Paul Mullett fails in $2 million lawsuit against former Chief Commissioner Christine Nixon
FORMER Chief Commissioner Christine Nixon has accused the United Firefighters Union of wasting public money by funding Paul Mullett’s doomed $2 million lawsuit against her.
Law & Order
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FORMER Chief Commissioner Christine Nixon has accused the United Firefighters Union of wasting public money by funding Paul Mullett’s doomed $2 million lawsuit against her.
And in another slap to the UFU, Ms Nixon this morning described former emergency service minister Jane Garrett as a “wonderful woman” who was in a “sad situation”.
Mr Mullett’s long running legal pursuit of Ms Nixon is finally over after Supreme Court Judge Terry Forrest this morning dismissed the case.
The court heard Mr Mullett rejected several settlement offers and took the case to trial claiming he had been maliciously prosecuted after being charged with corruption offences nine years ago.
The charges were later dropped.
Outside court, Ms Nixon said the case damaged her reputation and had come at “extreme expense” to the state.
“It became evident (the UFU was funding the case). We never could quite understand how,” Ms Nixon said.
“Whether it was part of his salary or whether it was a loan or what other mechanism was used but certainly he was supported by the United Firefighters to run this case against me and that put the state to extreme expense to be able to defend my reputation.”
Ms Nixon said she pitied Mr Mullett.
“I feel sorry for Mr Mullett. I wish that he’d got on with his life,” Ms Nixon said.
“Nine years after this incident he’s still pursuing me through the courts and I think he’s been able to do that because he’s been funded to do that and supported by the United Firefighters which is an organisation now that I wonder about some of their behaviours.”
Ms Nixon also backed Ms Garrett, saying her recent experiences were similar to her own.
“I’ve been watching the state political scene for some time. Particularly as it relates to Minister Garrett who I think is a wonderful woman and I don’t know what steps she’ll take in the future.
“It’s a sad situation,” Ms Nixon said.
Mr Mullett and Ms Nixon did not speak during today’s brief hearing.