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Horty
to stand trial
(AAP)
November 26, 2007
A brother
of drug baron Tony
Mokbel has been ordered to stand trial on
drug charges.
Horty
Mokbel, 44, appeared by video link in the
Melbourne Magistrates Court for the final day of
a three-day committal hearing on six charges.
He reserved his
plea on all counts, which include two of
trafficking a large commercial quantity of
methylamphetamine — from which the drug ice is
derived — and one of trafficking a commercial
quantity of precursor drug phenyl 2 propanone.
He is also
charged with attempting to possess
methylamphetamine, dealing with $9205 (being
proceeds from crime) and inciting another to
commit an offence.
Magistrate John
Hardy remanded Mokbel in custody and committed
him to stand trial in the Supreme Court.
There was no
application for bail.
Horty Mokbel's
other brother, Kabalan Mokbel, is awaiting a
court hearing this month after police allegedly
found more than two kilograms of
methylamphetamine in his car.
 Senior
police ask Mullett to go
November 28, 2007
A
group of respected senior police,
including former close colleagues of
Paul Mullett, have told the Police
Association secretary it is time to go.
Two
superintendents, four inspectors and a
sergeant say many police are
"embarrassed and angry" at
Sen-Sgt Mullett's refusal to stand down.
In an
open letter to the Herald Sun, they say:
"It is simply untenable for police
officers, of all people, to have as
their industrial advocate a person in
respect of whom unresolved serious
criminal allegations exist.
"Mr
Mullett has been suspended in connection
with serious allegations that he sold
out a murder investigation and breached
the OPI and Telecommunications
Acts."
The
letter is signed by Supts Brett Guerin
and Graham Kent, Det Insp Michael
Sheehan, Insps Philip Green, Neil
Paterson and David Blencowe, and Det Sgt
Allan Birch.
The
seven, who include officers who worked
beside Sen-Sgt Mullett in his days with
the armed robbery squad, said his
refusal to go appeared to have little to
do with the union's interests.
"But
(it has) more to do with his personal
battle with Chief Commissioner Christine
Nixon," they wrote.
Sen-Sgt
Mullett is waiting to learn whether he
will face charges over allegations he
inappropriately discussed phone taps and
a secret Office of Police Integrity
hearing.
He is
accused of being part of a chain of
police leaks that led to a serving
officer being alerted that he was under
investigation over a murder.
That
suspect was suspended Det Sgt Peter
Lalor, a former Police Association
delegate accused of handing a hitman the
address of gigolo Shane Chartres-Abbott,
who was shot dead outside his Reservoir
home in June, 2003.
The
officers' letter states that Sen-Sgt
Mullett should not have been present
during last Friday's delegates' meeting,
which voted in favour of his staying on
as secretary.
"That
Mr Mullett was present during Friday's
delegates' meeting when his status was
discussed, and that he remained to
observe the vote, seems to be a conflict
of interest and, in our opinion, brings
discredit to those involved in the
process," the letter said.
"He
should stand aside in the interests of
the people he purports to represent so
that the reputation and credibility of
this proud and honourable association
ceases to be publicly tarnished."
Sen-Sgt
Mullett declined to comment on the
letter.
Though
there are reports of mounting concern
among police over his stance, it appears
unlikely any move will be made to unseat
him by ballot until the new year.
Under
Police Association rules, his opponents
would be required to gather the
signatures of 5 per cent of members --
about 550 -- to force an extraordinary
general meeting, which could result in a
spill of positions.
It would
be a minimum 28 days from the time the
signatures were received until the
meeting could be held.
"They'd
need to get their skates on this
week," a source said.
At least
four members of the association's
executive voted for Sen-Sgt Mullett to
stand down after the OPI hearings.
One of
them, Insp Craig Walsh, resigned last
week.
Sen-Sgt
Mullett has become isolated since Ms
Nixon suspended him from the police
force on November 15.
She will
not deal with him, and Premier John
Brumby has ordered government officials
to follow suit.
Mokbel associates
bailed
(The Age)
November 22, 2007
Two brothers who
allegedly set up a drug
laboratory on instructions
from fugitive Tony
Mokbel were today bailed
at Melbourne Magistrates
Court.
Wayne and Matthew Finn
were arrested by Victoria's
Purana taskforce on November
14 after police raided an
alleged clandestine
laboratory and found drug
manufacturing equipment and
precursor chemicals.
A Purana detective
claimed that the brothers
were "engaged" by
Tony Mokbel in early 2005 to
make methamphetamine.
