Just days after PM Malcolm Turnbull appointed him to the role, Brian Martin QC has resigned as head of the royal commission into the crooked Northern Territory juvenile detention system.
The announcement comes after his appointment was met with a huge amount of criticism from key Northern Territory Indigenous community organisations, who argued he’d be unable to preside over the commission objectively because of his previous work as a supreme court chief justice in the state.
It was also pointed out that Martin’s own daughter, Joanna, worked at the NT’s Justice Department during the period that most of the disgusting abuse exposed by Four Corners allegedly occurred.
Martin called criticism of him “disingenuous and ill-informed” but conceded that his resignation was necessary.
“However, notwithstanding the nature of the commentary, it has become apparent that, rightly or wrongly, in this role I would not have the full confidence of sections of the Indigenous community which has a vital interest in this inquiry,” he told media in Canberra.“As a consequence, the effectiveness of the commission is likely to be compromised from the outset. I am not prepared to proceed in the face of that risk. This royal commission is far too important to undertake that risk and, in the public interest, personal considerations must take second place.”
He also took a swipe at those levelling criticism at his daughter.
“I do need to say, however, that, quite unnecessarily, my family has been drawn into the debate. I am not prepared to allow the unwarranted intrusion into the life of my daughter to continue.”
Martin’s resignation is mostly being viewed as a positive development; it means the Turnbull government has a second opportunity to appoint the best person for the job.
NT Aboriginal groups have said it offers the chance for a “fresh start” in the appointment process – and one which will hopefully rely on their consultation and / or at least two Aboriginal co-commissioners.
“The Government must consult with us if this process is to be regarded as credible and if we are to have confidence in this Royal Commission and its deliberations,” read a statement.“This is an important opportunity to get this right and work with us rather than to us.”
Attorney-General George Brandis is expected to address the situation later this afternoon.
We’ll keep you updated.
Photo: ABC.
