Minister Barr: Police and Emergency Services portfolio
- Written by ACT Government
Released 16/12/2015
Joint media release: Chief Minister Andrew Barr and Joy Burch MLA
Minister Joy Burch has tendered her resignation as Minister for Police and Emergency Services and I have accepted her resignation.
Minister Burch will take leave from tomorrow until the new year.
As I have foreshadowed, there will be a ministerial reshuffle before the Assembly sits in 2016. I will consider the allocation of portfolios over the summer break and announce the revised portfolios in the new year. Deputy Chief Minister Simon Corbell will take on the Police and Emergency Services portfolio until then. Minister Burch retains her other portfolios.
It is important to be clear that, based on advice I have, there is no suggestion of any wrongdoing by Minister Burch.
However, following yesterday’s announcement by ACT Policing that they will evaluate the veracity of allegations relating to Minister Burch’s office, she has resigned in accordance with her responsibility under the Ministerial Code of Conduct. Under the Code, Ministers are not only accountable for their own behaviour but also for the decisions and actions of their staff.
Minister Burch said:
“I remain committed to making a contribution to this government. We have an important agenda to deliver and I look forward to continuing to serve the people of Canberra.
“As the police have said, the ACT Government does not direct ACT Policing in relation to how it undertakes its operational activity, and did not do so on the occasion that has been the subject of recent public attention.
“It is nonetheless entirely appropriate that I step aside from this portfolio while ACT Policing conducts its evaluation,” she said.
It is not appropriate to make further comment on the police evaluation.
- Statement ends -
Section: Andrew Barr, MLA | Media Releases