The court heard that
Wayne Finn attended the
Springvale factory with
Mokbel and others and spent
two days participating in
and getting instructions for
the manufacture of the drug.
Magistrate Felicity
Broughton heard that an
unnamed witness had
implicated the brothers and
that up to $700,000 of
wholesale methamphetamines
could have been produced .
Wayne Finn, 40, faces
nine charges, including
trafficking a large
commercial quantity of
methamphetamines and
possessing precursor
chemicals.
Matthew Finn, 31, is
charged with five offences
that include trafficking a
large commercial quantity of
methamphetamine and
possessing precursor drugs.
Defence barristers
Stephen Shirrefs, QC, and
Len Hartnett said both
clients denied the
allegations.
Police opposed bail for
the brothers on grounds that
they would interfere with
witnesses and obstruct the
course of justice.
In granting bail, Ms
Broughton said she was
satisfied both men did not
pose an unacceptable risk.
The men were released
with a surety of $60,000
each and were ordered to
report to police three times
a week, surrender their
passports and not contact
any witnesses.
Both were ordered to
appear again in April.
Mullett
faces charges from union member
(The Age)
November 23, 2007
Embattled
Police Association secretary Paul
Mullett is facing yet another
challenge — being charged by a
former union president with
bringing the association into
disrepute.
A
much anticipated delegates'
meeting will held at 11am today
where the union's 52 delegates
will have their say on whether it
is in the members' best interests
for Mr Mullett to remain in his
position while he is suspended and
could face charges arising from
recent Office of Police Integrity
hearings.
A
special executive meeting has also
been called for 7am to hear the
charges being issued under the
association's constitution by a
lifetime union member and its
former president.
Charges
likely to be brought against Mr
Mullett include acting in a manner
calculated to bring the
association into disrepute;
dereliction of duty and/or
dishonourable conduct; and, acting
detrimentally to the interests of
the association and its members.
If the charges are proven,
penalties range from a fine or
reprimand to suspension or
expulsion from the union.
Under
the association's constitution,
any of the 11,000 members may
charge another member in writing,
by summoning them before the
executive.
The
senior officer behind the charge
could not be contacted last night.
Mr
Mullett was suspended from the
force by Chief Commissioner
Christine Nixon last week after
the OPI heard allegations he was
part of a chain of leaks which
tipped off a police target of a
murder investigation. He may be
charged under the
Telecommunications (Interception
and Access) Act and the OPI Act.
Despite
the situation, the majority of
executive members voted to allow
him to continue in his union role
— even after Ms Nixon and
Victorian Premier John Brumby
admitted they would find it
difficult to work with Mr Mullett.
One
executive member, Inspector Craig
Walsh, has resigned in protest and
others are believed to be
considering whether to follow.
Mr
Brumby yesterday renewed calls for
the union to consider a change of
leadership in the interests of its
broader membership.
Meanwhile,
Superintendent Graham Kent, a
former union assistant secretary
and foe of Mr Mullett's, said he
had "real concerns"
about today's delegates' meeting,
as many delegates had failed to
seek members' views. "I'm
also concerned about how the
delegates will respond because on
past form … they have failed to
stand up to him (Mullett), either
because they're scared of him or
because they're overborne by his
rhetoric and his bizarre paranoia
and conspiracy theories."
Union
representatives met Ms Nixon
yesterday to discuss how they
could work together. The union's
assistant secretary, Bruce
McKenzie, said they emphasised
that "strident representation
of our members will always be our
first priority".
"We
further explained that the
structure of the association was a
matter for us and our members and
that the current structure and
proposed arrangements would assist
the force and the association in
continuing to communicate,"
he said.
Setback
for Mullett
(The Age)
November 22, 2007
Paul
Mullett's fight to retain control of
the Police Association has suffered a
blow with the resignation of a respected
member of the union's executive.
It is
believed Inspector Craig Walsh quit the
board in protest at Mr Mullett's refusal
to step down from his position as union
secretary while he waits to see whether
he will face charges arising from the
recent Office
of Police Integrity hearings.
Inspector
Walsh, a member of the executive for
five years, is currently with the
operational safety division at the
police academy. He previously headed the
media unit and served in the homicide
and armed robbery squads, and the elite
special operations group.
It is
believed Inspector Walsh was one of the
minority of board members who voted last
week for Mr Mullett to stand down. His
resignation strengthens Mr Mullett's
hold on the board numerically, but it
could send a message to the wider
membership and fortify Mr Mullett's
foes.
