The embattled NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb has axed the practice of using taxpayers’ money to buy alcohol for gifts and hospitality after she became engulfed in controversy for purchasing 50 bottles of gin.
Webb called Police Minister Yasmin Catley on Thursday morning to inform her that she had scrapped the policy, which she inherited from her predecessor Mick Fuller, effective immediately.
NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb is under intense pressure over purchasing 50 bottles of gin. Credit: James Brickwood
The commissioner has been under intense pressure since it was revealed in parliament that she had bought 50 bottles of personalised gin, known as Commissioner’s Gin, since taking the top job.
An anonymous complaint was lodged with the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC) in October last year into whether the gin purchases constituted a conflict of interest.
The LECC cleared her of any serious misconduct and said it was also “satisfied that the purchase was in accordance with policies and procedures”. However, it found that “Commissioner Webb should have disclosed her association with the supplier when she became aware of the purchase of Commissioner’s Gin”.
Webb ordered the gin from Pokolbin winery and distillery Hope Estate, which was the same supplier used by Fuller. However, the commissioner did not declare she had a years-long friendship with the owner, Michael Hope.
Her office placed an order for 50 bottles, at $85 each, on November 10, 2022, when former Coalition police minister Paul Toole was in cabinet.
Fuller, who bought shiraz from Hope Estate when he was commissioner, put an order in for 48 bottles, at $80 each, on March 22, 2021. He placed an order for 12 bottles, worth $82 each, on November 3, 2021, according to sources who have seen the invoices.
Fuller stepped down as commission in January 2022.
