NT Children’s Commission Colleen Gwynne to face abuse of power trial

The Children’s Commissioner will face a trial over allegations of corruption for trying to hand a high-profile public service gig to her mate.

THE Children’s Commissioner will face a trial over allegations of corruption for trying to hand a high-profile public service gig to her friend.

Colleen Gwynne appeared in Darwin Local Court on Thursday to decide if the charges of abusing her office had enough evidence to appear before a jury. 

Prosecutors have previously alleged the Children’s Commissioner failed to disclose her friendship with Laura Dewson when she made a “captains call” to select her as her Assistant Commissioner. 

Ms Dewson was one of two final candidates for the role.

Gwynne’s counsel previously argued that she had an “honest and reasonable belief” she was within her powers to make the call given overworked and understaffed office.

Prosecutors will allege this was part of a pattern of behaviour, having given Ms Dewson a “foot in the door” by encouraging her to apply for a senior investigator role in in 2017.

Her defence previously argued the case was “trivial” and was an error of administration, not a criminal offence. 

Judge Anthony Gett said it met the “low threshold” of substantial evidence necessary to send it to the Supreme Court.

“The matter must be left with the jury for its decision,” Judge Gett said.

He emphasised his decision was not a question or guilt or innocence, or an evaluation of the quality of evidence. 

“The purpose of the proceeding is to prevent indiscriminate prosecutions and to protect defendants against unjustified exposure to the trial.”

“(It is not) a mere box ticking exercise.”

The Children’s Commissioner’s hands shook as she heard that her legal battles would be sent to the higher court.

Mr Gett’s decision follows Gwynne’s five-day hearing in December.

She will return to the Supreme Court on April 14.