A number
of emails circulated in the police force
yesterday urging union delegates to tell
Mr Mullett to stand down.
The 52
delegates will gather tomorrow morning
to vote on whether they should recommend
to the union executive that Mr Mullett
step aside, although the vote is
non-binding.
Mr
Mullett has refused requests to do so,
but if enough executive members changed
their vote, he would have no choice but
to step down and put assistant secretary
Bruce McKenzie in charge indefinitely.
If the
delegates did not recommend that Mr
Mullett stand down, anti-Mullett forces
would work to gather the 550 signatures
necessary to force an extraordinary
general meeting and a possible spill of
board positions, including that of the
secretary.
Mr
Mullett, who has been suspended by Chief
Commissioner Christine Nixon, is working
to shore up his support, but those who
believe he should go have been equally
busy.
One email
circulating widely is written by a
senior policeman with experience in
suburban stations, the homicide squad
and the ethical standards department.
"As
an association member of 20 years, my
reaction to the unfolding dispute has
been one of embarrassment and profound
sadness," the email says.
"There
is no viable option other than Paul
Mullett standing down and having Bruce
McKenzie as assistant secretary take
over as acting secretary."
While Mr
Mullett is entitled to a presumption of
innocence, the email says, he should
stand down while there exists the
possibility that he will be charged with
inappropriately discussing phone taps
and a confidential OPI hearing.
The email
criticises the executive for not
countering Mr Mullett's threat to take
industrial action if his suspension was
not lifted. "This threat would see
the withdrawal of policing service to
Victoria in support of a union secretary
who stands suspected of criminal acts
and political interference."
If Mr
Mullett stood down, Mr McKenzie would
take charge. The uniformed inspector has
a background in operational policing,
training and policy work. He is well
liked and respected, and is a less
confrontational figure than Mr Mullett.
Rats
among the ranks
By John Silvester (The Age)
Read
John Silvester's story on the 2007
OPI Hearings
Shooting
probe urged
(Herald Sun)
November 20, 2007
Police chief Christine Nixon has been
urged to reopen an investigation
into an unsolved murder attempt.
Former
music promoter Michael Trkulja was
shot in the back by a hitman
wearing a balaclava while dining
at a St Albans restaurant in June
2004.
The
would-be killer fled after his
pistol jammed as he prepared to
fire a second shot at Mr Trkulja,
who had been enjoying a Sunday
lunch with his elderly mother.
A
Victoria Police document reveals
detectives dropped the
investigation because of a lack of
evidence.
But
Mr Trkulja, 58, claims he now
knows the identity of the hitman
and those who hired him.
He
says he has passed the names to
police.
"He
(the hitman) was offered $10,000
to kill me. I know who sent him
and they know that I know who they
are," Mr Trkulja told the
Herald Sun.
"I've
told the police. I just want
justice.
"Nobody
should be shot like this."
Mr
Trkulja's lawyer, high-profile
solicitor George
Defteros, has written to Ms
Nixon seeking a fresh
investigation and the request is
being considered.
Time
bomb threatens to blow force apart
(The Age)
November 17, 2007
The
OPI
public hearings may not have
found a smoking gun — but the
agency may well have left a
ticking time bomb.
The
inquiry began with the core
allegation that a chain of leaks
ended with Police Association
secretary Paul
Mullett effectively sabotaging
a murder inquiry to protect an old
detective crony. And while the
hearing exposed disloyalty,
disgraceful conduct and downright
lies, it has not been able to
prove that Mullett was the rat in
the ranks.
During
the hearings, media director Steve
Linnell and assistant commissioner
Noel Ashby resigned and Inspector
Glenn Weir, whose role in events
is minor at best, was suspended.
Now Mullett has been suspended as
the evidence points to possible
criminal breaches.
The
fallout so far is that while no
criminal charges have been laid,
the police force faces industrial
meltdown.
It
is now urgent the OPI reviews the
evidence, seeks the views of the
Office of Public Prosecutions and
makes public its decision to
either lay charges or exonerate.
If Mullett and the others are
charged after an objective review
of the evidence, then perceptions
of unfairness would be dispelled.
The cases can then be heard in an
open court with the appropriate
presumption of innocence. If no
charges are laid, Mullett's
suspension should be lifted.
Meanwhile,
his position is eroded. The
Government has withdrawn its
support and he is banned from all
police stations.
