Former MAC boss Ben Tuffnell charged with drink driving, assaulting police
One of Adelaide’s top public servants — and a former Motor Accident Commission boss who led the road safety fight — has faced court over charges of drink driving and assaulting police.
A top Adelaide public servant who led Motor Accident Commission efforts to enhance road safety blew almost twice the legal limit before assaulting two police officers, a court has heard.
Former MAC general manager of corporate affairs Benjamin John Tuffnell appeared in the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Friday.
Tuffnell, 46, has yet to plead to one count of driving with excess blood alcohol and two counts of assaulting police.
He is further charged with one count of resisting police and one count of failing to comply with an officer’s direction to leave his vehicle.
The offences allegedly occurred in Adelaide on July 17 this year, and court documents allege Tuffnell’s blood alcohol level, at the time, was 0.097.
They further allege the officers he assaulted were a Constable and a Probationary Constable.
On Friday, Ben Sale, for Tuffnell, asked that his client’s case be adjourned.
“We will be contesting the charges, and we are seeking some time to negotiate,” he said.
Magistrate Alfio Graffo remanded Tuffnell on continuing bail to face court again in October.
Tuffnell declined to comment outside court.
In 2017 he started with the SA Tourism Commission where he is currently corporate affairs executive director.
His profile on the SATC website says he “provides leadership” in liaisons between government, local and national news media and the tourism industry.
It says Tuffnell, a certified practising accountant, has “nearly 20 years’ experience in government” including work with the Department of Treasury and Finance.
“He has also held Chief of Staff and Principal Adviser roles to the South Australian State Premier, Deputy Premier and Treasurer,” the profile says.
Tuffnell served as chief of staff to former deputy premier and treasurer Kevin Foley in 2004.
In 2007 he moved to the MAC, and then in 2014 became the principal economic adviser to Tom Koutsantonis when he was Treasurer.
