Ex-prison boss was top for job, but still rejected

FORMER Corrections Commissioner Ken Middlebrook was rejected from a senior Department of Attorney-General and Justice role despite an independent panel deeming him the outstanding candidate to fill the position

Ken Middlebrook leaves the Supreme Court for the Royal Commission into youth detention in the NT.

FORMER Corrections Commissioner Ken Middlebrook was rejected from a senior Department of Attorney-General and Justice role despite an independent panel deeming him the outstanding candidate to fill the position.

Documents released under freedom of information laws show Mr Middlebrook was selected as the standout applicant for the position as general manager of the Darwin Correctional Centre.

The selection panel of acting custodial operations director Bill Carroll, human resources director Brian Mappas, Acting Commissioner Rob Steer and the chief financial officer of the Department of Tourism and Culture Joanna Frankenfeld wrote: “Given his high-level skill set, personal qualities and correctional experience in relation to the selection criteria, Mr Middle-brook is considered the most meritorious applicant to the position of general manager of Darwin Correctional Precinct.”

The FOI documents show Mr Middlebrook’s application included a glowing reference from Supreme Court Judge Stephen Southwood.

But more than a month after the recommendation was made, new Corrections Commissioner Scott McNairn advised Mr Middlebrook he would not be getting the job, saying the vacancy had been cancelled.

But the documents show one concern the panel had was the likely negative media coverage that could follow Mr Middlebrook’s appointment.

Opposition Leader Gary Higgins and independent MLA Gerry Wood slammed the decision not to appoint Mr Middlebrook.

“Clearly you’ve got to ask was there any political interference,” Mr Higgins said.

Mr Wood also questioned the cost of going through the same recruitment process twice.

A spokesman for Attorney-General Natasha Fyles said she played no role in the recruitment process.