His
executive is backing him but in
reality, he cannot do his job. He
should stand down on full pay with
no admission of guilt.
Mullett
locked out
(The Age)
November 16, 2007
Chief
Commissioner Christine Nixon has
banned Police Association
secretary Paul Mullett from
entering any police building in
Victoria as the police crisis
reaches flashpoint.
But
the union's executive
backed Mr Mullett and snubbed an
overture from Ms Nixon to meet
her without the union secretary.
Mr
Mullett is banned from attending
any of Victoria's 540 police
premises, including 321
operational stations. "He
is not allowed in any police
station and as a consequence I
cannot deal with him," Ms
Nixon told The Age.
Mr
Mullett's position was further
weakened when the Brumby
Government threw its support
behind the Chief Commissioner.
The union official previously
had VIP access to Government and
Opposition politicians.
"No
charges have been laid but
questions have been raised and
until these hearings and this
process is complete, I don't
think it would be appropriate
for the Government to meet with
Mr Mullett," the Premier
said.
Mr
Mullett may face criminal
charges and jail for allegedly
breaching the Telecommunications
Interception Act and Office of
Police Integrity legislation.
On
Thursday, Ms Nixon suspended Mr
Mullett after he gave evidence
at an OPI public hearing denying
he had warned a detective he was
the subject of a murder
investigation. But while Mr
Mullett was suspended from the
police force, he is on a
long-term secondment to the
association and remains its
secretary.
Mr
Brumby said it was clear the
relationship between police
command and the union had broken
down.
"It
is patently obvious that the
relationship at the moment
between police command and the
TPA is not a tenable
relationship and I accordingly
urge the parties, but
particularly the TPA, they do
need to closely examine the
issue."
And
former chief commissioner Neil
Comrie called on police to show
loyalty to Ms Nixon, saying the
force was facing "one of
its greatest crises in more than
150 years".
But
after an eight-hour meeting, the
union's 12-member executive expressed its
"highest levels of
support" for Mr Mullett.
The executive also stood by its
president, Inspector Brian Rix,
who also gave evidence at the
OPI hearings.
Both
Mr Mullett and Ms Nixon were
backed by supporters at separate
press conferences.
Flanked by more than 30 of her
top officers, Ms Nixon denied
she was at war with the union;
said the issue "is not
about Paul Mullett versus
Christine Nixon" and
accused Mr Mullett of being
paranoid.
"I've
spoken to Paul Mullett directly
and told him I've never done
anything to undermine him or
conduct an inappropriate
surveillance, or any
surveillance for that matter,
but he continues to say
this," she said.
Ms
Nixon is waiting on legal advice
to see if Mr Rix should also be
suspended.
She
said that under Police
Regulations, Mr Mullett had 14
days from the time he was
suspended to respond or contest
the issue.
She
said she hoped the association
executive accepted that it
needed to maintain a
relationship with senior police
while Mr Mullett was suspended.
"We need to find a way
through this. I need a
productive relationship with the
police association and it needs
one with the employer."
A
defiant Mr Mullett responded
with his own press conference
flanked by senior executive
members. The executive passed a
range of motions, including
condemning Ms Nixon for
"interfering in its
internal affairs".
Rank
and file police remained divided over whether Mr
Mullett should stand aside.
One
officer said suggestions of a
possible challenge to the
executive appeared little more
than "station gossip".
"I don't know if any of us
would have the courage or
willpower to take on someone
like Paul Mullett."
Another
said: "I guess we'll just
have to trust the executive
until we know otherwise."
The
OPI is examining whether Mr
Mullett, former media director
Steve Linnell, former assistant
commissioner Noel Ashby and
suspended Inspector Glenn Weir
have broken the law.
Ms
Nixon said she hoped decisions
on whether charges should be
laid would be made as quickly as
practical.
She
said she was confident that
operational police would not
become distracted by the
revelations that have come from
the public OPI hearings.
"We need to get on with
what we have to do."
The
union executive resolved to
support the complaint by Mr Rix
and Mr Mullett to a special
investigation monitor regarding
the OPI hearing. It also
confirmed that the association
had complained to the OPI about
the alleged leaking of
confidential information by
Deputy Commissioner Simon
Overland and supported the
application of a suspension
review by Mr Mullett and
Inspector Weir.
Asked
at the press conference
whether he had ever leaked to
media, Mr Overland responded:
"Yes, from time to time,
information is passed. But it's
passed in the interests of
Victoria Police, it's passed in
the public interest and it's
silly to pretend
otherwise."
