SAPOL Assistant Commissioner Linda Fellows accused in parliament of conflict of interest in Adelaide Oval beer can ruling

Questions have been raised about a senior police officer’s alleged conflict of interest in the controversial move to bring back the beloved tinnie to Adelaide Oval.

Fears have been raised about selling tinnies at the Adelaide Oval. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

One of the state’s highest-ranking police officers, who also sits on the Adelaide Crows board, has been accused in parliament of having a conflict of interest over the controversial ruling to allow the sale of tinnies at Adelaide Oval.

Upper House MP Frank Pangallo last week used parliamentary privilege to raise questions over the role of SA Police Assistant Commissioner Linda Fellows, the club’s deputy chairwoman, in the decision.

While Mr Pangallo called for an independent inquiry, SA Police denied any conflicts.

SA Police last year backed a bid from the Oval’s Stadium Management Authority to vary its liquor licence to sell alcohol, including beer in aluminium cans.

Assistant Commissioner Linda Fellows oversaw the division of SA Police that made the decision. But a spokesman denied any conflicts. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Kelly Barnes

Liquor Licensing Commissioner, Dini Soulio, ultimately approved the move after police withdrew their initial opposition on public safety grounds.

The withdrawal came after minor concessions were agreed, including warning signs about the dangers of throwing cans.

Mr Pangallo claimed in parliament that Ms Fellows – who is on leave before her retirement – had “oversight of discussions and the process” in police supporting the can sale.

The SA-Best MP told the Legislative Council a Freedom of Information request found no evidence that she either declared a conflict of interest or shifted the decision making.

“In other words, no evidence that (Ms) Fellows declared her interest when the Adelaide Football Club, along with Port Adelaide, the SANFL and SA Cricket Association, all stood to benefit financially from increased revenue from liquor sales,” he told MPs.

South Australia Police Assistant Commissioner Linda Fellows joined the Adelaide Football Club’s Board in 2015. Picture: Adelaide Football Club

In questions to cabinet minister Clare Scriven, on behalf of the state government, he called for an explanation why Ms Fellows “didn’t recuse herself and openly declare a conflict of interest in overseeing” SA Police’s involvement in the Oval’s application, “given her significant position as deputy chair on the Adelaide Crows Football Club Board”.

Ms Scriven promised to seek a government response.

An SA Police spokesman said the liquor laws delegate for Police Commissioner Grant Stevens was the Officer in Charge of the Licensing Enforcement Branch, Detective Chief Inspector Greg Hutchins.

He said Ms Fellows “in no way intervened or influenced the decision making” despite an organisational chart showing the Licensing Enforcement Branch reporting to her.

He said after Mr Hutchins notified the SMA’s lawyers of the decision to support the bid, Ms Fellows was then given a briefing paper to sign.

Crowd at Australia v's South Africa Rugby match at Adelaide Oval. Picture: Emma Brasier

The decision to withdraw SA Police’s intervention was made “solely” by Mr Hutchins, he said.

“This decision was made independently without favour or interference by any person or body,” he said.

“Assistant Commissioner Fellows did not sign off on the decision. The application and the process of handling the application was ‘business as usual’.”

Ms Fellows, who joined the Crows board in 2015, was contacted for comment.

Spokesmen for the Adelaide Crows and Police Minister Joe Szakacs declined to comment.