General counsel of the CCC steps down

Patti Chong, general counsel of the Corruption and Crime Commission has stepped down from her position following the decision of the Commission to investigate matters surrounding the Mallard case, in which Ms Chong's husband, was the DPP prosecutor.

Ms Chong said she was returning to the DPP so as to avoid any suggestion of a conflict of interest in the CCC's investigation into matters surrounding the Mallard case and her husband's role in it as the DPP prosecutor.

"In order to ensure that the Corruption and Crime Commission investigation into the role of my husband Ken Bates is free from any possible perception that I may in any way influence the outcome, I have decided to return to my substantive position as a Senior State Prosecutor in the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions forthwith," Ms Chong said.

"In doing so, I am making a significant career sacrifice but in the best interests of a thorough and proper investigation by the Commission and my husband's reputation as an outstanding senior prosecutor of the utmost integrity, I feel that it is the only course of action open to me."

Ms. Chong said that as an officer of the Court she was acutely aware of the need for openness and transparency and that the task the CCC was required to do should take precedence over any personal interests.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed my role as General Counsel and I thank Commissioner Kevin Hammond for giving me the opportunity to make a contribution."

Commissioner Hammond said Ms Chong had made a significant contribution to the Commission and her ability to deal with complex issues in public hearings had helped establish the credibility of the agency in its critical early days.

The High Court earlier this month quashed the 1994 conviction of Andrew Mallard for the murder of Mosman Park jeweller Pamela Lawrence, and the CCC enquiry will look at allegations of misconduct by those involved in the prosecution.