Bob Carr Tribute to Paul Whelan October 31, 2019.

Former New South Wales Premier Bob Carr paid tribute to his Police Minister Paul Whelan for his achievement in implementing the Wood Royal Commission recommendations to reform policing in NSW. 

“We voted to establish the Royal Commission when we were the Opposition in a hung parliament and we faithfully implemented its recommendations in government.

“These recommendations included establishment of the Police Integrity Commission, integrity testing for police officers and alcohol and drug testing and improved handling of complaints against police and a removal of police who had lost the confidence of the commissioner. Legislation made the commissioner and senior officers accountable for corruption occurring under their command.

“These were very bold reforms. We were the first government to act so decisively to clean up policing.

“In my memoir I used the following words to describe Paul Whelan: …my good mate Paul Whelan- hotelier, horse breeder, bon vivant, suburban pollie par excellence- had shown the finest of instincts. He was the best minister for the reform phase. These reforms turned the NSW Police Force- using the words of former Commissioner Peter Ryan- from one that was corruption-prone to one that was one corruption-resistant.”

“Paul Whelan was a pleasure to work with and I am grateful for memories of his smile, his decency and his collegial spirit.

“All our thoughts are his wife Colleen and their wonderful children.”

Vale Paul Francis Patrick Whelan