NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb has defended spending over $11,000 of taxpayer money on alcohol and gift boxes for visiting dignitaries.
On Wednesday, Webb confirmed to 2GB’s Ben Fordham that she purchased 50 bottles of gin and 200 gift boxes, following a practice established by her predecessor, Mick Fuller.
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The expenses included $4,250 for custom-labelled “Commissioner’s Gin” from Hope Estate and $6,704 for Tasmanian oak gift boxes, bringing the total to $11,339.30.
“After becoming Commissioner, I was informed by the previous commissioner of his practice of providing bottles of commissioner’s signature Shiraz wine as courtesy gifts,” Webb wrote in a text to Fordham.
“I continued this tradition… Some are being gifted to such visitors and others for special occasions such as being donated to police legacy as an auction item, supporting families of deceased police. This is an established precedent.”
Upper House MP Rod Roberts accused Webb of using the gin for herself and her staff, alleging the purchase of over 100 bottles.
Webb responded to the claim, saying: “These comments are solely intended to damage my personal reputation and have no basis in fact.”
She said that the purchases complied with Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC) policies and that 24 bottles had been given as gifts or for charity purposes.
NSW Police Minister Yasmin Catley also defended Webb, saying she was following established practices.
“I have always acted honestly and in the best interest of the NSW Police Force and the people of NSW,” Webb added.
The LECC’s investigation into the matter, prompted by an anonymous complaint, found no serious misconduct but recommended regular reminders for NSWPF employees to declare conflicts of interest.
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