Police
Minister Bob Cameron called for
"cool heads" while
police and the union worked
through their issues.
Ms
Nixon said she had felt let down
by the "appalling"
language recorded between Mr
Linnell and Mr Ashby. She said
Mr Linnell had included
apologies in his letter of
resignation to her, claiming to
have been let down by his mentor
and friend, Mr Ashby.
Ms
Nixon said Mr Linnell "felt
badly" over his behaviour
towards her. "He said I
gave him an opportunity to learn
an enormous amount and to be
able to grow and develop and he
had obviously disrespected me in
the way he went on.
"Look,
what I think we're seeing here
is two individuals who spent
obviously too much time
together. I think the French
call it a 'folie a deux'."
Nixon,
Mullett at war
(Herald Sun)
November 16, 2007
Victoria's
two most senior policing figures
today declared war on each other.
As
the crisis deepened, pitting
police command against the police
union, Sen-Sgt Paul Mullett
(left) vowed
to carry on as Police Association
secretary.
However
Chief Commissioner Christine Nixon
told the Herald Sun she refused to
ever again negotiate with him.
"The
bottom line is I am not prepared
to deal with Paul Mullett," a
determined Ms Nixon said.
In
a day of rising tension in the
wake of the Office of Police
Integrity corruption inquiry:
PREMIER
John Brumby effectively banned
government contact with Sen-Sgt
Mullett.
FORMER
chief commissioner Neil Comrie
described the confrontation as one
of the most significant crises in
the force's 150-year history.
THE
Police Association executive threw
its weight behind Sen-Sgt Mullett
and president Brian Rix and
snubbed Ms Nixon's request for a
meeting.
EVERY
available member of Ms Nixon's
leadership group showed her their
support by turning up at her press
conference.
MS
NIXON declared Sen-Sgt Mullett
paranoid and angrily denied his
claim she was behind the alleged
illegal electronic and physical
surveillance of him and other
union officials.
DEPUTY
Commissioner Simon Overland
dismissed as fanciful the
allegation he knocked back the job
as NSW commissioner after being
bribed to stay in Victoria with a
trip anywhere in the world.
MS
NIXON said she knew before she
became chief commissioner that
Victoria Police was not squeaky
clean and that putting a
corruption-busting plan to then
premier Steve Bracks helped her
get the job.
Any
criminal charges arising out of
the OPI's explosive hearing are
unlikely to be laid before
February, which is when the
findings of retired Federal Court
judge Murray Wilcox are expected
to be tabled in State Parliament.
In
an interview with the Herald
Sun, Ms Nixon said
the OPI had more evidence of
criminality than has been made
public and was still gathering
material.
She
said the OPI would consult Mr
Wilcox and counsel assisting the
OPI, Dr Greg Lyon, SC, before
putting together all its material
to present to the Office of Public
Prosecutions
for advice on who should be
charged with what.
"This
public hearing has disclosed some
material but it seems to me that
obviously this is part of an
ongoing investigation," Ms
Nixon said.
She
also challenged Sen-Sgt Mullett
over his claim she was involved in
illegal acts relating to the
bugging and following of him and
other union officials.
"That
personal sort of attack on me
seemed to me to be entirely
inappropriate," Ms Nixon
said.
"Paul
obviously has no evidence. Show me
the money, so to speak -- but he
doesn't have that evidence."
The
Police Association's executive
signalled yesterday it was ready
to fight by voting to support
Sen-Sgt Mullett and Insp Rix.
A motion unanimously carried
during a marathon meeting stated
both "enjoyed the highest
levels of support of the
executive".
Sen-Sgt Mullett -- flanked by
executive members in association
uniforms -- announced the passage
of a series of other resolutions,
including one that condemned Ms
Nixon for interfering with the
union's internal affairs.
That motion also rejected any
offer of a meeting with Ms Nixon.
The executive voted to support the
complaints of Insp Rix and Sen-Sgt
Mullett to the Special
Investigation Monitor over their
treatment in the OPI hearings.
Sen-Sgt Mullett also read out a
motion noting that the association
had complained to the OPI about
allegations Mr Overland leaked
confidential material.
That motion claimed the OPI had
shown an appalling double standard
by not using its coercive powers
to seek answers on that issue.
Premier John Brumby yesterday
appeared to side with Ms Nixon,
effectively banning any member of
his government from having contact
with Sen-Sgt Mullett.
