Published Thursday, 05 December, 2013 at 04:00 PM

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice
The Honourable Jarrod Bleijie
Acting CMC Commissioners appointed
Australia’s former top cop and an eminent barrister have been appointed as part-time Acting Commissioners of the Crime and Misconduct Commission (CMC).
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Jarrod Bleijie said Mick Keelty and Sydney Williams QC were two of the most highly regarded members of their respective fields.
“Mick Keelty and Sydney Williams’ credentials and experience are impeccable,” Mr Bleijie said.
“Mick Keelty’s integrity and professionalism is known worldwide.
“He was Commissioner of the Australian Federal Police (AFP) for eight years and oversaw the expansion of the AFP’s new roles of counter terrorism and high tech crime.
“Since then, he has been appointed an Adjunct Professor at the Australian National University and headed inquiries into the 2011 Perth and Margaret River bushfires and the 2013 WA Senate election.
“He also conducted major reviews of Queensland’s Police and Emergency Services and the Crime and Misconduct Commission.
“Sydney Williams QC is one of Queensland’s most experienced barristers.
“He took silk in 1986 and has had an esteemed career focusing on insurance, personal injury and criminal law.
“The six month Acting appointments fill two recent vacancies and will assist the Acting Chairman and the other Commissioners while the CMC undergoes a period of change.
“Our CMC reforms will be introduced into Parliament next year and then we will be in a position to advertise for permanent positions following their implementation.
“We are keeping our promise to the people of Queensland that we would restore accountability to Government and revitalise frontline services.
“It is vital that Queensland has a strong, independent CMC and Mr Keelty and Mr Williams will help refocus it into a more effective crime and corruption fighting body.”
[ENDS] 5 December 2013
Media Contact: Ashley McDermid 0412 731 355 or Katherine Hornbuckle 0402 862 351