SA Police reopens investigation into Police Association President Wade Burns, parliament hears
A SAPOL investigation has been reopened into Police Association President Wade Burns, it has been revealed in parliament. But the union head says it’s all a “smear campaign”.
SA Police has reopened an investigation into Police Association President Wade Burns, following bombshell allegations aired in parliament of indecent assault at an Adelaide nightclub in 2017.
Mr Burns – the son of former police commissioner Gary Burns – has hit back, labelling the timing of the move a “tactic to manipulate” the upcoming union election.
Independent MP Frank Pangallo first levelled the allegations against Mr Burns in parliament last year, revealing that he was demoted from chief inspector to senior sergeant in 2017 over claims he indecently assaulted a female SA Police employee at a social function.
Mr Burns has previously called it a “false accusation”.
In parliament, Mr Pangallo alleged the incident occurred at Distil nightclub on Rundle St.
After the allegations were aired, Police Commissioner Grant Stevens confirmed that a criminal investigation had been commenced but the matter was not referred for prosecution at the wishes of the alleged victim.
No charges were laid and Mr Burns was subsequently reinstated to the rank of inspector.
Mr Pangallo raised questions over the investigation into the incident with then-police minister Dan Cregan in August, which were taken on notice.
On Tuesday this week, the first sitting day of parliament, Mr Pangallo was provided a response – dated December 16, 2024 – confirming the investigation into Mr Burns had been reopened as there was “cause for review”.
In that response to parliament, the police minister advised that no further information could be provided.
SA Police spokesperson told The Advertiser they had no further comment on the matter.
Under the state’s Police Complaints and Discipline Act, confidentiality provisions prevent the disclosure or publication of any information that could identify a person subject to a code of conduct complaint.
Mr Pangallo told The Advertiser he believed Mr Burns had an obligation to his members to disclose the facts of the incident to the union’s almost 5000 members prior to its upcoming election in March.
“Mr Burns campaigned at the last PASA elections on openness and transparency but made no mention of his own disciplinary matters,” Mr Pangallo said.
“South Australia’s police officers have a right to know prior to voting on who they want to lead one of the most influential unions in the state.”
In July, Mr Burns was elected PASA president by fewer than 50 votes over second-placed candidate Darren Cornell – who was one of three serving officers later expelled from the union over public calls for Mr Burns to resign.
Mr Burns said it was “incredibly disappointing that people have to resort to tactics like this again” ahead of election polls opening on February 20.
“I would encourage those running in the Police Association elections to run professional campaigns — not smear campaigns — based on their merit and experience,” he said.
It is understood Mr Burns will remain in his role as PASA president while the investigation is underway.
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Originally published as SA Police reopens investigation into Police Association President Wade Burns, parliament hears
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