Acting CMC Commissioners appointed

Australia’s former top cop Mick Keelty and an eminent barrister Sydney Williams QC have been appointed as part-time Acting Commissioners of the Crime and Misconduct Commission (CMC).

They are two of the most highly regarded members of their respective fields said Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Jarrod Bleijie.

“Mick Keelty and Sydney Williams’ credentials and experience are impeccable,” Mr Bleijie said.

“Mick Keelty’s integrity and professionalism is known worldwide. He was Commissioner of the Australian Federal Police (AFP) for eight years and oversaw the expansion of the AFP’s new roles of counter terrorism and high tech crime. Since then, he has been appointed an Adjunct Professor at the Australian National University and headed inquiries into the 2011 Perth and Margaret River bushfires and the 2013 WA Senate election. He also conducted major reviews of Queensland’s Police and Emergency Services and the Crime and Misconduct Commission.”

“Sydney Williams QC is one of Queensland’s most experienced barristers. He took silk in 1986 and has had an esteemed career focusing on insurance, personal injury and criminal law. The six month Acting appointments fill two recent vacancies and will assist the Acting Chairman and the other Commissioners while the CMC undergoes a period of change.”

“Our CMC reforms will be introduced into Parliament next year and then we will be in a position to advertise for permanent positions following their implementation. It is vital that Queensland has a strong, independent CMC and Mr Keelty and Mr Williams will help refocus it into a more effective crime and corruption fighting body.”