Karen Webb’s three-month term makes a mockery of serious DV issue

If the Minns government was serious about leveraging Karen Webb’s passion for ending the scourge of coward attacks, it would not be giving the benched Police Commissioner just three months of “Special Advisor” work before she retires.

If the Minns government was serious about leveraging Karen Webb’s passion for ending the scourge of coward attacks, it would not be giving the benched Police Commissioner just three months of “Special Advisor” work before she retires.

The Minister tasked with domestic violence prevention, Jodie Harrison, says the Commissioner will play an “essential role” in implementing a new framework to keep victims and children safe.

That is an admirable aim; the Commissioner’s passion for women’s safety and domestic violence work should be applauded.

And goodness knows Harrison needs the help.

But how much work can she realistically achieve between now and September 30?

Latest crime statistics, released today, paint a grim picture. Under Webb’s watch, the numbers went in the wrong direction.

Under Police Commissioner Karen Webb’s watch, domestic violence assaults have increased by 3490. Picture: NewsWire / Nikki Short

Domestic violence assaults have risen from 34,618 in her first year as commissioner to 38,108 in her last.

Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) data also shows that in the past two years, police have dropped off in their checks on domestic violence offenders subject to an AVO in the past two years.

NSW Police and government sources claim the increase in crime stats is a good thing - because victims feel more comfortable to come forward and report assaults.

But a senior police source does not buy that explanation, telling Josh Hanrahan: “I only see the numbers, and they’re not going down”.

That has led to valid criticism about whether Webb is the right person for this new advisory role.

“If she’s got all these strategies to reduce domestic violence, why hasn’t she introduced any of those while she’s been the commissioner of police,” asks independent MP Rod Roberts.

It is hard to see how three months of advisory work will stop violent men from attacking women.

The Minister tasked with domestic violence prevention, Jodie Harrison, says the Commissioner will play an “essential role” in implementing a new framework to keep victims and children safe, but will she have enough tine to do it? Picture: NewsWire / Simon Bullard.

Webb is not collecting any extra salary for her special advisory role, because she is - officially - still employed as Commissioner.

Until she officially resigns, she continues to receive her $679,050 per year salary.

Webb has not said why she’s chosen September 30 as her resignation date. The government also has not fully explained why she’s been benched before then, except for suggesting she’s moved on to support an “orderly transition”.

What is most bizarre about Webb’s new role is the obfuscation that has surrounded it.