The Northern Territory government says it has received a letter from Children’s Commissioner Colleen Gwynne calling for compensation over a failed court prosecution against her.
Key points:
- Prosecutors withdrew the case against Ms Gwynne due to ‘insufficient evidence’
- The NT Children’s Commissioner had been facing one charge of abuse of office for attempting to recruit a close friend
- Lawyers for Ms Gwynne have now written to the NT government calling for ‘restitution’
Former high-ranking police officer Ms Gwynne was cleared of a charge of abuse of office in March this year after prosecutors could not produce enough evidence to continue her trial.
She had been accused of attempting to hire a friend, who had previously acted in the role, as the assistant children’s commissioner.
After the case was dropped, Ms Gwynne spoke outside of the court, welcoming the move and criticising the police investigation.
“At no stage have I ever been interviewed by investigators,” Ms Gwynne said.
“Key witnesses who would have demonstrated my innocence were never spoken to.
“The humiliation and victimisation to which I’ve been subjected merely for doing my job is something that I had to endure in silence.”
Sky News revealed earlier this week that Ms Gwynne’s lawyers had sent a letter to the office of Chief Minister Natasha Fyles, calling for “proper restitution and recompense for the pre-emptory and misconceived administrative and criminal processes to which she was subjected which has impacted on every aspect of her life”.
Ms Fyles confirmed she had received the letter and said the government was considering its options.
“The role of the children’s commissioner is important and valued,” Ms Fyles said.
“We will always look at ways this role can best service the territory.”
The government said Ms Gwynne remained on a leave of absence to consider her next steps.
Acting Children’s Commissioner Nicole Hucks will continue acting in the position.
Ms Gwynne’s lawyer, Sean Bowden, has been contacted for comment.