Media Release - Operation Askern

Wednesday, 7 August 2024

On 27 September 2023 the LECC received an anonymous complaint in relation to the purchase of ‘Commissioner’s Gin’ and the failure by Commissioner Webb to declare a conflict of interest in respect to this purchase.

The Commission began an investigation into this complaint in October 2023, called Operation Askern. 

The Commission has now concluded that investigation and made the following findings:

1.         The Commission is of the view the evidence does not support a finding of serious misconduct against Commissioner Webb or any other Police Officer in relation to the purchase of the Commissioner’s Gin and presentation boxes.

2.         The Commission is satisfied that the purchase was in accordance with policies and procedures.

3.         The Commission found that Commissioner Webb should have disclosed her association with the supplier when she became aware of the purchase of Commissioner’s Gin.

4.         The Commission recommended that all NSWPF employees, including the Senior Executive and the Commissioner of Police are regularly reminded of their duty to declare any conflict of interest, including a perceived conflict of interest.

The Commission decided it was appropriate to set out the allegations, the investigation and its findings in a report made under s 135 of the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission Act 2016. On 6 August 2024 the report was provided to the Minister for Police and the Commissioner of Police as required by s 135 of the LECC Act.

The Commission’s report is subject to a non-publication order, except for the information contained in this media release.