Top SA Police officer Linda Fellows cleared of conflict of interest with Adelaide Oval alcohol can sales after secret investigation

One of SA’s highest-ranking police officers, who sits on the Crows board, has been cleared of wrongdoing after a secret inquiry into her role with Adelaide Oval alcohol sales.

Ms Fellows (centre), was one of the SA Police’s most senior officers before her retirement. Photo Sam Wundke.

One of the state’s highest-ranking police officers, who sits on the Crows board, has been cleared of wrongdoing after a secret inquiry into her role with Adelaide Oval alcohol sales.

SA Police Assistant Commissioner Linda Fellows, who is Adelaide’s deputy chairwoman, was accused in parliament of a conflict of interest over a controversial can permit at the Riverbank arena.

But in a rare statement on Friday afternoon, the state’s acting top officer revealed her colleague had been cleared of wrongdoing after a secret internal police investigation.

Acting Commissioner, Linda Williams disclosed that SA Police’s Internal Investigation Section had assessed a complaint made about Ms Fellows’ conduct.

She said detectives’ “assessment” was referred to the Office for Public Integrity – which has independent oversight for all police complaints – and cleared the senior officer.

Police Minister Joe Szakacs had revealed to parliament late last month Ms Fellows had been subject of an internal investigation.

Assistant Commissioner Linda Fellows was subject of a top secret inquiry, the outcome of which can finally be reported. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Kelly Barnes

Under state law, all police complaints are subject to draconian secrecy rules that prevent media publication of any details or reference to such inquiries without express permission from Police Commissioner Grant Stevens or Independent Commissioner Against Corruption Ann Vanstone.

No permission was granted to report Mr Szakacs’ statement to parliament, which was tabled after questions from Upper House crossbench politician Frank Pangallo.

She joined the Adelaide Football Club’s Board in 2015. Picture: Adelaide Football Club.

But Ms Williams, who is acting for Mr Stevens while he is away, on Friday granted The Advertiser special permission for the inquiry’s usually secret findings to be made public.

“(SA Police) has been notified by OPI that their review is now complete and no further action is required,” a police spokeswoman said.

“There was no finding of misconduct related to this matter. The matter is now filed.

“Ordinarily, (an) outcome of assessments made under the PCDA are not made public.

“However, given the circumstances of this particular matter, the Acting Commissioner has considered it is in the public interest to report the outcome of this assessment.

“For the avoidance of doubt, pursuant to s. 46 of the PCDA (Ms Williams) has authorised publication of the information contained in this statement.”

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.

The crowd at the 2023 State of Origin at Adelaide Oval, where tinnies are now being sold. Picture: Emma Brasier

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, an SA-Best Upper House MP, had claimed in parliament that Ms Fellows – who has been on leave before her retirement – had “oversight of discussions and the process” in police supporting the can sale.

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

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

Ms Fellows, who joined the Crows board in 2015, did not immediately return calls.