Corrections Commissioner Scott McNairn still on leave since February
Staff within Corrections have had to step up into acting roles amid concerns about a void of leadership within the department, as its commissioner remains on leave for the fifth month in a row.
Northern Territory
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STAFF within Corrections have had to step up into higher positions as its commissioner Scott McNairn remains on leave.
Mr McNairn has been on extended leave of absence since February in his capacity as corrections commissioner, which pays around $400,000-a-year.
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Mr McNairn was appointed to the role in late 2018, and declined a payout to leave his position in 2020.
During NT Estimates on Wednesday, Corrections acting chief executive officer Gemma Lake confirmed the commissioner was still on leave.
When asked by deputy opposition leader Gerard Maley whether Mr McNairn’s absence meant staff were having to backfill to fill vacancies above, Ms Lake said “we’ve had some people step up into roles”.
“(It is) a great testament to the staff and employees in the department and I obviously like to thank and acknowledge their work and dedication, the experience of these people who are stepping into some of the roles,” she said.
When asked whether the situation showed “a lack of leadership” and “failed the pub test” on her part, Attorney-General Selena Uibo said she wouldn’t know because: “I don’t go to the pub so I wouldn’t know”.
Originally published as Corrections Commissioner Scott McNairn still on leave since February
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