The Snitch: Sally Dowling SC emails staff on how to celebrate Australia Day

How should the state’s prosecuting lawyers behave on Australia Day? What other piece of Roger Rogerson memorabilia would you want? And which leading barristers’ chambers might come to resemble a coastal Airbnb? The Snitch is here.

The state’s chief prosecutor, Sally Dowling SC, raised a few eyebrows among her troops courtesy of an office circular with advice on how to sensitively interpret Australia Day.

The “Dear colleagues” email was sent to everyone at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions including barristers, solicitors and other staff in the lead-up to Australia Day.

“As we approach January 26 it is important to acknowledge the varied perspectives about this date, particularly those of First Nations peoples,” Ms Dowling wrote.

“For many First Nations peoples, January 26 represents a day of mourning and reflection on the history of colonisation and dispossession and its enduring impact on First Nations communities and cultures,” she wrote.

Australia Day celebrations around Sydney Harbour this year took many forms.

Ms Dowling continued that “January 26 represents a day to acknowledge the resilience, strength and survival of the world’s oldest continuing cultures”.

So how should the staff proceed with that in mind?

Ms Dowling advised: “When discussing what January 26 means to you, please be sensitive that navigating colonial load and biases in the workplace can create emotional strain for First Nations staff.

Sally Dowling SC. Picture: Max Mason-Hubers

“The recognition of First Nations history is a shared responsibility,” Ms Dowling wrote. “And I encourage everyone to reflect on what January 26 means to you, and to consider participating in local events or discussions that promote contemplation, truth telling, and shared learning.”

Which is all brilliant advice.

But it gets a bit awkward when you consider the primary function of Ms Dowling’s job and the fact that Aboriginal people make up 32 per cent of the state’s jail population, according to the latest figures from the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research.

ROGERSON’S OTHER MEMORABILIA

With news that Roger Rogerson’s murder car has found a new home, a reader brought to Snitch’s attention that another highly sought after and related piece of underworld memorabilia might be up for grabs.

They were referring to Rogerson’s camel-coloured jacket.

“They should auction it off for charity,” the reader said.

Roger Rogerson in his eye-catching camel-coloured jacket. Picture: Adam Yip

They might have a point.

Rogerson wore the eye-catching jacket at every opportunity during his trial and it never failed to elicit a mention from colleagues when Snitch pulled the pictures of Rogerson up on screen.

How much would you pay?

Or they might be able to package it up with Rgoerson’s Ford Falcon, which is set to become an exhibit at the National Crime and Justice Museum in Victoria.

FORBES MAKEOVER

Sydney’s so-called silk factory, Forbes Chambers is getting a makeover – but we’re told some of the old heads aren’t happy about it.

The Elizabeth St chambers are being renovated with the regal deep maroon carpet being ripped up in favour of floor boards that one person said would be more suited to a coastal Airbnb.

What’s more, you might think the classy types at Forbes would be importing the finest African blackwood timber carved by virgins on a marble platform.

Not so.

Snitch has been told they’re going for the more affordable veneer option.

“It’s going to look like a third class dentist practice,” one barrister grumbled.

They’re also cranky about the sound-reducing qualities of carpet being replaced by floorboards that will turn the joint into an echo chamber.

Do you have a story for The Telegraph? Message 0481 056 618 or email [e-mail]