"Until these hearings and
this process is complete, I don't
believe that it would be
appropriate for the Government to
meet with Mr Mullett," the
Premier said.
"The challenge now for police
command, and particularly, I
think, for the Police Association,
they need to be able to work
together.
"Police are entitled to be
represented by their union and
that association needs to
represent the interests of its
members.
"And to do that it needs to
be able to sit down and meet with
the Chief Commissioner. At the
moment, that relationship has
broken down."
Former chief commissioner Neil
Comrie said Victoria
Police was in a state of crisis.
"In my view, now is the time
for all who have the best
interests of the Victoria Police
at heart to throw their weight
behind the office of chief
commissioner," Mr Comrie
said.
"Those people should support
the critical activities that are
taking place to address matters
which are of serious concern to
every thinking Victorian."
Mr Comrie said he was talking
about principles, not
personalities, but appeared to
take a thinly veiled swipe at
other retired senior police who
had criticised the current
Victoria Police administration in
recent days.
"Now is not the time for
people -- particularly former
senior officers who are so far
removed from the day-to-day
activities of the force -- to be
making critical comment," he
said.
"It's a new world.
"It's a new police force with
new community expectations, and
people who are so far out of touch
really ought to stay out of
it."
Retired
chief commissioner Kel Glare and
ex-deputy commissioner Noel
Newnham had both been critical of
the Nixon administration this
week.
Mullett
defiant
(Herald Sun)
November 16, 2007
The Police Association executive has
voted to support its embattled
secretary Paul
Mullett, paving the
way for a bitter fight with force
command.
The
executive also voted to continue
it’s support of its president
Brian Rix, who was also questioned
in the explosive OPI
hearings.
Mullett
and Rix were allegedly part of a
chain of leaks leading to a murder
suspect being tipped off they were
under investigation.
The
tough stand buy the association
also resolved to:
- condemn
the interference of the police
commission in the internal
affairs of the police
association;
- support
the complaint by Inspector Rix
and Sen-Sgt Mullett to a
special investigation monitor
regarding the OPI hearing;
- confirm
that the association has
complained to the OPI about
the alleged leaking of
confidential information by
Deputy Commissioner Simon
Overland; and,
- support
the application of a
suspension review by Sen-Sgt
Mullett and Insp Glen Weir.
Today
news emerged that Premier John
Brumby had banned members of his
government from meeting with
Police Association Secretary Paul
Mullett.
Earlier
today, Victoria Police chief
commissioner Christine Nixon said
she was not at war with Police
Association secretary Paul Mullett,
even as she branded him
"paranoid".
In a show of strength, more than
20 senior officers from regions
across Victoria joined Ms Nixon at
a press conference where their
leader defended yesterday's
dramatic suspension of Sen-Sgt
Mullett from the force.
And
Deputy Commissioner Simon
Overland, the subject of vicious
gossip caught on tape as part of
the police corruption inquiry, broke
his silence on the scandal
today, admitting he had been
personally wounded.
Ms
Nixon angrily denied claims she
had interfered with the union or
set up the union boss by arranging
to have his phone tapped, saying
her decision to suspend was
based on evidence heard in the
independent Office of Police
Integrity hearing.
"Mr
Mullett is paranoid," she
said.
Sgt
Mullett has admitted to the OPI
hearing that he had illegally
discussed his confidential
appearance at the inquiry.
But he has denied tipping off a
mate that he was a murder suspect.
Ms
Nixon has sought urgent talks with
the union in a letter written to
the executive.
“This
is not about Paul Mullett versus
Christine Nixon,” she said.
“I really wish people would
understand that I have just gone
about doing my job.”
"I've not attempted to
interfere in the association's
operations at all."
“The
letter sets out that I think it's
important that we meet, that we
need to discuss the ways that we
can productively move forward and
be able to work together,'' she
said.
Police Minister Bob Cameron today
expressed full confidence in the
police chief.
"I
think what we've got in Victoria
is an excellent chief
commissioner, she's been a
moderniser and she has my full
support,'' Mr Cameron said on ABC
radio.
Ms
Nixon said she had never
considered resigning despite the
betrayal of key staff exposed in
explosive evidence to the
corruption inquiry.
“My
job is not about being liked, it
is not about popularity. It is
about getting on with the
job."
Asked whether she had ordered the
region commissioner’s to attend
this morning’s press conference
she retorted: “I most certainly
did not’..
Ms Nixon felt she had the
support of Victoria Police
members.
