New commissioner for CCC

Supreme Court Justice John McKechnie has been named as the new commissioner of the Western Australian Corruption and Crime Commission.

In a statement today, Premier Colin Barnett said Justice McKechnie would bring a wealth of experience to the state’s corruption and crime watchdog, having served as the state’s inaugural director of Public Prosecutions prior to his appointment to the Supreme Court in 1999.

“He has developed a formidable reputation in the investigation and prosecution of crime and bring to the office considerable experience in the management of an independent statutory authority,” Mr Barnett said.

Attorney-General Michael Mischin said in the course of Justice McKechnie’s career as a prosecutor, he had to deal professionally with, and manage, police matters and other investigations, which would stand him in good stead as the head of an investigative agency such as the CCC.

Mr Barnett said the appointment came as the CCC has prepared to transfer its oversight of minor misconduct by public officers and its corruption prevention and education functions to the Public Sector commissioner.

Justice McKechnie will begin his new role on April 28 for a five-year term.