policies following allegations she used taxpayer dollars to purchase more than 100 bottles of gin and drank some of it herself.

Upper House independent MP Rod Roberts, speaking on Wednesday afternoon under parliamentary privilege, accused the state’s top cop of purchasing more than 100 bottles of gin with taxpayer money and drinking some of it herself along with her staff members.

“I have very good informants inside the NSW police force and members of the legal fraternity outside who have told me that Commissioner Webb has purchased in excess of 100 bottles of gin, and that gin, she said, and on radio this morning, Ben Fordham, that ‘I’ve used that as gifts to visiting dignitaries’,” Mr Roberts said.

“Well I say, that’s not correct. And that gin has been used by the commissioner herself and some of her members of staff.

“And I’m asking for the records to show where the distribution of that gin went. It is taxpayers’ money.”

Ms Webb has denied the allegations, and no evidence of serious misconduct was found after an investigation by the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission.

Ms Webb revealed on Friday that she has called for a “comprehensive review” of NSW Police Force gift policies to be completed in the coming weeks.

The purchase of gin by the commissioner for visiting commissioners and dignitaries from other jurisdictions was a tradition in the NSW Police Force set out by Ms Webb’s predecessor, former Police Commissioner Mick Fuller.

“I would like to reiterate that the purchase of alcohol for ceremonial gifts and charitable donations was a tradition I continued as Commissioner, continuing with the same supplier as previously used,” Ms Webb said in a statement on Friday.

Ms Webb also revealed she has advised Police Minister Yasmin Catley her office would no longer distribute the bottles of gin.

“On Wednesday, I released a statement regarding an initial order of 50 bottles of Commissioner’s Gin,” she said.

“Following a review of stock and of the gift register in the last 24 hours, I can confirm 32 bottles have been distributed as gifts or donated for charity purposes.

“I have asked that the remaining 18 bottles be donated to Police Legacy for fundraising purposes.”

Wednesday’s review revealed a second order of 50 bottles was made that hadn’t been paid for, which will now be returned.

The Police Commissioner added she wasn’t aware before the first order was placed that the gin manufacturer was Hope estate.

“I fully accept that at the time I became aware, I should have declared my association to the Hope family,” she said.

“The Law Enforcement Conduct Commission has investigated this issue and not found any evidence of serious misconduct.

“My focus will always be on continuing to serve the people of NSW by focusing on my key priorities – reducing crime, connecting with our community, and supporting victims.”