“The
members I hope will listen to the
transcripts and make a decision.
“This is not a game this is
serious … it is about peoples’
lives”.
Ms Nixon also denied claims she
had authorised phone taps on Paul
Mullett.
"I've never done anything to
undermine him or conduct an
inappropriate surveillance, or any
surveillance for that matter, but
he continues to say this,” she
said.
Secret tapes played at the hearing
have exposed venomous
conversations describing Mr
Overland as `Simon Wonderland', a
`dirtbag' and a string of
profanities.
Mr Overland today said some of the
remarks were hurtful, but were a
reflection on the people who made
them.
The poisonous comments were
exposed in talks between disgraced
former Assistant Commissioner Noel
Ashby and former Victoria Police
media director Steve Linnell.
Both men quit the force after
being caught discussing
confidential material.
Ms Nixon also stepped up her
attack on disloyal former top cop
Mr Ashby.
Ms Nixon said the ambitious Mr
Ashby had not been made a deputy
commissioner because there were
concerns about his skills and
knowledge, and he was not as
capable as others.
And unlike Mr Linnell, Mr Ashby
had not had the decency to
apologise over his behaviour, she
said on Southern Cross
Broadcasting.
Yesterday, Ms Nixon said she had
taken the first step towards
sacking Sen-Sgt Mullett and
indicated he may face criminal
charges.
"It will be very difficult
for us to work together in the
future," she said yesterday.
Ms Nixon today said the police
were still considering material
from the hearing and whether
criminal charges would be laid.
"At this stage we are still
considering the material from the
hearing and we'll judge that and
with any other material available
to us before we make a
decision."
Ms Nixon said he priority now was
getting on with the job and
ensuring Victoria Police continued
to serve the Victorian community.
“We can do better and we
will,” she said.
Ms Nixon said she was not
terminating Sen-Sgt Mullett's
right to remain Police Association
secretary.
But
Sen-Sgt Mullett last night said Ms
Nixon had served him with
documents which did effectively
attempt to remove his status as
secretary of the police union.
"This
is entirely inconsistent with her
public comments," Sen-Sgt
Mullett said.
"I
deny any wrongdoing and the Police
Association is currently seeking
advice on all options regarding
this unprecedented
development."
Sen-Sgt
Mullett vowed to continue
representing the 11,000 Police
Association members and it is
possible some may walk off the job
to support him.
Ms
Nixon said she hoped any members
considering such action would take
the facts of the case against
Sen-Sgt Mullett into account, and
the open Office of Police
Integrity hearing had allowed them
to do that.
"I
do not think they will walk
out," she said.
It
is possible Ms Nixon will also
suspend police union president
Brian Rix. Insp Rix appeared at
yesterday's OPI hearing
immediately after Sen-Sgt Mullett.
Counsel
assisting the OPI, Dr Greg Lyon,
SC, has accused both of tipping
off Police Association delegate
Peter Lalor that he was a suspect
in the 2003 murder of gigolo
vampire Shane Chartres-Abbott.
Insp
Rix and Sen-Sgt Mullett
strenuously deny doing so.
Ms
Nixon said she had instructed
senior counsel to examine the
evidence against both men.
"At
this stage, Mr Rix gave evidence
today and we will assess that
evidence and make a decision
sometime shortly," she said.
Ms
Nixon said she had formed the view
that Sen-Sgt Mullett had breached
the Telecommunications
Interception Act and also the
OPI's confidentiality provisions,
which carry penalties of two years
and one year.
Cousins
lies low in bikie associate
apartment
(Herald Sun)
November 15, 2007
Fallen
football star Ben
Cousins has been keeping a low
profile in Sydney and staying at a
luxury Manly apartment belonging
to a friend who is closely linked
to Western Australian bikies.
The
apartment belongs to Fabian Quaid
who is a long time friend of
Cousins and the godfather of a son
of infamous Coffin Cheater Troy
Mercanti.
Mercanti
was involved in a Perth nightclub
shooting and stabbing which drew
police attention to Cousins and
former West Coast Eagles team mate
Michael Gardiner. He also
reputedly bashed drug baron Tony
Mokbel in Carlton in late
2002.
Cousins
is close to Mercanti's brother
Tyrone who counselled him after he
was banished by the Eagles for
drug use earlier this year.
Cousin's links to Perth crime
figures including John
Kizon have been well
documented.
