NSW Police has scrapped plans to appoint the former Spotlight producer Steve Jackson, who worked on the program’s interview with Bruce Lehrmann, as the new chief of their media unit.
Veteran journalist Steve Jackson’s appointment has sparked a storm of controversy ever since it was announced last week on a “temporary” basis.
But in a statement, NSW police confirmed on Thursday afternoon that the planned appointment will now not proceed. News.com.au has contacted Jackson for comment.
“The NSW Police Force has ceased the temporary appointment for the role of the Executive Director, Public Affairs Branch,” the statement read.
“To best serve the interests of the NSW Police and community, the Executive Director, Public Affairs Branch needs to be able to fulfil the duties of the role free from external distractions and ongoing media attention.”
“The current arrangements for the role will continue for the time being.”
NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb revealed this week that security checks over her new media spin doctor were “ongoing” leaving the door open to reversing the appointment.
In an extraordinary interview on 2GB radio, Commissioner Webb told Hadley on Monday that the “interim” appointment to the $400,000 a year role could be reversed pending those security checks...
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