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28 April 2022
NSW Attorney General Mark Speakman has announced the appointment of a current Supreme Court judge, Justice Peter Johnson, as Chief Commissioner and Anina Johnson as Commissioner of the State’s Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC).
“The LECC is an independent integrity body that provides oversight of the NSW Police Force and NSW Crime Commission,” Mr Speakman said.
“The LECC’s primary role is to detect, investigate and expose misconduct and maladministration within the NSW Police Force and the NSW Crime Commission.
“The two Commissioner structure provides a robust decision making process for the use of the Commission’s coercive powers, to advance its important work.”
Peter Johnson will commence a five-year appointment as Chief Commissioner on 4 July 2022, while Anina Johnson will commence her five-year term as Commissioner on 16 May 2022.
Mr Speakman said the new appointments bring a significant body of experience and knowledge to the LECC.
“Peter Johnson is an expert in criminal law, with an excellent understanding of the principles of good governance in policing and the changing nature of policing,” Mr Speakman said.
“He is a highly respected judge with outstanding knowledge and experience in criminal law.
“He brings to the role of Chief Commissioner 17 years of experience of decision making in criminal cases on the Supreme Court, as well as extensive experience in grappling with the issues related to police misconduct.
“Anina Johnson’s current role as Deputy President of the NSW Mental Health Review Tribunal requires significant decision-making capacity and the ability to use oversight and investigatory power judiciously.
“These skills will be an asset to the LECC and the critical work it undertakes in the public interest.”
The appointments replace the outgoing Chief Commissioner, the Hon Reginald Blanch AM QC, and the former Commissioner, the Hon Lea Drake.
Mr Blanch will continue as Chief Commissioner until Mr Johnson commences his appointment.
“I thank Mr Blanch and Ms Drake for their service,” Mr Speakman said.
“Both brought enormous experience and specialised skills to their roles and provided great leadership to the LECC.”
Justice Peter Johnson was appointed to the Supreme Court of NSW in 2005. He holds the role of Criminal List Judge, and has also frequently sat as an appellate judge in the Court of Criminal Appeal. His Honour has also served as a part time Commissioner of the NSW Law Reform Commission, contributing to criminal law reform.
Prior to being appointed to the Supreme Court, his Honour was appointed Senior Counsel in 1997 and his practice at the Bar included criminal trial and appellate work, as well as extensive experience as Counsel Assisting before Royal Commissions, the Police Integrity Commission, the Independent Commission Against Corruption and coronial inquests.
Ms Anina Johnson was appointed as a Deputy President of the NSW Mental Health Review Tribunal with responsibility for the Forensic Division in 2012. Ms Johnson has determined complex matters relating to forensic patients, and has contributed to mental health law reform and the strategic direction of the Tribunal.
Ms Johnson was formerly a Senior Solicitor and Solicitor Advocate in the NSW Crown Solicitor’s Office for 12 years, where she appeared as an advocate and solicitor in complex matters, including as Counsel Assisting the Coroner in coronial inquests relating to policing matters.
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13 Apr 2023