Respected, Sydney-based barrister Philip Strickland SC will continue his important role in reviewing complaints made against South Australia’s anti-corruption bodies.

Mr Strickland – a leading barrister with more than 30 years’ experience in the legal profession, including work in criminal law, administrative and public law and commissions of inquiry - was appointed as Inspector for an initial six-month period towards the end of last year.

As Inspector, he investigates complaints made against the state’s anti-corruption bodies, namely the Independent Commission Against Corruption, the Office for Public Integrity and the Ombudsman.

Following approval by the Statutory Officers Committee of State Parliament, Mr Strickland’s appointment has been extended for a further 18 months.

During his initial appointment Mr Strickland has helped oversee the establishment of the Office of the Inspector, as well as beginning two key pieces of work – the review of the ICAC investigation into former Renewal SA executive John Hanlon, and the first annual review, which will consider matters relating to the ICAC and the OPI since their inception in 2013.

Mr Strickland will continue to be assisted by Stephen Plummer, who has been appointed as Deputy Inspector.

Mr Plummer, currently Director of the Office of the Inspector, has also been appointed for 18 months.

Quotes

Attributable to Kyam Maher  

Philip Strickland hit the ground running nearly six months ago, and I’m pleased he will be continuing in this important oversight role.

People need to have confidence in our anti-corruption bodies, and Mr Strickland’s extensive background – which has included work as Counsel Assisting the New South Wales ICAC – has served him well in his initial time in South Australia.

I’m pleased that he was willing to continue this work, giving us consistency as the review into the Hanlon matter draws to a close, and as work on the first Annual Review continues.

Stephen Plummer has been an integral part of the Office of the Inspector since he began work there in December last year, and I look forward to him continuing to provide on-the-ground support in South Australia as the work of the Office continues.