 George
Williams jailed
(Herald Sun)
November 15, 2007
The
father of gangland killer Carl
Williams has been jailed for
20 months for trafficking 4kg
of drugs, a judge saying his
ill health could not excuse
him from just punishment.
George Leslie Williams, 61,
had pleaded guilty to
trafficking a commercial
quantity of amphetamines
between December 2002 and July
2004.
The Supreme Court heard as
part of a deal done over his
son's murder pleas,
prosecutors did not ask for
George Williams to serve an
immediate jail term.
But Justice Betty King said it
was ultimately for the court
to decide Williams' sentence
although it was
"extremely important for
the court to take heed"
of the deal.
Williams' lawyer told the
court of his client's lengthy
list of health issues
including heart disease,
diabetes, anxiety and
depression and argued sending
Williams to prison would be a
death sentence.
But Justice King said Williams
had committed the offences
while dealing with the same
medical issues.
"The law cannot be that
if you are physically unwell
and commit criminal offences
over a lengthy period of time
that your physical health will
excuse you," she said.
"You are at serious risk
of death from your chronic
heart disease but that risk is
the same whether you are in
the community or in
prison."
The court heard Williams and
his son worked as a team to
traffic 4.79kg of amphetamines
on at least 14 occasions to a
third party, known as Mr Z.
Justice King said the pair
would have profited by
about $500,000 during the
deals done at shopping centres
and Williams' Broadmeadows
home.
The court heard Williams never
strayed far from Carl's side
after the death of his other
son from a heroin overdose.
Justice King said it was
inconceivable that having
suffered the grief of losing a
child to the drug scourge
Williams became involved in
the "evil trade" to
be closer to Carl.
"(You knew) the
consequences that drugs have
upon this community and more
particularly the younger
members of that community yet
you were actively involved in
selling drugs," she said.
Justice King sentenced
Williams to 4 1 /2
years' jail with a minimum of
20 months.
Outside court his partner
Kathleen Bourke said she was
worried he would die in jail.
"I don't think he would
have survived 20 months out
here but in there I don't
think he will," she said.
End
of the line for Mullett?
(The Age)
November 15, 2007
Police
Association Secretary Paul
Mullett is likely to be
suspended from the police force
after his admission he had
discussed secret hearings of the
Office of Police Integrity.
Mr
Mullett could be suspended as
early as today once he has
finished giving evidence.
Mr
Mullett, who is a Senior Sergeant
on secondment to the Police
Association, is still covered by
all rules and regulations related
to serving police.
Senior
police have sought legal advice
this week on suspending Mr Mullett.
It is believed they have been told
it is within the power of the
Chief Commissioner, Christine
Nixon, to take such action.
If
he is suspended his position as
Police Association Secretary would
be placed in doubt. The job has
traditionally been held by a
serving police officer.
While
Mr Mullett has the confidence of
the Police Association executive,
some believe he should stand down
until the present legal issues are
resolved.
A
spokeswoman for Ms Nixon today
refused to comment on suggestions
Mr Mullett's suspension was
imminent.
The
move would create another storm,
with allegations of interference
by senior police in association
politics.
Mr
Mullett has claimed that Ms Nixon
has been working behind the scenes
to remove him as police
association secretary.
Angry
Mullett denies murder tip
(Herald Sun)
November 15, 2007
Police union chief
Paul Mullett has
furiously denied tipping-off a
colleague that he was the subject
of a probe into a notorious murder
case.
An
emotional Mr Mullett angrily
denied he told Det-Sgt Peter Lalor
he was a target of Operation
Briars, which was investigating
police links to the murder of male
prostitute Shane Chartres-Abbott.
"Did
you at any time say to Mr Lalor he
was the target of Operation
Briars?," counsel assisting
the OPI inquiry, Dr Greg Lyon QC
asked.
Mr
Mullett: "I did not. I am
offended by that allegation."
Mr
Mullett said he had been a
policeman for 35 years and would
never sell out a murder
investigation.
"I
may not be an angel ....but an
allegation in relation to a
murder....no way," he said.
Delegate
Murray Wilcox said that if he had
leaked the information it would be
a serious breach of his duties to
his members.
Mr
Mullett:"In these
circumstances, absolutely."
Dr
Lyon suggested that disgraced
former Assistant Commissioner Noel
Ashby told him Mr Lalor was a
target of Operation Briars and
that Mr Mullett passed that
information to police association
president Brian Rix who then
passed it on to Mr Lalor.
Mr
Mullett said he discussed pho | 
