Police Association silent on legal costs in case being heard entirely in secret at the request of President Mark Carroll

The state’s police union has not answered questions over whether members are covering the cost of legal fees in a case being heard entirely in secret.

South Australia’s police union has not answered questions over whether members are covering the cost of legal fees in a case being heard entirely in secret at the request of its president.

President Mark Carroll, secretary Bernadette Zimmermann and the Police Association of South Australia (PASA) are all respondents in a civil case brought by former deputy president Samantha Strange.

Each of the three respondents has had separate legal representation in court, including King’s Counsel Chad Jacobi acting for PASA.

The matter was listed for argument on Monday, however the court was closed – including to PASA members – because of a secrecy order made at the last hearing.

On that occasion, Peter Campbell, for Mr Carroll, argued the court should be closed due to the risk of prejudice to the administration of justice and added “there’s obviously an element of hardship”.

On Monday, The Advertiser posed a series of questions to PASA about why the secrecy order was necessary and whether union funds had been used to pay for legal representation.

The union was also asked about the total cost to PASA for legal representation in this case.

But no response was provided before deadline.

It is understood that Ms Strange is seeking access to a range of documents, including some related to an independent investigation into the conduct of Mr Carroll.

PASA president Mark Carroll, right, with Police Minister Joe Szakacs. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Dean Martin

It has been previously reported that the investigation arose from allegations made following Ms Strange’s resignation from the union’s committee in June 2021.

It is understood Ms Strange is covering the cost of her own legal fees.

Mr Carroll on Friday announced he would step down at the end of his term after a site was published promoting Deputy President Wade Burns’ campaign for president.

The site featured extensive information about Mr Burns’ experience and suitability for the role of president, as well as several endorsements.

“No candidate is as infinitely qualified as Wade for the role of Police Association president,” it said.

A campaign website for Wade Burns that was live on Friday morning but taken down around midday. Picture: Supplied

The information on the website was removed on Friday and replaced with the message “website coming soon”. Picture: Supplied

“Countless doors are open to high achievers like Wade … he knows the political movers and shakers.”

However, all pages were removed around midday and replaced with a message saying “this website is under construction and will be available soon”.

Mr Burns, the son of former police commissioner Gary Burns, was elected deputy president of the union at the beginning of 2022.

He did not respond to questions about why the site was taken down, while Mr Carroll did not respond to questions about whether he endorsed Mr Burns’ candidacy.

Mr Carroll’s announcement came after a difficult few months for the union. Separate to Ms Strange’s case, three former employees lodged unfair dismissal applications against PASA in the Fair Work Commission – but all are understood to have now withdrawn their matters.

Originally published as Police Association silent on legal costs in case being heard entirely in secret at the request of President Mark Carroll