16 June 2011

Overland resigns in Victoria

| johnboy
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Simon Overland was something of a golden boy during his 19 year career with the AFP here in Canberra.

He has degrees from ANU and UC, he worked on the Colin Winchester murder taskforce and was involved in setting up the Australian Crime Commission.

But in his two years as Victoria’s Chief Commissioner things have been harder.

Crikey has a detailed report on the issues surrounding his resignation.

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The Victorian Labor Party had lost a very good friend and political ally in Simon Overland.

I have had quiet a bit to do with Simon over the last decade or so. I reckon he is a top investigator and unlikely to leave a relevant trail alone. Trouble is he got to close to politics and is now tainted. Unlikely to ever work again, except as a consultant.

I agree that Victoria is better without Mr Overland running their police – however I think it is fair to say the rot set in under the previous Commissioner.

I think Overland overreached his capacity for politics under the previous government. That and using internal affairs and phone taps on political opponents within the command structure. His supporters largely disappeared when govt changed flavour.

Wow………….it’s been a turbulent time down there for a couple of years.

The issue seems to be deep-seated in that there are also allegations of nepotism between the OPI and the Police. I think the last Royal Commission down there was in 1974 (the Abortion Inquiry) which resulted in 67 charges…………………and no subsequent convictions.

So, who takes over? Sir Ken perhaps? I think that the Government would be foolish to appoint another ‘outsider’ at this stage – the place needs to settle first!

Perhaps Simon will come back? And speaking of possible vacancies at the top, what has come of the issue surrounding Commissioner Negus and his PA? Anything yet? (thinking ahead to a position for Mr. Simon should he head this way).

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