Former top Northern Territory cop Colleen Gwynne ‘to defend my reputation’

Respected Children’s Commissioner Colleen Gwynne has promised to vigorously defend a ‘misconceived’ abuse of office charge laid against her by colleagues.

Northern Territory Children's Commissioner Colleen Gwynne addresses media following a report from the internal review. Picture: Justin Kennedy

Respected Northern Territory Children’s Commissioner and former Peter Falconio case investigator Colleen Gwynne will vigorously defend herself against a “misconceived” abuse of office charge laid by her former police colleagues.

The charge against Ms Gwynne, seen by many as significantly responsible for jailing convicted murderer Bradley John Murdoch, resulted from a referral by the former public interest disclosures commissioner whose ­office and role no longer exist.

Ms Gwynne, 54, was handed a notice to appear in court on ­August 27, according to a shock announcement on Thursday. A brief statement issued by her lawyers a day later said she intended to plead not guilty.

“I will vigorously defend this charge, and my reputation,” she said. “This is a misconceived charge. Through my long career, I have only ever acted in the interests of the NT.”

Police had not offered her an interview, and she was “still not aware of the specifics of the charge against me”.

“Like every citizen, I am entitled to the presumption of innocence, and I look forward to clearing my name,” she said.

NT Police Commissioner Jamie Chalker, who served with Ms Gwynne, would not comment on details of the case. “What I can advise is that an external referral was made to the NT Police, as I’m briefed, in 2018. The process of that investigation has now been considered by the DPP, and that charge has been laid,” he said.

The Special References Unit responsible for the investigation was established alongside the NT’s Independent Commission Against Corruption. It is believed the charge, which carries a potential two-year jail term, relates to the hiring of an employee.

A police spokeswoman declined to comment.